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Fire Mountains  | REFERENCE - AZV301 - 

Home | Indonesia Trips, hotels, trekking, visit | Indonesian volcanoes | Fire Mountains

  • Fire Mountains
  • Fire Mountains
  • Fire Mountains
  • Fire Mountains
  • Fire Mountains
  • Fire Mountains
  • Fire Mountains
  • Fire Mountains

 

To all lovers of Fire Mountains, Indonesia is the perfect destination. It forms the largest volcanic area in the world with 500 volcanoes, 129 of which remaining active. These are totally integrated into the local customs and most of them are sacred. Sometimes destructive and sometimes beneficent, these mountains have generated an incredible soil fertility that gives birth to gorgeous landscapes of paddy fields, rainforests and to a great variety of plants.
 
This earth adventure travel offers you the chance to discover the most beautiful and interesting volcanoes across Indonesia’s three main volcanic islands. You cover Java with its main volcanoes (Mont Merapi, Mt. Semeru, Mt. Bromo, Kawah Ijen) and its lunar landscapes, Bali with its venerated Mt. Batur, and finally Lombok (Mt. Rinjani) with its specific flora and fauna found nowhere else in the Greater Sunda Islands. If you are fond of delightful scenery, from temples and traditional living in the valley until the top of these fire mountains, this trek is a pleasure for your eyes and a feast for your senses. There is no other country with as many contrasts as Indonesia: an unforgettable moment is always awaiting you.
 



Afficher Montagnes de Feu - 21j sur une carte plus grande

Trajet présenté à titre indicatif: le trajet de votre voyage pourra donc différer légèrement de celui-ci.

 

D/1 - Yogyakarta 
Welcome services at Yogyakarta airport and transfer to a hotel.
 
D/2 - Yogyakarta – Mt. Merapi’s observatory – Prambanan – Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta city tour: visit to the Sultan’s palace built in 1756, as well as the colorful bird market. Visit of Mt. Merapi’s observatory, where is recorded the complete data about its volcanic activity, another way to better understand this volcanic island. We also visit the Prambanan temple, an ancient Hindu temple built over 10 centuries ago. In the afternoon, we head back to Yogyakarta for a walk along Malioboro, the city’s main shopping street. Overnight at hotel.
Transfers = 1 hr
 
D/3 - Yogyakarta – Menoreh Hills - Borobudur – Babadan
Our hike of the day hike begins at a small daily market hidden away in the Menoreh Hills, 25 km west of Yogyakarta. There you may discover the workings of a traditional Javanese market place and test out your bargaining skills. As we begin the trek up-hill we experience the tranquility and beauty of the local countryside. Below us green fields and rice terraces, while on the horizon the amazing panorama of surrounding volcanoes such as Mt Sumbing, Mt Merbabu and Mt Merapi... and in the distance, the monumental Borobudur temple. Finally upon arrival at the astounding Buddhist Sanctuary we may join the traditional farmers cultivating their land. We later continue our hike and reach Babadan (1350 m), with our base camp located on the volcano’s west side. Camping.
Transfers = 2.5 hrs, Trekking = 5 hrs
 
D/4 - Babadan – Mt. Merapi – Selo – Tawangmanggu
Before sunrise, we begin our hike to the summit of the Merapi volcano (2911 m). This exclusive ascent is best made in daytime in order to best observe the volcano’s 1998 lava flows. Complete safety equipment is provided. At the summit, we enjoy an amazing view of Java’s other volcanoes, the Indian Ocean and Yogyakarta. Following lunch on the crater’s slope, we descend the volcano’s north slope to Selo. Later, we transfer to Tawangmanggu, on the slopes of Mt. Lawu, overlooking Surakarta. Overnight at local inn (losmen).
Transfers = 3 hrs, Trekking = 8 hrs, A = 1600 m, D = 1200 m
 
Mt. Merapi
 
Mt. Merapi, literally “Mountain of Fire”, just to the north of Yogya is Java’s most active volcano – a towering behemoth that periodically spews clouds of smoke and ash. Once at the top you enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view unlike any in the world. Arrayed across the horizon are a series of dramatic volcanic peaks: Mt. Merbabu, Mt. Sumbing, Mt. Sundoro, Mt. Slamet, Mt. Lawu. The Java Sea is visible far from the north and the Indian Ocean to the south.
 
