Volcano on Java Island - Very, Very Far From the Bend

[RikD]

Almost on the opposite side of the world from Big Bend is the country of Indonesia.  Of the 13,000 islands, the most important (and populated) island is Java.  It's where the capital (Jakarta) is located, and the location of several active volcanos.  For the past 10 years, I've been going to Indonesia about once a year.  I typically head to a city called Solo (formally Surakarta).  It's the ancient capital of Java going back to the days when sultans from India settled and ruled the place.  Solo is in a valley nestled between two volcanic mountains - Merapi and Lawu. 

About 2 years ago there was a serious earthquake emanating from Merapi coupled with some minor volcanic activity.  The other mountain (Lawu) is also volcanic, but has been fairly quiet for some time.  Being that Java is almost right on the equator, the temperatures and humidity are quite oppressive - especially say for a Texan who enjoys the much drier climate of a place like Big Bend National Park.  However, going up Mt. Lawu is quite a treat as the temps hover year round at about 68-72 degrees, with a nicely moderated humidity level.  There are a series of towns built about half way up the mountain with very nice homes, acres and acres of terraced farms, and verdant green vistas for as far as the eye can see.

The peak of of Mt. Lawu is almost 11,000 feet, and there are two trails leading to the top.  The first is about 7 miles and easier, and the other is about 5 miles and is more challenging.  The 7 mile trail called Cemoro Kandang is a religious pilgrimage trail that Javanese from (mostly) Solo will trek for special occasions.  I am told that Mt. Lawu was a place that some sort of resistance to the conversion of Islam took place back whenever the sweeping conversions were underway (about 200-300 years ago).  People still go there to celebrate this, which is interesting considering that Indonesia is mostly Islamic.  The other trail is called Cemoro Sewu, and is simply the quickest way to the top.

In any case, I went up to Lawu and spent a couple of days.  I actually go there each year on my trips to escape the heat and humidity for a day or two, but had never went to the trailheads.  If I had been a little more prepared and had a little more time I would have made the climb to the top.  You pretty much need to spend the night for that, and definitely need a tent as it rains often and I am always a bit concerned about critters crawling on or around me at night.  Fortunately you don't need to pack water, just a purifier as their are a number of creeks and springs all the way to the top.  Another interesting thing I found out, is that a number of "guides" will gladly carry all of your equipment for the equivalent of $40.  They will bring all the food, cooking accessories, and prepare a hot cooked meal for you in the morning.  As I asked more and more questions about the hike, this $40 guide concept was pressed home to me - as in, someone would be disappointed if it weren't taken advantage of.   I will most likely opt for the DIY plan, when I get around to hiking this - probably next year...

However, notwithstanding the unpreparedness I ended up hiking a short distance on each trail for an hour or two.  A few pictures of this pleasant little trek will be on the next post.

-Rik

[RikD]

On the way up to Lawu, I snapped this one from our Suzuki SUV.  This is quite typical of the farms and houses in the area.



Here is the entrance to Cemoro Kandang.  The sign says: Selamat Datang (Welcome), Gunung Lawu (Mount Lawu).  Note in the corner a couple of Indonesians with full jackets on in the 72 degree weather.  For them, this is quite cold.



This sign and structure are a part of the park ranger equivalent.  The fee (without guide) is $4.



Here's one of the three dogs that were hanging around the park ranger area.  This one was interested in me, and tagged along for a while.




This is the trail map for Cemoro Kandang, just before hitting the trail.  Their are several places referred to as a "pos", or post.  These are little rest spots.



And off we go up the trail for a while.



And then back down...



We then head over to Cemoro Sewu on this road.  Down below this road structure is a temple.



Here is the view in the other direction.



At the base down below was this refreshing little stream of water.



A closer look at that water.



Here is a small structure just before getting to the other trailhead.



Finally at the Cemoro Sewu trailhead.  Note the hand made stone trail path - not that this goes on until the top however.



Onward and upward we go!







We hike long enough until the peak comes into view.



All-in-all, a very nice day here in another part of the world.

[dkerr24]

Great pics - I didn't realize the topography was so extreme in that country.  Thanks for sharing them here.

[homerboy2u]

Lot's of greens...never seen that part of the world before.Thank you

[RikD]

Great pics - I didn't realize the topography was so extreme in that country.  Thanks for sharing them here.

Yes, there are quite a few amazing hikes that you can do throughout the country.  This mountain (Lawu) is supposed to be one of the easiest to climb.  There are a couple of other mountains a bit higher than this one - even some with gasses spewing out.  On those, I have seen pictures of ice and frost, which for me is amazing in such a hot & humid environment.

Lot's of greens...never seen that part of the world before.Thank you

You're very welcome!  I knew if I didn't bring pictures back, I hear about it...