Mount Semeru - Beauty and Danger The highest volcano on Java

Mount Semeru is the highest volcano on the island of Java and one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Located on the border of Probolinggo, Lumajang and Malang Regencies in East Java.
Semeru has posed a significant danger to the local community. As a result, many villages within a 7 km radius around Semeru have been moved to a safe distance. There are currently no permanent residents within a 20 kilometer radius.

Other names of Semeru are Semeroe, Smeru, and Smiru with the peak name, namely Mahameru. The term Mahameru comes from Sanskrit which means Meru Agung. Meru means “center of the universe”, while Agung means “big”.

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1 Brief History Mount Semeru

Brief History Mount Semeru

The first recorded eruption of Semeru was in the year 930. The volcano is also mentioned in the Balinese poem Serat Centhini, which dates from the 15th century. In the 18th century, the volcano erupted almost continuously for 35 years, earning it the nickname “the Fire Mountain”. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several attempts were made to climb the mountain. In 1897 the Dutch geologist and explorer Siebe Swart attempted to scale the volcano but his team was killed by the frequent eruptive activity. In 1906, another team led by the geologist Albertus Jacobsen also attempted to climb the mountain, but got stuck and killed near the top.

Semeru and its eruptions

The Semeru volcano has a long-history of violent eruptions including a 930 eruption that was recorded in the Serat Centhini poem. Eruptions were frequent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often accompanied by lightning and thunder. In 1897, an expedition to climb the mountain was conducted by the Dutch, but was forced to turn back because of the frequent eruptive activity. In 1906, another expedition was also forced to turn back, this time with fatalities. The Semeru volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, with frequent eruptions and activity. The last major eruption occurred in 1994 and earned the volcano the nickname the “Fire Mountain” again. It has been designated a ‘Red Volcano’ by the VEC Program because it has posed significant hazards to local communities.

Climbing Mount Semeru

There are several routes to climb Semeru. The most popular route is the Gendol Route, which is shorter but steeper than the Gendhing Route. These routes are often closed because of eruptive activity or bad weather. Climbers should check the status of these routes and the weather forecast before undertaking the climb. The best time to climb Semeru is from July to October, when the weather conditions are more stable. Climbers should be well prepared. They are strongly advised to hire a guide and a porter to carry the climbing equipment. Those who want to trek to the crater lake of Semeru should hire a guide because it is a very risky trek. Trekking to the Crater Lake without a guide or without hiring a guide is strictly prohibited. The risk of death is very high for those who trek to the Crater Lake without a guide.

The Crater Lake of Mt Semeru

The Crater Lake of Semeru is a beautiful lake located in the middle of the active volcano. It is surrounded by the lush green mountains, and the view from the lake is spectacular. The lake is about 700 meters above sea level, and it is believed to be about 400 years old. The lake is filled with steaming hot water, and it is not recommended for swimming. The trekking path to reach the lake passes through a dense forest and the route is known to be extremely risky. Trekking to the Crater Lake without a guide or without hiring a guide is strictly prohibited. There are many guide companies operating in the city of Probolinggo, where climbers can hire guides and porters.

Things to know before climbing the Semeru Volcano

If you are planning to climb the Semeru Volcano, then there are a few things that you should keep in mind. The first is to make sure that you are physically fit enough to climb this volcano. It is one of the toughest climbs in the world, and if you are not in shape, you could find yourself struggling to make it to the top. Another thing to keep in mind is to pack the right clothing. To climb the Semeru Volcano, you most likely will need to wear warm clothing, as the temperatures at the top of the volcano are often below freezing.

Conclusion

Mount Semeru is the highest volcano on the island of Java and one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. The volcano has earned the nickname ‘Fire Mountain’ due to its frequent eruptive activity. Although climbing the Semeru volcano is a challenging feat, the spectacular view from the top is well worth the effort. If you are an adventure seeker and have dreamed of climbing a volcano, then the Semeru volcano is the perfect one to conquer. This is one of the best adventures you will ever experience, and it is an experience that you will never forget.