5 Indonesian Hikes Exploding in Popularity Right Now!

If you are looking for something different and challenging, then you should be considering checking out some Indonesian Hikes.

When planning a hiking getaway, one generally does not have in mind a place that is better known for scuba diving, surfing and partying. Even riding elephants and playing with monkeys are more common past times than hiking. Make no mistake though, hiking is on the way up, and as more and more people hear about what it has to offer they are packing their boots and booking tickets to Indonesia.

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For a place that is so close to Australia, and easy to access from most countries in the western world, it is amazing that most of Indonesia is still relatively undiscovered. Sure, the world knows it’s there, but you only have to look at an island like Sumbawa, for example, to see how little is known about an island that is a just stones throw from Bali. Places like this are home to at least one highly rated Indonesian Hike, yet how many people have ever been there?

Indonesia consists of 17,000 islands. That’s a lot of landmass. It is also an extraordinary amount of beaches and coastline. What people tend to look past, however, is that the country sits squarely on the “Ring of Fire” and therefore is home to a hell of a lot of volcanos. Some of these are dormant, and some are still active. Either way the hikes and treks they provide are amazing, as are the waterfalls and rivers that naturally abound in the mountainous region that surrounds them.

But where to start? Not to worry! The Travel Author (me) has done the hard work for you and narrowed down a highlight tour of some the best Indonesian hikes the region provides. Read on!

Table of Contents

• Mount Batur
• Kawah Ijen Volcano
• Mount Rinjani
• Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo
• Padar Island
• Recommended Packing!

Mount Batur

Mount Batur is the most climbed mountain on Bali, and one of the most popular Indonesian Hikes for good reason. Not too long to deter the occasional hiker, and just long enough to make serious trekkers happy, the climb is relatively short but simply worth it.

On this mountain it’s all about the sunrise. Batur is known as one of the best places in Bali to view the dawn, with the spectacular event crowning each day over the distant peaks of Mount Rinjani and Mount Agung. The reflections off the surreal waters of Danau Batur, the crater’s own lake, only enhance the view more.

As far as hikes go, it is relatively straightforward. About a two hour hike, you can expect to start your trek at about 4am in order to reach the 1717m peak in time for the dawn, and a fresh cooked breakfast over the hot volcanic rocks.

It is definitely worth adding to your “to do” list on your next Bali holiday. For more information about the trek look here, and for a great tour operator check out Getyourguide.

Kawah Ijen Volcano

Kawah Ijen, or just Ijen Volcano, is located in far east Java. Easy to access via both Java or ferry from Bali, it is one of the most famous volcanos in the world. This is due to the natural phenomenon of the blue flames that occur within the crater.

Ijen is one of the most sulfur rich places in the world. So much so that once in the crater hikers have to wear gas masks if they want to get a closer look. This is due to the clouds of sulfur that drift around inside the crater itself.

The phenomenon of the blue flame occurs when the sulfur cloud comes into contact with air temperature in excess of 360°C, which is conveniently supplied by the molten lava beneath the surface. Viewing the flame is a once in a lifetime experience and not to be missed. Beware, though, that it can only be viewed at night so this is another hike that has to be started in the wee hours, which is OK because sticking around for the sunrise is all part of the trek. The first rays of the sun combining with the sulfur in the air makes for an event you will not witness elsewhere.

Also of interest at Ijen are the beautiful turquoise waters of the worlds most acidic lake that makes it’s home in the crater. The lake is toxic, but stunningly gorgeous for any photographers that happen by.

The hike itself takes about an hour to an hour and a half depending on fitness and is a straight forward sandy track up the side of the mountain. Once inside the crater the track becomes tricky, but only if you want to head down for a closer look at the lake and the flames. Beware of the local miners, though, that are busy hauling sulfur rich rock out of the crater by hand. They use the same path, so it can get quite busy.

For more info have a look here, and for a good tour operator and guide, once again check out getyourguide.

Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani is located on the island of Lombok. The island is easy to access from Bali via air or boat, and pretty much anywhere else due to the international airport.

As far as Indonesian hikes go, this is one of the harder ones. Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, topping out at 3726m. This is a trek that cannot be completed in a day, so you if you are up for camping on the side of an active volcano, this is for you! Options to climb Rinjani pretty much consist of 2D1N or 3D2N. Generally the longer option is for those that want to summit, however after the recent earthquakes on the island the summit trek is closed for now. Trekking to the crater rim is extraordinary though, and well worth it.

Make no mistake, the Mount Rinjani Trek is hard. You are pretty much climbing from the outset. Having said that, anyone with a generally good level of fitness can do it. The guides are experienced, know the track extremely well, and will help you if needed. This is one trek that is on nearly every climbers bucket list.

For a multi-day hike the price to climb is extremely reasonable. Most companies will provide a guide, food and equipment, and it will only set you back about $300. Great value for the experience, and the inclusions are excellent, usually with a waterfall tour thrown in as well.

Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo

A visit to Mount Bromo is on nearly every tourist to Java’s bucket list. It is an absolutely out of this world view. Standing on the rim of the caldera and taking in the view makes one believe they have entered some weird sci-fi movie, or been magically transported to the surface of Mars.

The Caldera of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a stark reminder of the results of the forces of nature that make up the region. Unlike other Volcanos in Indonesia, such as Rinjani, there is no beautiful lake or green forests. Instead there is a sea of black, cooled lava surounding the constantly simmering and smoking crater.

Getting to Mount Bromo is relatively easy, and can be done with or without a tour group. Overnight accommodation is readily available in the local town of Cemoro Lawang that is perched conveniently at the rim. From here, arise early to catch the fantastic sunrise and view across the caldera at Mount Bromo, Mount Botok and the highest point on Java, the notoriously dangerous Mount Semeru.

Once the sun is up, hike down into the caldera, across the lava and up to the rim of the crater itself. Directly below you is an extremely active volcano, something you don’t see every day.

Mount Botok, the muddy brown peak in the middle of the caldera is also hikable, as is Semeru itself. It is not recommended to make the trek up Mount Semeru, however, unless you are extremely experienced. It’s tough and dangerous, but of all Indonesian Hikes, this one is still a bucket list item for many climbers.

Padar Island

Not all Indonesian Hikes are confined to Mountains and Volcanoes. One of the most iconic photos you can take in the region can be located at the peak of Padar Island in the Komodo National Park. It’s a short hike, but worth the hassle of getting there.

Padar Island, as one would expect, can only be accessed by boat. The best way to get there is to hire a boat from Labuan Bojo, or have a visit to the island included in a tour. Once on the island there are several hikes you can do, all of them with spectacular views. The most popular is a short, half hour hike up a very steep hill from the main beach. Once at the viewpoint, the scenery is amazing. There are so many beaches, coves and inlets you couldn’t even point at them all.

Stay on Padar for the sunset if possible, otherwise the sunrise is just as good. either way you will find yourself trekking the hill in the dark at some point.

Indonesia is one of the most spectacular and yet volatile places on Earth. The sheer number of Indonesian hikes is amazing. For anyone who enjoys a challenge, getting out and seeing nature at it’s best, or is just looking for awesome photo opportunities, you can’t look past it!

Interested in Hiking Indonesia? Then check out THIS LIST of unknown and secret hikes that you will have almost to yourself!

Recommended Packing!

Hydro Flask

As with any hiking in the tropics things are bound to heat up. The Hydro Flask will keep your water icy cold for up to 24 hours in the most extreme environments.

Hiking Boots

On any hike, and especially on the volcanos of Indonesia, you will need good reliable footwear. You can’t go past a great set of hiking shoes and Merrell make the best around.

Day Pack

A good reliable backpack. Osprey are one of the biggest names in the market for good reason. They make them sturdy and comfortable, Just what you want on a hike up any mountain!

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