D/5 - Tawangmangu – Sukuh  – Tumpang
Today, we begin our trek to the Sukuh temple, hiking along the Grojogan Sewu waterfall and through forests home to a sizeable population of monkeys, fairly shy and polite inhabitants. This region on the northwest slopes of Mt. Lawu was the last bastion of Hinduism in Central Java following the expansion of Islam. Situated in the middle of forests and tea plantations, the temple is an example of original Hindu iconography, including phallic symbols and turtle-shaped tables. These elements reveal the historical existence of initiation rites, probably orgiastic. In the afternoon, we get to Tumpang. Overnight at hotel.
Transfers = 8 hrs, Trekking = 3 hrs
 
D/6 - Tumpang – Ranupani
4WDs will take us to Ranupani through the amazing Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, and go along Bromo Volcano’s caldera. From a desolate “sea” of black volcanic sand rises a cluster of four smaller peaks of which three are green and lush with vegetation and one – Mt. Bromo - is a steaming heap of cinder and ash – one of the planet’s most unusual sights. Once arrived at Ranupani, surrounded by mountains and extensive farmlands, we will have a warm-up hike around the small lakes near the village. Lying beside the village, the cold foggy lakes of Ranupani and Ranu Regulon are pleasant places for fishing and swimming. Overnight in dormitory.
Transfers = 3 hrs, Trekking = 1 hr
 
D/7 - Ranupani – Kalimati (first stretch of hike to arrive close to the Semeru volcano)
Today, we trek across hills and forests to reach a plateau called Kalimati, at the foot of Java's highest volcano, Mt. Semeru (3676 m). East Java’s highest peak stands just 20 km from Java’s south coast, making this one of the steepest ascent from any shoreline in the world. Mont Semeru is very active. An eruption in the early 1980s poured rivers of lava into the sea, blackening beaches with glittering cinder crystals. We have a pleasant picnic on Kumbolo's lakeside. Camping.
Trekking = 6 hrs, A = 600m
 
D/8 - Kalimati – Semeru volcano – Kalimati – Ranupani
At night, we adjust our frontal safety lamps to climb Mt. Semeru's steep slopes. We walk across dense forests, 3,000 m above sea level, into a wilderness where vegetation is replaced by volcanic rock. Stunning scenery created by this volcano's eruptions can be observed, particularly at sunrise. A bit further, the crater of the Semeru volcano belches out its ashes and clouds of dust curls. A plume of smoke rises from the volcano every 90 seconds or so, accompanied by an earth-shaking rumble. These entrails of the Earth are extremely striking and will remain a vivid picture of your trip. We walk back down to our base camp. Overnight in dormitory.
Trekking = 9 hrs, A = 1100 m, D = 1700 m
 
The abode of the Gods
 
Standing near the summit, one can discover some fantastic volcanic activities and look into all the directions and discover   Bromo caldera, lava arms reaching to the sea, Bali, the Indian Ocean, a brilliant green and blue horizon …You easily understand why Mt. Semeru is regarded as the abode of the gods.
 
D/9 - Ranupani – Bromo Volcano – Cemorolawang
To eventually reach the famous slopes of the Bromo volcano (2329 m), we transfer to Cemorolawang. Mt. Bromo, one of the most active of Indonesia's volcanoes (it last erupted in December 2010), is venerated by the Tengger Hindu community. We climb the volcano in the afternoon and walk around its crater. Looking into its seething cauldron of bubbling water, ash and sulphur, it is easy to understand why the ancient Javanese regarded it as the entrance of purgatory. Overnight at hotel.
Transfers = 1.5 hrs, trekking = 4 hrs, A = D = 350m
 
