Merbabu Makes Miss it (Gunung Merbabu National Park)

Mount Merbabu is a strato-type volcano which is administratively located in the Magelang Regency on the western slopes and Boyolali Regency on the eastern and southern slopes, Semarang Regency on the northern slopes, Central Java Province. With its highest peak of 3,145 meters above sea level (masl), Mount Merbabu is quite popular as a place for hiking activities.

Mount Merapi is clearly visible from the top of Mount Merbabu

There are several routes for hikers who want to hike to the top of Mount Merbabu, including Tekelan, Wekas, Cuntel, Selo, and Suwanting. The Selo route is the route we chose to hike because the route is easier, the views are beautiful and the savanna stretches out making the trip more enjoyable. Plus, from this route, Mount Merbabu's close neighbor, Mount Merapi, can be seen clearly. However, on the Selo route there are no springs on the way. So we have to save the water we bring during the hike.

The journey starts from Pasar Senen Station to Lempunyangan Station, Yogyakarta. Followed by renting travel at night to Selo basecamp, Boyolali. We arrived at Selo basecamp in the middle of the night with bodies sore from being tired from traveling in the vehicle. After dinner, we tidied up the hiking logistics that we wanted to take with us to start hiking Mount Merbabu tomorrow morning. After everything was settled, we all fell asleep and woke up early to start hiking after filling our stomachs with a breakfast of fried rice. Let's go!

Welcome gate to Selo route

At the start of the hike, hikers will be greeted by a welcome gate from Gunung Merbabu National Park. The hiking route to Post 1 (Dok Malang) is very friendly, passing through pine forests and lamtoro on the left and right. The cool air in the morning accompanied me on this trip with my friends. The peak of Mount Merapi can be seen from a distance during the trip. Without realizing it, after walking gently for 90 minutes we arrived at Post 1 (Dok Malang) in the thick of trees.

During the start of the journey, the peak of Mount Merapi can be seen in the distance

Arrived at Post 1 (Dok Malang)

After wetting our throats with drinking water, we continued our trip to Post 2. During the journey, we encountered quite steep inclines several times. We passed the shadow post (Simpang Macan) after walking 90 minutes and had to walk again for approximately 15 minutes until we arrived at Post 2 (Pandean).

Post 2 (Pandean) is wide enough to set up a tent

The journey continues to Post 3 (Watu Tulis) for approximately 45 minutes. The view there is very beautiful. Lush edelweiss trees in several places add to the beauty of the place. We rested for a long time while occasionally taking pictures of the view which was sometimes blocked by sudden fog. Once everything was ready, we continued hiking to Post 4 (Sabana 1) where we would later set up a tent.

Beautiful views can be enjoyed at Post 3 (Watu Tulis)

We immediately faced a steep incline after heading from Post 3 (Watu Tulis) which was very draining. Some of us had to rest for a while to drink water to lighten the burden of the backpacks which were filled with drinking water. Heavy rain greeted us when we arrived at Post 4 (Sabana 1). Immediately we put up a flysheet to wait for the rain to stop. After the rain stopped, we quickly looked for a shady place to set up the tent. Indeed, at Sabana 1 this is an interesting place to camp because the views are beautiful, but the wind is quite strong sometimes at night. We hurried to change into the wet clothes we were wearing after the tent was up. In the evening, we cooked and joked during the hike. The sleepiness that held in our eyes again made us fall asleep. Seeing the sun rising at the peak made us want to wake up quickly the next day.

Thick fog blocked the view when we arrived at Sabana 1

Summit attack! When it was still dark, we left the tent to continue our journey to Merbabu Peak. Not far from Post 4 (Sabana 1), in about 30 minutes we arrived at Post 5 (Sabana 2). Hikers can also set up tents here. The light from the hikers' headlamps illuminates the path to the summit. Sunlight from the east began to appear to accompany this journey. The majestic Mount Merapi standing tall across there added to our enthusiasm to quickly reach the top. With halting breath, we finally arrived at Kenteng Songo Peak. Really, Merbabu makes me amazed. From Kenteng Sono Peak, you can see Mount Merapi very close. To the west you can see Mount Sumbing, Mount Sindoro and the Prau Mountains which are clear and beautiful. From a distance to the east you can see Mount Lawu with its elongated peak.

See the sunrise at the top of Kenteng Songo

Walking a little, we arrived at Trianggulasi Peak. Indeed, Mount Merbabu has three main peaks, namely, Kenteng Songo peak, Trianggulasi peak and Syarif peak. However, we didn't go to the top of Syarif because it could be said to be quite far and time consuming. After taking photos and filling our stomachs with the snacks we brought, we rushed down to Sabana 1.

Group photo before descending at Trianggulasi Peak

We deliberately went down and relaxed while enjoying the view. The Sabana 2 that we passed made us want to linger here. Green grasslands along with "Eternal Flowers" spread widely to accompany this journey. Arriving at Sabana 1, we immediately sorted out the logistics of hiking to be taken back down after breakfast. We arrived at Selo basecamp safely in the afternoon.

Walk accompanied by beautiful views at Sabana 2

Really, Merbabu makes me believe that I am very small compared to God's vast and beautiful creation. A gift that makes humans more grateful for the blessings He has given. Hopefully every step I take in every corner of this country will provide a lesson for me to live a better life. Hopefully.

Merbabu, I miss