Tourism in Java island is incomplete if you don’t talk about mountains. Of course, many mountains have become popular climbing spots in Java. However, for those of you who are just starting your climbing adventure in Java, here are some of the most popular mountains in Java.
Mount Gede, Cibodas
Because of the distance and easy access, Mount Gede has become the choice mountain for Jakarta residents and its surroundings. This mountain has a peak as high as 2958 masl (meters above sea level). You can also reach the route to Mount Gede from Jakarta to Bogor and head to Cibodas. Generally, hikers will spend one night in Cibodas before starting the climb in the early morning.
There are 3 hiking trails and all of them offer different levels of difficulty. If you want a track that more challenging, you can try using the track via mount Putri. However, if you prefer to relax while enjoying the surrounding scenery, you can use the Cibodas route.
Mount Bromo
Apart from Mount Gede, Bromo is also the most popular tourist destination on Java island. Indeed, climbing Bromo is not too difficult. In addition, this volcano in East Java can be reached via several travel routes. You can visit Mount Bromo through Surabaya city which then heads to Probolinggo. The second alternative is Surabaya to Pasuruan. If you don’t want to go through Surabaya, you can visit Bromo through Malang city. The best period to climb Bromo is during the dry season (May to October).
Semeru Mountain
Increasingly popularized by the 5 cm film, Mount Semeru began to attract the attention of many people. Mount Semeru is also the highest mountain on Java island with a peak reaching 3,676 masl. The most beautiful scenery before reaching the top of Semeru is Ranu Kumbolo. You can build a tent at Ranu Kumbolo while enjoying the beauty of the lake and the stars in the sky that is not polluted.
The easiest and most comprehensive route to visit Semeru is through the Malang. From Malang, you can go to the Tumpang market, then to Ranu Pani.
Mount Merbabu
This mountain, which has a peak as high as 3,145 meters above sea level, is located in Magelang district. Not too difficult, Mount Merbabu is perfect if you are just starting out in climbing activities. There are 11 paths that you can choose based on the level of difficulty and distance. If you choose the Selo route, the transportation route to Merbabu can be via Solo, towards Boyolali, then to Cepogo Market and then to Selo. If you start your journey from Yogyakarta, you can go to Semarang and Klakah.
Mount Lawu
This 3,265 meters above sea level is famous for its very beautiful scenery, but Mount Lawu also has its own mystical story. There are several taboos that must be done before climbing Mount Lawu. This mountain, which is located in Karanganyar Regency, has three peaks: Hargo Dalem, Hargo Dumiling, and the highest one named Hargo Dumilah. Formerly, Mount Lawu was the largest volcano on Java. However, volcanic activity has stopped since 1885.
The journey to Mount Lawu is actually not difficult. If you use the train, you can head to Solo city and continue to the Tirtonadi Terminal. From there, you can continue your journey to Tawangmangu Terminal, and then you will arrive at one of the Mount Lawu climbing routes called Cemoro Sewu.
Those are the 5 most popular mountains in Java. There are still dozens of other beautiful mountains in Java that you can visit.
–sh
