Merbabu is one of the mountains which are very popular among mountain climbers in Indonesia. Merbabu located in Central Java at an altitude of 3,142 masl. This mountain has a climbing terrain that is not too hard but has a very beautiful view. Merbabu itself stands adjacent to Mount Merapi in the south.
Merbabu known to have the second highest peak of the Peak Sharif (3,119 masl) and Peak Kenteng Songo (3,142 masl). Although the mountain is said to sleep but in fact this mountain has five craters namely: Condrodimuko Crater, Crater Kombang, Kendang, Rebab and Crater Sambernyowo.
Merbabu can climb through four channels, namely:
1. Strip Selo (Boyolali)
2. Wekas path (Magelang)
3. Cunthel path (Magelang)
4. Thekelan path (Magelang)
Climbing Mount Merbabu path via Selo, Boyolali
To reach basecamp climbers Merbabu via Selo we take the bus majors Magelang Boyolali Selo then down at the police station. From Selo is no public transport that can be used to get to the base camp and one of the ways that we can use is to ride motorcycles. Here there are two basecamap that we can use that is located about 50 meters before the gate lines merbabu mountaineering. There penujuk board in front basecamp so that the climbers could easily find it.
After arriving at basecamp we can register with the rate of Rp 4,000 per person. If entrusts the motor is charged Rp 3,000 per motorcycle. The Merbabu not enforced quota system, so there is no limit how many climbers are allowed to climb unless there are certain important things like forest fires, landslides or hiking trail or also search the missing climbers. To register we can use the ID card, KTM SIM for data collection purposes or if at any time there are things that are not desirable.
Basecamp - Heading 1 (Doc Malang)
From basecamp journey begins with a climb through the gates Merbabu Selo track. After that we will walk in the middle of a pine forest that is usually used as a camping ground. From here the route is still quite gentle and clear because all the way to the Post 1 There are many directions you can lead us. To get to the Post 1 takes about 1 hour drive.
Pos 1 itself in the form of a piece of land that we can use to set up several tents only. This post is located in the middle of the forest so the view is blocked by trees. The post 1 is also no building or shelter that we can make shelter when it rained, but it is also no springs here.
Heading 1 - Heading 2 (Pandean)
After heading Pos Pos 1 2 journey begins with a sloping path still stretching in the middle of a tropical forest where the air is cool. On the way we will find the shadow of the post. Before heading the shadow there is a fairly steep incline and this is the toughest tracks on the way to the Post 2. It takes approximately 45-60 minutes journey to reach Pos 2
Pos Condition 2 is almost equal to the Post 1 just a piece of land without any shelter. This post is also located in the middle of the jungle so there is still no sight could be seen.
Heading 2 - Heading 3 (Watu Write)
After that the journey continues to the Post 3 that this time the route has begun to open and have started a little uphill. Here we can see a view of the valley of the mountains and edelweiss flowers that grow on the slopes. To arrive at Pos 3 takes about 30-45 minutes.
Heading 3 in the form of flat land that is wide enough. In this post hikers can set up a lot of tents. Here the terrain is open so that the wind would blow hard in the absence of trees. The scenery is very beautiful Pos 3 with view of Mount Merapi, which seemed to stand with dashing.
Item 3 - Item 4 (Sabana 1)
To reach Heading 4 we have to pass through the lane arguably the most rugged along the ascent via Selo. The path in the form of a very dusty red soil during the dry season and will be very slippery when it rains. Many branching along the way, but all the back becoming one before arriving at the Post 4. Before Heading 4 we will pass a field that we can use to set up a tent. The scenery along the way is very beautiful with views of the vast stretches of savannah. It takes about 1 hour to get in Post 4.
Heading 4 is often called Sabana 1 because it is heading 4 is located on the edge of vast savannas and beautiful. The post 4 is also no shelter to shelter. Typically the climbers set up a tent near the tree to protect it from exposure to strong winds.
Item 4 - Item 5 (Sabana 2)
After heading 4 proceed to the Post 5 or many call Sabana 2. Along the way we will pass through charming scenery and will look so beautiful savanna 1 when viewed from a higher place. We have to cross open fields with a time of about 30 minutes to arrive at the post 5.
Heading 5 is located on the edge of a savanna. The post 5 is usually the climbers set up tents to stay overnight before dawn to continue the journey to the top.
Post Peak 5- Kenteng Song
Along the way to the peak we will find a lot of very beautiful edelweiss flower. Path traversed continued to climb up to the top. Paths are in an open area so that the fog and the wind hit us directly. To reach the top membutukan about 1 hour.
The peak Kenteng Songo is the highest peak among the seven peaks on Mount Merbabu. From here we can see Mount Merapi that stands proudly in the south.
source : explore1ndonesia