Mount Merbabu Challenging Your Limits and Uncovering the Unforgettable Beauty of Nature
Mount Merbabu is the third highest mountain in Central Java after Slamet and Mount Sumbing. The mountain with an altitude of 3,145 meters above sea level is located in three regencies in Central Java namely Magelang, Boyolal, and Semarang. The entrance which is the starting point for climbing Mount Merbabu can also pass through these three areas.
Five official climbing routes have been opened on Mount Merbabu. They are Selo-Boyolali, Suwanting-Magelang, Wekas-Magelang, Cuntel-Semarang and Thekelan-Semarang.
Each Mount Merbabu trekking trail offers different challenges and scenery but is still fun. For example, the Pelana Boyolali trail is the most popular trail for hikers because of its vast savanna. There are several things to consider when climbing Mount Merbabu by Saddle. Since February 1, 2020, the Mount Merbabu National Park (BTNGMb) has implemented a registration system through online booking. Therefore, on-site hike registration is not possible.
On other trails outside Selo, such as Suwanting-Magelang, Wekas-Magelang, Cuntel-Semarang, and Thekelan-Semarang, hike registration has not yet opened online. So you can still register there on the spot. Online registration is also easy. Group leaders can access the tngunungmerbabu.org website. After entering the data of all group members, climbers receive a unique registration code.
Therefore, this unique registration code can be used to check or change information if changes occur. Then a registration form appears that can be saved and must be sent when re-registering for Saddle Road registration. Ticket prices for climbing Mount Merbabu are divided into entrance and activity tickets and start at IDR 2,500 for groups. The entrance fee on weekdays is different from national holidays. In addition, there is insurance worth Rp1000.
The length of the road through Selo is 5.63 kilometers and the travel time to the top of Kenteng Songo is approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes. The average temperature from Mount Merbabu to Selo is 15-21 degrees Celsius during the day and 3-8 degrees Celsius at night. Pretty cool, right?
The hiking point starts from the Selo Resort office and the travel time to Post 1 of Malang Pier is 90 minutes. Climbers without Babibu will be invited to enter the typical forest of Mount Merbabu shortly after passing through the climbing gate.
After arriving at Pos 1 Dermaga Malang, boarding can continue to Simpang Macan for approximately 45 minutes. Here climbers can relax for a moment by stretching their legs before continuing the journey to Pandean Post 2. Although "only" 421 meters, the road to Post 2 is very tiring.
On this path, hikers will also encounter several animals typical of Mount Merbabu. Among them are budeng / langur, vervet monkeys, partridges, eagles and various birds. If lucky, climbers can see primates which are the most important animals on Mount Merbabu.
The journey continues to Post 3 Batu Tuli which is at an altitude of 2593 meters above sea level. Climbers can camp or set up tents here because the area is so wide. The view of Batu Slate Post 3 is also very mesmerizing. Climbers can see Mount Merapi from a distance.
However, it would be nice if you could walk not far from Sabana 1. Yes, the specialty of climbing Mount Merbabu lies in the extraordinary beauty of the savannah. Mount Merbabu is full of two vast savannas. The place is not so far away, the road is uphill for about 30 minutes.
In fact, it takes quite a long time to reach Sabana 1 Post 3, which is one hour. Even on the road that really feels like your knees will fall off. However, all difficulties pay off with the beauty of the savanna that is steady for the soul. No wonder many hikers choose to camp in savanna 1 or savanna 2. Both savannas are also popular photo spots for hikers. The combination of the green color of the savanna with the clear blue sky can make you fall asleep.