Indonesia's Best Mountain Climbing Experiences

If you are familiar with the famous saying “there’s always one more mountain left to climb”, well, here in Indonesia this is not just a mere metaphor. Stretching across the archipelago, rows of mountain ranges decorate the magnificent landscapes and form some of the most fascinating natural landmarks of the world. Sitting on the “hottest spot” in the Ring of Fire, Indonesia is where you can find some of the most spectacular active volcanoes that truly offer their own thrilling sensation.

While it provides some of the most picturesque and breathtaking panoramas for mountaineers and adventurers, this also means your chance to experience the thrilling sensation of taking on the challenging hike and climb up to some of the most beautiful summits if the world. So, here they are, some of the most amazing mountains that will definitely quench your thirst for a most thrilling adventure.

1 | Mount Merapi

While the sheer view of the majestic Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta on the island of Java is already a splendor in itself, the thrill of conquering this most active volcano in Indonesia truly offers its own special sensation. Standing at 2,911 meters above sea level, climbing up along cooled lava streams reaching the summit of this majestic volcano you will be met by a spectacular sunrise in an amazing360 degree panoramic view.

2. Mount Rinjani

Photo by Travis Burke

The mighty Mount Rinjani is a massive volcano which towers over the island of Lombok. A climb to the top is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in Indonesia. At 3,726 meters tall, Mount Rinjani is the second highest mountain in Indonesia. Aside from its fascinating summit, the mountain also offers the beauty of the Segara Anak Caldera Lake with its wonderfully cool clear blue water.

3 | Mount Tambora

Just like Mount Toba in North Sumatra, Mount Tambora is also recognized as one of the world’s super-volcanoes. However, if the mega-eruption of Mount Toba – that occurred in the geological past- only left its traces in the massive Lake Toba, Mount Tambora, on the contrary, is still very much active, standing today at an imposing 2,751meters. Situated near the northern edge of the island of Sumbawa, this amazing mountain attracts seismologists, volcanologists, archeologists, biologists, and most definitely mountaineers from all over the globe who enjoy the thrill of conquering its challenging tracks.

4 | Mount Semeru

At 3,676 m above sea level, the summit of Mount Semeru – known as Mahameru-is the highest point on Java not only in altitude but also in spiritual significance for Hindu followers on the island. The mountain is located within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park which covers a massive area of 800 square kilometers in the center of East Java. For mountaineers, conquering the tough challenge to reach Mahameru is definitely a milestone.

5 | Mount Gede-Pangrango National Park

Because of its easy access near the capital city of Jakarta, the Mount Gede-Pangrango National Park with its spectacular panorama is a favorite site for both domestic and international mountain hikers. The national park offers the opportunity of climbing to not just one but two summits–Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango. The view from the Summit and crater of Mt. Gede is stunning both at sunrise and at sunset, while at the location known as Alun-alun Suryakencana, you can even find a field of enchanting Edelweiss flowers growing in the tropics.

Main image is beautifully taken by Travis Burke