D/10 - Cemorolawang – Mt. Pananjakan – Ketapang (Kawah Ijen)
4WD takes us down to the sea of sand and on a drive to the summit of Mt. Pananjakan (2775 m). From its top, we admire a striking sunrise over the caldera, the Bromo volcano as well as the near slopes of Mt. Semeru, both mountains belching out volcanic ashes. As from aboard an airplane, the Tengger volcanoes line up before us in a single, sweeping panorama. Mt. Semeru’s presence is so immediate we feel we could almost touch it. Unique scenery! Around mid-day, we transfer to an area closer to the Kawah Ijen. Overnight at hotel. 
Transfers = 6 hrs, A = 350 m
 
D/11 – Kawah Ijen Crater – Pemuteran (Bali)
After enjoying sunrise over the landscapes surrounding the Kawah Ijen crater, we proceed to the sulphur-processing site. Miners extract sulphur from the largest acid lake in the world. We attend a sulphur weighing. These miners have a difficult job: they carry on their backs 100 kg of sulphur to a factory 15 km away. As for ourselves, we reach the site slowly and carefully, as sulphur is an irritant. Then, we will transfer to Pemuteran, Bali's northwest seaside resort, a nice place to keep away from the crowds of tourists. Overnight at hotel overlooking the sea.
Transfers = 5 hrs, Trekking = 3 hrs, A=D= 350m
 
D/12 - Banyupoh – Munduk
Free morning on Banyupoh's wonderful beaches to observe the marine wildlife, surrounding Menjangan Island. It will be possible to rent a boat for further exploration. Early in the afternoon, we will go on a discovery-walk around Munduk. The area of Munduk is a beautifully picturesque region of coffee and clove plantations, nearby forests, waterfalls and some of the most beautiful views of the island. Overnight at losmen. 
Transfers = 1 hr, Trekking = 3 hrs
 
D/13 - Munduk – Tamblingan and Buyan Lakes – Ulun Danau Bratan Temple – Bedugul - Catur
The Munduk region is the cradle of primeval Balinese culture. Dutch settlers in the old colonial capital of Singaraja, on the north coast, enjoyed spending holidays in this region. We continue trekking to Bedugul, along the volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan. These lakes were a single body of water until a landslide divided it into two in 1818. We proceed to the placid lake of Bratan, source of life-giving water for the springs, rivers and rice fields below. In delightful scenery and surrounded by spectacular mountains, we make a stop at the marvellous Ulun Danu Bratan Hindu-Buddhist temple. We later on cross the picturesque market of Bedugul, before setting off again to Catur, located halfway between the Bratan lake and Mt. Batur’s caldera. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Transfers = 1 hr, Trekking = 5 hrs, A = 500 m, D = 100 m
 
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
 
1400 m above sea level, this place is enchanting with its huge banyan tree and superb gardens. One of its courtyards is cut off from the main temple, standing alone on a small island and projects its shrine of 11 roofs into the water of Lake Bratan. This is the temple of the lake goddess who is much revered as a source of fertility. A phallic symbol with a spring found inside, represent the reproductive power of Siwa - the god of fertility.
 
D/14 - Catur – Penelokan – Toyabungkah (Mt. Batur)
We start the day with a short stroll around Catur, through orange and coffee plantations. Early afternoon, we head back to the slopes of the Batur volcano (1,717 m) and enjoy from Penelokan (literally meaning ‘look-out’) a superb view over the lake lying at its foot. The large size of its crater (14 km across) implies that Mt. Batur used to be a much larger mountain (certainly as tall as Mt. Agung), which blew its top thousands of years ago. Now, this old crater is half-filled with a huge lake, the largest of Bali. Its other half is cultivated and covered with lava fields. The blackened cone of Mt. Batur sits in the middle of this stunning panorama. We carry out our ascent of the Batur volcano through its old lava flows, and skirt around its four craters. Overnight at local inn (losmen). 
Transfers = 45 minutes, Trekking = 6 hrs, D = 300 m
 
D/15 - Toyabungkah (Bali) – Padangbai (Bali) – Lembar (Lombok) – Senaru (Lombok)
This day will be devoted to the journey to Lombok (bus/boat). We will disembark in Lembar and go by bus to Senaru, our base camp for the climbing of Rinjani Volcano. The inshore road is magnificent. You may even enjoy a break on a beach for a swim and watch monkeys playing close by. Overnight at losmen.
Transfers = 8 hrs
 
