When I search in Google "hike to Semeru", the first search result is a map which tells me that it is a walk of 11.30 hours only...... I couldn't stop laughing and actually wanted to try the hike. It is another way of looking at things....

As Semeru is Java’s highest peak - 3676 m - it is one of the coolest hikes in Indonesia. This active volcano is situated in Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park in East Java. Officially one is only allowed to hike as far as Kalimati camp at an altitude of 2669 m. Mount Semeru officially is assigned a status alert level 3, which means 'cautious'.

As we are all different and we all have our own traveling style, you can use this article to help you make the first important choice: do I organize the climb to the top of Mt. Semeru myself, or will I ask a tour operator to organize it for me? And, if I arrange it myself, what do I need to bring?

Organizing your climb to mount Semeru yourself or do a tour?

Hiking in a national park comes with organization of your luggage, food, camping gear, necessary permits, transport and guides. You can organize the hike to the summit of mount Semeru by yourself, or you can ask a tour operator to organize if for you. Most probably you will have to check your budget and your time schedule. If time is limited, a tour saves you a good amount of time. If your budget is limited, you will have to calculate at least a day to organize the necessities. If both your budget and time are limited, you will might have to make choices about the objects to visit during your holiday. In general: transport, hiking guide and entrance fee are the main expenses if you book a tour to Mt. Semeru. If your budget is limited, transport to Ranu Pane will consume time, as well as organizing the necessary equipement, a health certificate and food.

How to hike to the top of mount Semeru

Your hike to Semeru will start in Ranu Pane village (2109 m). Most people can do the hike in either 2 or 3 days. From Ranu Pane it is a hike of about 14 km to Kalimati camp (2669 m) via the lake (Ranu) Kumbolo (2383 m). Or, in about 7 to 8 hours hiking you will bridge 560 altimeters. On your second day, you will have to wake up around midnight if you would like to see the sunrise at the summit - 3676 m - also called Mahameru. You will have to climb 1007 m to reach the top. The climb is rather steep and tests your stamina as with every step you take, you will slide down. You will need about 4 hours. After you have spend the necessary time at the top, you will return. From the summit you will a kind of pebble skiing back to Kalimati camp, after which you will enjoy a wonderful hike back to Ranu Pane village.

Transport to Ranu Pane village via Malang and Tumpang

In Malang you can take public transport - a blue mini bus - to Arjosari bus station. A blue minibus will cost you IDR 4000 per person and IDR 4000 for your hiking bag. At Arjosari you will have to change buses to Tumpang / Gubugklakah. There you can find a Jeep that can bring you to Ranu Pane village. The price is around IDR 500,000 to 700,000, depending on the season. You might find other travelers heading in the direction of Ranu Pane near Tumpang's central market. You can share the costs.

If you take a tour, you will be picked up at your hotel and directly be driven to Ranu Pane village. It will take about 2 hours. After your hike you will be brought to Cemara Lawang village if you would like to visit mount Bromo, or you can drive back to Malang. In Malang you can catch direct flights to Denpasar in Bali, Jakarta and Bandung.

Preparing your hike in Malang

Malang is a convenient city to prepare yourself for a hike to the top of Java's highest mountain. You will find some outdoor shops, mainly on Jl. Kawi and in the shopping mall Olympic Garden (MOG, Jl. Kawi no. 24). One can find camping equipement and outdoor clothing. Malang also have several almost complete supermakets such as Lai Lai (Jl. Arjuno no. 36), Carrefour (Jl. A. Yani no. 2A) and a Giant in MOG. These supermarkets sell local, Indonesian and all kinds of foreign products that might come in handy during your hike, such as dried fruit and energy bars. One can find a few rentals for camping equipement, but most often they will ask to leave your passport behind. A better option is to rent the camping necessities in Ranu Pane village.

With or without a guide and a porters team?

Every year people get lost on the slopes of mount Semeru, both local and international tourists. Some of them are found by the resque team, some of them and are never found. Not to scare you, but be sure you are an experienced hiker if you prefer to depart on your own. We suggest to always undertake this hike with a local guide, though it might seem peanuts to you and almost impossible to get lost.

With our tours a porters team brings the necessary equipment, and a bit more. It indeed is luxurious, but most convenient and welcoming if you do the hike in just 2 days. A porters team won't carry your personal belongings. You will defenitely need to bring some additional food that serves your cravings during a hike. A good guide will be entertaining during the hike and will share a lot of information and stories.

Obtaining a health certificate and registering at Ranu Pane village

Most important is to bring your health certificate obtained in a local clinic or hospital, such as Lavalette Malang, or at a health post Puskesmas (short for pusat kesehatan masyarakat) in Tumpang village, that you pass onroute to Ranu Pane. You will need a general statement about your health, and some specific details including your age, body weight, your body fat and your blood pressure. See the picture.
Once in Ranu Pane you will have to register at the office of the National Park before you start your hike. You will have to pay the entrance fee for every day that you will be in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. The fee is IDR 300,000 per person per day.

Mount Semeru facts

There is a lot to say about Semeru. Herewith some general information you need to know before you decide to undertake this adventure.