PENDAKIAN

Some Jogja tour operators offer volcano and mountain climbing and also provide equipment. Mount Merapi tours are the most popular. They vary in difficulty ranging from gazing at spectacular lava views on short treks to an observation point in Kaliurang to getting up in the pre-dawn areas to climb for a closer view. Leisurely strolls or hearty treks through friendly villages and plantations can be done by anyone with a yearning to walk but can also be arranged by travel agents.

The Tourism & Culture Authority of Magelang Regency offers Borobudur Sunrise tours and an Exploring Borobudur & Surrounding Area by Becak (pedicab) tour. Also white water rafting, bicycling, volcano trekking, outbound management training, team building and elephant trekking, along with other cultural courses and programs. For more information, visit their website at www.borobudurcorner.com.

Dieng Plateau
Near Wonosobo, there are remote trails at Dieng Plateau far away from the tourist crowds. Active craters, geothermal energy, lakes, caves, temples and cool mountain air are the main attractions.

Kaliurang Hills
Located 27 km north of Jogja or only an hour by car, Kaliurang lies at the foot at Plawangan hill and is an ideal place to escape the heat and humidity of the city or for getaway retreat. It is a tranquil place in the middle of lush, green, tropical splendor and affordable villas, bungalows, and a range of recreational facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and a playground. Those who like hiking can climb Mount Merapi from here, staying overnight in Kaliurang then starting the hike very early in the morning via Kinahrejo village, descending again at noon.

Visitors can enjoy casual walking and bird watching at Pronojiwo forest. At the end of the forest track is Tlogo Muncar waterfall. The local people believe the waterfall is sacred and can make believers look younger. The artificial swimming pool at Tlogo Putri is favored by families. At Tlogo Nirmolo are 22 artificial caves used by the Japanese during World War II. Incredible gas clouds (wedhus gembel) with temperatures up to 600 °C and molten lava from Mount Merapi can be viewed at Boyong observation post. Small entrance fees are charged when entering these places.

Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi, the eternally smoking giant, is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and is cloaked in a sleepy, dense forest. Beyond this are vast stretches of deserted land lying deep in the steep valleys trailing amongst the hills. Sibilant pines and wild grass are the dominant vegetation, adding to the breathtaking panorama. During its resting time between volcanic activities, keen hikers and nature lovers can climb the mountain to experience its abundance of flora and fauna.

Located 27 km north of Jogja, Mount Merapi is 2,920 m above sea level with an average temperature of about 10° C. The difference in temperature between noon and night is approximately 15-16 degrees. There are two hiking tracks to climb Merapi. The first is through Jogja from the south; the second is from the north through Selo village, Boyolali.

To climb from the south, go 27 km north of Jogja to Kaliurang, a small resort town, elevation 1,300 m, then continue to Kinahrejo, the last village at the top of the mountain. Guides, supplies (such as water and snacks) and information are available here. Normally, it takes 6 hours of climbing to reach the peak.

For the northern route, Selo village is 40 km northwest of Solo and is a cool, hilly village (1,500 m) wedged between the north slope of Mount Merapi and the southern slope of Mount Merbabu. Climbers can buy supplies in Selo, where there are also some nice accommodations. To reach the peak should take 6 hours, returning to Selo in approximately 4 hours.

There's an observation post on Plawangan hill reached via a forest trail from Kaliurang for incredible views of molten rocks, bubbling mud and occasionally hot lava pouring forth and leaving long trails of smoke. Another observation post is at Ketep, 30 km east of Magelang. It includes an observation platform, a documentary film and a photo gallery tracing the history of Merapi eruptions. The newest observation post is at Trumpon, Tempel, 17 km north of Jogja. Trumpon has an observation tower, children's park, artificial lake, and a running track.

Mount Merbabu
For those who prefer to view volcanoes in the air-conditioned comfort of a car, there are breathtaking sights of Mount Merbabu (3,150 m) and Mount Merapi on the Selo Pass, to the west of Boyolali. An excellent route to take if visiting Dieng Plateau.

Ratu Boko Adventure and Cultural Trekking Tour
This ancient palace is 20 km east of Jogja or 3 km south of Prambanan temple.

Amazing trekking through isolated villages, breathtaking views of mysterious landscapes, and a chance to experience the local people's way of life are part of the Ratu Boko Adventure and Cultural Trekking Tour. The highlight of this unforgettable tour is the tremendous silky sunrise overlooking colorful rice fields viewed from Tugel hill.

The trekking starts from the headquarters of Keraton Ratu Boko at 3:00 pm and returns at 9:00 am. Having traced the hills of Ratu Boko up to Tugel hill (or Gunung Pegat), if the weather is fine, participants enjoy sunset while having a rest. The trekking then continues to Candi Ijo, the nearest temple, and overnights in tents, cottages, or in the homes of villagers. Here, visitors can continue to watch superb sunsets and lava flows from Mount Merapi. On the way back to Ratu Boko, breakfast will be served in a small bamboo hut on top of the hill, viewing the towering Mounts Sumbing, Sindoro, Merapi and Lawu and enjoying the ambience of the countryside.

To book sunrise or sunset trekking tours contact PT. Taman Wisata Ratu-Boko, Jl. Raya Prambanan - Piyungan. Phone: +62 (0274) 496-510.

Siung Beach, Gunung Kidul Regency
In Purwodadi village about 35 km southeast of Wonosari town is an asphalt road leading to Siung Beach. The beach lies between two cliffs that are heavenly for climbers because there are at least 250 ways to climb amidst beautiful sea panoramas, rumbling waves and fresh ocean air. The Asian Climbing Gathering that took place here drew 80 participants from 15 Asian countries. There is terraced rice farmland nearby surrounded by a habitat of local monkeys.

AKTIVITAS DI ALAM:

Pantai | Lihat Burung | Telusur Gua | Pendakian | Rekreasi Keluarga
Memancing | Telusur Hutan | Golf | Naik Kuda | Perkebunan
Berkemah | Arung Jeram | Lari