D/16 - Senaru – Lake Segara Anak (at Rinjani volcano foot)
We will take a closer look at Mt. Rinjani by going to Lake Segara Anak (2200m), which lies at the foot of Mt. Rinjani, 900 m below the summit. Lake Segara anak literally mean “Child of the Sea” certainly adorned cause of its huge size. Inside a caldera of roughly 8 kilometers by 6 kilometers, the lake itself is 3 kilometers at its widest and is said to reach 250 meters in depth. The result of our hike is worthwhile. Admiring the bluish-green color of the lake in strong light, we will see Gunung Baru sitting in the middle, coughing and emitting some puff of smoke. In 1942, a mini volcano formed from a vent under the lake and overlooks now the lake from 145 m above its surface. It will feel as if we are standing at the far edge of the world. We will then spend the evening with local fishermen watching them at work on their boats. Camping. 
Volcano Climbing = 8 hrs, A=1900m, D=300m
 
D/17 - Lake Segara anak – Plawangan II
We will take a short walk to Plawangan II base camp, on the top of a small plateau (2700m). After putting up our tents, we will take a well-deserved rest to be ready for the next day's long journey. Camping.
Volcano Climbing = 3.5 hrs, A= 500m
 
D/18 - Plawangan II – Rinjani volcano’s summit – Plawangan II – Sembalunlawang – Senaru
At night, we will climb up the last part of Rinjani Volcano through stony tracks. From its peak (3,726m), there are amazing views of Lombok, Sumbawa and Bali, with Mt. Agung in the distance. We even see the worldwide famous Tambora volcano overshadowing Sumbawa. By then, we will have accomplished our mission to reach the last peak of our earth adventure travel. We will then head back to Plawangan II to take a well-deserved rest. Early in the afternoon, we will go down to Sembalunlawang on Mt. Rinjani's eastern slope. A transfer by bus will take us to Senaru. Overnight at losmen.
Transfers = 1 hr, Volcano Climbing = 9 hrs, A=1000m, D=2000m
 
Volcano Rinjani, a sacred mountain
 
The top of Rinjani volcano is the highest one after that of Irian Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) the name of Mt. Rinjani may come from an old Javanese term similar for “God” or “all great”. In old times the Sasak, the former community of Lombok, believed that the most important spirits lived on Rinjani, of which the daughter of their Supreme God. The Balinese themselves cross the sea for an annual devotion to the mountain. The spot breathes magic as well as beauty, so it is no wonder that people of Lombok and Balinese consider this volcano as the dwelling place of the spirits.
 
D/19 - Senaru – Beach on Gili Air Island
We will transfer to Bangsal Bridge, then to Gili Air Island. We will spend a relaxing day on a wonderful white-sand beach and in crystal-clear water for snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment can be rented. Overnight in bungalow. 
Transfers = 2 hrs
 
D/20 - Gili Air – Lembar (Lombok) – Padangbai  (Bali) – Jimbaran Beach (Bali)
After heading back to Lombok, we will move by boat to Bali. We will arrive at Jimbaran Beach, by the end of the afternoon. This beach is the most beautiful of Bali’s seaside resorts, located near Kuta. Most of Bali is volcanic covered by tropical vegetation watered year-round by the different huge mountain lakes. Jimbaran and Bukit Badung are in contrast a non-volcanic limestone plateau which has its own unique ecology. Overnight at hotel (5-minute walk to the beach). 
Transfers = 8 hrs
 
D/21 – Denpasar – Airport - Next destination
Transfer to airport and flight to your next destination.
 
End of our services

Inclusions

  • Services of an Azimuth English speaking (or French speaking) local guide.
  • Land & sea transfers needed for the circuit
  • Accommodation
  • Meals as indicated in the description day by day
  • Entrance fees for touristic sites and museums
  • Mineral water and snacks (fruit, biscuits ...) during the days of walking


* In high season, our tour guides can be already busy. If you want a guarantee of supervision by one of them, we recommend an early booking of this tour.

