Mount Merapi is one of the most active and famous volcanoes in Indonesia. Despite its eruption destroying the surrounding area and killing the locals, Mount Merapi remains admired by many. The locals consider Mount Merapi as a source of fortune and the climbers love to see sunrise from its peak. Visiting Mount Merapi is surely one of things to do in Yogyakarta. Let’s see the best things to do in Mount Merapi Yogyakarta ..!
1. Seeing Sunrise
Mount Merapi is one of the best spots in Yogayakarta to enjoy the beauty of sunrise. If you are a nature lover, you should take the time to stop by. There are several local tour operators offering sunrise tours with prices start from Rp 450,000.
The sunrise tour starts at 4.30 am. From the meeting point, namely Tlogo Putri terminal, you will ride the jeep to base camp Bunker Kaliadem. From here you will walk for a few minutes to the sunrise viewing point. The higher base camp, namely Pasar Bubrah, is another popular sunrise viewing point. But to get there, you will need basic climbing gear.
2. Mount Merapi Museum
At Mount Merapi Museum, which was inaugurated in 2010, visitors can learn the ins and outs of Mount Merapi. There are photographs of Mount Merapi from time to time, rocks resulting from frozen lava, to graphics explaining the eruption of Mount Merapi.
The museum is also equipped with sophisticated multimedia such as eruption simulator, earthquakes simulator and tsunami simulator. In addition the museum also plays a 25 minutes documentary film about Mount Merapi.
How to Get There
Mount Merapi Museum is located at Kaliurang Street, Km 22. The admission is Rp 5,000. Opening hours is 8 am – 4 pm.
3. Merapi Lava Tour
One way to explore Mount Merapi is to join the Merapi Lava Tour. Come to Kaliurang. You can meet several tour operators who offer Merapi Lava Tour with prices starting from Rp 350,000.
Driving a jeep, you will be invited to ride along the path of Mount Merapi lava. You will also see the ruins of buildings that witnessed the eruption of Mount Merapi.
4. House of Memory
House of Memory captures the deadly eruption of Mount Merapi in 2010. Here visitors can see the remains of goods that are charred or melted due to the strike of pyroclastic flow, e.g. television, computer, motorcycle, bicycle and cow bones.
A wall clock also draws attention. It stopped at 12:05:40, the moment the hot cloud passed this area. At the end of the day, House of Memory is meant to be a reminder for future generation about the greatness of Mount Merapi.
How to Get There
House of Memory is located in Kepuharjo Village, Cangkringan. There is no admission but donation is expected.
5. Kali Kuning Park
Kali Kuning Park is a new destination on the slopes of Mount Merapi. The place opened in 2017 is managed directly by Mount Merapi National Park.
Kali Kuning Park offers breathtaking views of the forest green, the sounds of the chirping birds as well as the fresh and cool air. Not to mention the selfie spots for the instaholics.
How to Get There
Kali Kuning Park is located in Umbulharjo Village, Cangkringan, Sleman Regency. The admission is Rp 10,000. Opening hours is 8 am – 5 pm.
6. Kaliadem
Kaliadem is definitely a must-visit spot at Mount Merapi. Here visitors can see the rocks that came out from Mount Merapi, the green pine forest, and the magnificent view of Mount Merapi.
Formerly Kaliadem was the base camp of the climbers. There is even a bunker to take shelter from pyroclastic flow. But since the eruption in 2010 that destroyed Kaliadem, the base camp is not used anymore.
How to Get There
Kaliadem is located in Kepuharjo Village, Cangkringan, Sleman Regency.
7. Kaliurang Recreation Park
Kaliurang Recreation Park, which is located at the foot of Mount Merapi, is a favorite family vacation spot. The cool mountain air makes visitors happy to linger here.
This beautiful place is equipped with children playground. Besides enjoying the atmosphere around, visitors can try to taste local foods such as jadah tempe and rabbit satay. Inarguably visiting Kaliurang Recreation Park is one of scenic things to do in Kaliurang Yogyakarta.
How to Get There
Kaliurang Recreation Park is located at Astomulyo Street, Hargobinangun, Sleman Regency. The admission is Rp 5,000. Opening hours is 8 am – 5 pm.
8. The World Landmark Merapi Park
The World Landmark Merapi Park is one of the newest addition at the slopes of Mount Merapi.
As the name implies, here visitors can see miniature landmarks from various countries such as Leaning Tower of Pisa, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and Dutch Windmills.
In addition to landmarks, visitors can also enjoy the beauty of the park and the cool air. No wonder this place becomes a favorite destination on weekends. In fact, it can be one of instagramable places in Yogyakarta
How to Get There
The World Landmark Merapi Park is located at Kaliurang Street, Km. 22, Sleman Regency. The admission is Rp 15,000.
9. Hunting Souvenir
Souvenir is a reminder of a journey. It does not matter whether it is large, small, expensive or cheap. What matters is the memory and story behind the souvenir. Therefore it is not complete visiting Mount Merapi without bringing home souvenirs.
In Kepuharjo Village, Cangkringan, visitors can find various souvenirs about Mount Merapi ranging from key chains to t-shirts. They are sold at affordable price. The purchase of souvenirs will help improve the economy of the locals.
10. Culinary Tour : Jadah Tempe
The people around Mount Merapi have special food that you need to taste. Jadah tempeh is a must eat food for all climbers of Mount Merapi. It is a light meal consisting of tempeh and sticky rice. Jadah tempeh is eaten with chili and accompanied by a cup of hot tea.
There are many stalls in Kaliurang that sell jadah tempe. But of all, Mbah Carik’s jadah tempe is the most famous. One serving of jadah tempe is only Rp 10,000. FYI, jadah tempe is just one of must try local foods in Yogyakarta.
More things to do in Mount Merapi Yogyakarta
11. Visiting Alien Rock
12. Visiting Bunker kaliadem
13. Visiting Glagahsari Hill
14. Visiting Ketep Pass
15. Visiting Mbah Maridjan’s house
16. Seeing sunset
That’s all guys. Apparently there are various things to do in Mount Merapi Yogyakarta. Come and see for yourself the beauty as well as the greatness of Mount Merapi.