Gunung Merbabu is a mighty 3,145 MASL volcano in Central Java. This mountain whose name means ‘mountain of ash’ (from the Javanese words “meru” which means mountain and “abu” which means ash) is the twin mountain of Merapi Volcano. The last historic eruptions of this mountain is said to be in 1560, 1570 and 1797. Today, this mountain is one of the most favourite hiking destinations in Central Java due to its challenging height, established trail, dense forest, and good views.
We arrived in a village at the foot of Merbabu at around 4:30 PM from Ungaran, although tired but still excited to push with the next climbing assignment. We stayed first to the hut of a Mahupa affiliated family to rest and prepare for the climb.
We arrived in a village at the foot of Merbabu at around 4:30 PM from Ungaran, although tired but still excited to push with the next climbing assignment. We stayed first to the hut of a Mahupa affiliated family to rest and prepare for the climb.
After our dinner, Aryo and I together with new climbing buddies John Alfrido and Nindya Nurindra was accompanied by Vina (who decided to stay at the base due to swollen feet after Ungaran climb) and by other members of Mahupa to the nearby climbing registration area.
After registering, at 9:00 PM we started walking towards the trail head few hundred meters away from the registration center. We passed through elegantly built traditional Javanese houses until we reached a small concrete and well-maintained ‘kiosk’ which marks the trail head (I only found out that the ‘kiosk’ was a burial place of probably known person in the village after our climb). 9:45 PM, we regrouped at the trail head and start our ‘close-buddy’ climb. We reached the campsite after three hours of manageable 20 degrees to 45 degrees winding trail trekking along dense tropical forest. We immediately set up our tents and rested and scheduled to leave for the summit assault at 3:00 AM of the next day.
After registering, at 9:00 PM we started walking towards the trail head few hundred meters away from the registration center. We passed through elegantly built traditional Javanese houses until we reached a small concrete and well-maintained ‘kiosk’ which marks the trail head (I only found out that the ‘kiosk’ was a burial place of probably known person in the village after our climb). 9:45 PM, we regrouped at the trail head and start our ‘close-buddy’ climb. We reached the campsite after three hours of manageable 20 degrees to 45 degrees winding trail trekking along dense tropical forest. We immediately set up our tents and rested and scheduled to leave for the summit assault at 3:00 AM of the next day.
Due to our tiredness, the 3:00 AM trekking became 7:30 AM! After heavy breakfast, we prepared for our summit assault. In the first hour of our assault, the trail that cuts along dense forest was manageably steep until it became steeper in the next two hours up to the ridge near a communication mast installation. From there, for another two hours, we continuously trek following the ridge alignment until we arrived in an area where strong whiff of sulphur is very evident. After we have passed the ridge between ‘boiling’ pool and gas vents, we reached a saddle that connects the two highest point of the mountain after an hour. We decided not to assault the 3,119 MASL Syariff peak and decided to proceed to the higher Kenteng Songo peak (3,145 MASL) where we spent an hour dealing with the ‘kiss the wall’ part of the trail and the very steep final assault to the peak. The challenging trail disclosed that Merbabu is a very beautiful mountain with amazing geologic wonder, vibrant ecosystem and remarkable view!
We reached the summit at 12:15 PM where we were delighted by the beautiful downhill view that is partially and dramatically covered by the dramatic and beautiful cloud formation. There were few minutes of chances also that the Merapi Volcano appeared with hammy blanket of clouds on its slopes and white smoke billowing towards our direction. At the peak, there were about six to seven groups who came from other trails.
When I took out and waved the Philippine Flag for souvenir picture taking, it called the attention of other climbers at the peak. They were surprised to see a Filipino climbing in the said mountain… some even invited me to join them in their photo taking.
After taking a lot of pictures and exchanging words with fellow climbers, as well as other hikers traversing from other trails, 1:35 PM, we decided to start descending from the summit. We reached the camp at 4:30 PM, prepared our food and prepare for our further descend to the jump off. On our way down, we met fourteen more groups ascending! Truly, Merbabu is one of the most favourite hiking destinations in Central Java.
After taking a lot of pictures and exchanging words with fellow climbers, as well as other hikers traversing from other trails, 1:35 PM, we decided to start descending from the summit. We reached the camp at 4:30 PM, prepared our food and prepare for our further descend to the jump off. On our way down, we met fourteen more groups ascending! Truly, Merbabu is one of the most favourite hiking destinations in Central Java.
We reached the trail head at around 8:00 PM where we regroup and walked towards the registration area. In going to the registration area, we accidentally turned into a seldom used steep paved and moss-covered street. All of us accidentally slipped and rolled in the last ten meters of the steep road! Fortunately, no one was badly hurt among us… in my case; I got abrasions on my elbow.
At 8:30 PM, we were fetched by other Mahupa members at the Registration Area and proceeded to the hut where we neatened ourselves, enjoyed the savory local dish which was prepared by Mahupa members, and spent the rest of the night. We moved to Panjer Enjing Biara Suster Aboi Kristus in Semarang City via motorcycle, early next morning, thrilled and fulfilled!
Maraming Salamat MAHUPA UNIKA for the climb!
Mabuhay ang MAHUPA!
Mabuhay ang MAHUPA!