Exclusions

  • International and domestic airfare
  • Airport taxes & visa fees
  • Drinks, personal expenses and tips
  • Travel Insurance & Assistance
  • Anything that is not listed in "Inclusions"


What to bring?

  • Good walking shoes
  • Headlamp
  • Flask (for water)
  • Hat or cap, light clothing & replacement clothes
  • Raincoat (for the rainy season, from October to April)
  • Small backpack & camera
  • Mosquito repellent (lotion / cream)
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses & your good mood!
Number of persons1 pers2 pers4 pers6 pers9 pers12 pers
Price per person5 670 €3 210 €2 245 €2 035 €1 855 €1 790 €
Your saving0%43%60%64%67%68%

 

Travel in Indonesia
 
Detailed information about your trip
 
Transportation
Land transfers by private buses. Few drivers speak English. Other transfers by ferry.
 
Your Guide 
Our English-speaking guides are highly trained, competent, thoughtful and pleasant Indonesians who are eager to meet your needs. 
 
Accommodations
Because of their exceptional location or beauty, simple inns and guesthouses are sometimes preferred over other accommodations. Most nights however, you will rest in standard local inns or guesthouses. You will also stay in better hotels in main cities.
 
Meals
A wide variety of cuisines are found in Indonesia. Coconut milk and aromatic spices add delicious tastes and delicate flavors to meat, vegetable and fruits. You will enjoy a number of spicy dishes served on steamed or fried rice (“nasi goreng”) and a large variety of fruits (bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, cantaloupes, and watermelons in addition to so exotic fruits you might taste for the first time but will remember forever.) 
 
Tipping
It is customary to tip local guides and drivers. Allow a maximum of USD 40 per trip.
 
“The spirit of our trip”
We are rigorous and strict in the description and organisation of our trips, but adventure treks and eco-tourism are full of surprises. Please consider the unexpected as a bonus to your trekking and hiking experience and as a contribution to the total change of scenery you are looking for! Trust your guide! He will deal with these slight inconveniences, turning them into lasting and striking memories. Similarly, trust your guide with respect to possible itinerary changes. Adjustments might indeed be required due to weather conditions, changes in accommodations, or for safety reasons. You will meet populations with a sensibility regarding time and daily life different than your own. Learn to respect these differences and grow wiser from your contact with local religious and cultural values. This is the best way to totally enjoy your trip!
 
Insurance
The purchase of travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Please confirm with your insurer that your policy meets your needs, in particular regarding search and rescue assistance. Your coverage should be no lower than the equivalent of USD 5,100.
 
Visas and red tape
Ratified by the president of Indonesia on December 17th, 2003, the new visa policy states that tourists who are nationals of the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea and Norway are eligible for the visa on-arrival program. However, the validity of tourist visas (for citizens from the above countries and others) has been reduced from 60 to 30 days. Visa fees are around USD 25. Learn more about this new policy by consulting our “News” page. For detailed information, please contact your Indonesian embassy or General Consulate.
 
Health
Immunization is not required on trips to Java and Bali. For other destinations however, immunization is strongly recommended, in particular for  typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Indeed, prevention is the best cure for these diseases. Please remember that tap water undergones very little treatment, if any. However, bottled water is widely available, except off beaten tracks, where iodine tablets provide effective sterilization. Finally, Indonesia lies within a malaria zone, although developed and touristic areas are practically risk-free. However, pregnant women and children need professional advice on the various drugs available as well as they posology.
 
Safety
Indonesia is a rather safe country and tourists are welcome. However, display of wealth is not recommended, in particular in crowded areas, including markets and city centres.
 
 
Selecting the appropriate level of difficulty
 
To help you assess the difficulty of our trips, we grade them based on the trekking or walking involved. These grades apply to healthy people,but, more than health itself, trekking is a question of attitude, confidence, stamina and agility.
 
‘Easy’ 
 
  • Description: ’Easy’ trips require a certain level of fitness,  with some walking (2 to 4 hours) on generally well-marked tracks. They include some ascent and descent without major difficulties.
  • Individuals who enjoy going for walks on a regular basis will be delighted on these trips and on short sightseeing tours. If you are new to this, you will soon notice their benefit on your body and soul. 
  • Preparation: A weekly two-hour long walk is recommended! An excellent exercise.
 
‘Moderate’
 
  • Description: Both long and short trips require a longer personal investment than trips graded ‘easy’. You trek half or full days (between 4 and 6 hours). Ascents and descents  are regular in terms of effort (variation in height ranging from 400 m to 700 m, with the exception of  hikes to reach volcanoe summits). 
  • If you enjoy all-morning or full-day hikes, or if you have enjoyed mountain hiking in the past, you will truly love our short or long moderate trips.
  • Preparation: Whatever your profile, you should take long walks (four hours) once a week starting two months prior to departure, and practice another physical activity on a regular basis (swimming, biking…).

 

‘Demanding’
 
  • Description: These trips include  practically full-day walks (six hours, with successive ascents and descents and a variation in height ranging from 700 m to 1000 m). Some trekking on wild unmarked tracks, an exclusivity of Azimuth adventure Travel Ltd.
  • If you enjoy trekking over several days in challenging natural surround or if you practice a sport on a regular basis, you already meet the requirements for this type of trips. If you have enjoyed and have had no difficulty on trips rated ‘moderate,’ you will know what to expect.
  • Preparation: Experienced trekkers and novices need to be in good shape. Two months before departure, start to exercise on a weekly basis: long-distance jogging and swimming and/or biking.
 
‘Strenuous’ 
 
  • Description: These include challenging full-day treks (averaging a minimum of six hours) on sometimes unmarked tracks. Variation in height may reach 1000 m, and even more on the final ascent of volcanoes.
  • If you find long adventurous hikes in the heart of nature exciting and if you enjoy physically testing environments, you will definitely be enthused by these treks. If in the past you have enjoyed hikes graded ‘strenuous’ and have experienced no difficulty, you have an edge on these treks.
  • Preparation: To benefit the most from your trip, exercise rigorously! Two to three months before leaving, start joggin (10 km per week). We also recommend an additional regular exercise, including long-distance swimming (1 km) and biking (40 km).
‘Extreme’ 
 
  • Description and preparation: These are challenging treks, within the sphere of high-level mountaineering expeditions. Solid experience and the steady practice of an intensive physical activity over a very long period of time are an absolute a must..
 
 
Trekking & hiking: What do I bring along?
 
Remember that the right clothes significantly contribute to how much you enjoy hikes. Bring along only essential pieces of clothing or equipment. However, pay particular attention to the boots you choose. Toe injuries are far from pleasant on hikes. Here is a recommended list of what to bring:
 
  • A daypack: Ideally large enough to pack all you need for a day’s walk (rain gear, water bottle, sunglasses, camera, packed food, warm clothes…). You will need at least a 25litres  pack for a full day, but a 30 to 40 -litre pack is preferable. Our experience shows that a larger pack is more comfortable.
  • Trek bag/travel bag, both with padlocks: Our porters and vehicles bring daily your luggage to our overnight accommodations.
  • Headgear: A sun hat and a scarf or bandana will efficiently protect you against dust and an irritant sulphuric atmosphere (they also protect your neck from sunburns).
  • Clothes: Long hiking shorts (for mountain climbing), lightsweat pants, T-shirts, a warm sweater (also in cool weather in mountainous regions), a raincoat.
  • Footwear: Hiking boots  and light shoes to wear indoors (sneakers or sandals).
  • Other useful items include: spare shoe laces, needles and thread, a towel, night clothes, spare clothes, swimming trunk/bathing suit, toilet paper, a lighter, wet wipes and/or antibacterial gel, biodegradable soap/shampoo, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, a small knife, plastic bags (to pack and protect some of your belongings), sleeping bag and a bedsheet. 
  • First aid kit: throat lozenges, medication, insect and mosquito repellent, anti-diarrhoeal treatment (Imodium, Oralite). Your guide will carry along a sterile medical kit including a range of useful drugs. 
  • In a small envelope or a pouch hanging around your neck or hidden under your clothes, carry a photocopy of your identity papers, your insurance contract, and your credit cards