| Elevation | 3,265 m (10,712 ft); Prominence: 3,000 m |
|---|---|
| Province | Jawa Timur (East Java) |
| Ribu Category |  Sangat Tinggi |
| Links | Wikipedia English ; Wikipedia Indonesia |
Photos
Photos provided by Daniel Quinn
Bagging It!
This Ribu has an excellent path to the top from the south – it is perhaps Java’s easiest 3,000m peak, especially since the path starts at an elevation of 1,800m. It’s a great hike for those new to hiking in Indonesia. The closest town to the starting point is Tawangmanggu, about an hour’s bus ride from the city of Solo. Tawangmanggu has plenty of accommodation which is probably worth making use of so that you can get an early start the next morning.
The trailhead is a few kilometres further east at Cemoro Sewu, where you are requested to register. It is a very popular hike with Indonesian students and there is even a warung (shop) and well (for holy water), Sendang Drajad, near the top. Unless you are both incredibly fit and in a hurry, you will probably need to camp one night on the mountain. The mountain lies on the border of Central and East Java and sunsets over Merapi and Merbabu are nothing less than spectacular. Apparently, the last king of Majapahit Empire in the 15th century, King Brawijaya V, retreated here – there is a prominent cave, Sumur Jolotundo, on the way up – and accordingly the mountain has significant traditional and spiritual significance for the Javanese.
There are 5 posts (pos) on the way up and it takes approximately one hour between each: Taman Sari Bawah (‘lower garden’), Taman Sari Atas (‘upper garden’), Pos Penggik (near the spring Sendang Panguripan) and Cokro Suryo which is a superb viewpoint. Beyond Cokro Suryo are some small cottages, Pesanggrahan Argo Dalem, and a fifteen minute walk above the cottages is the peak, which is known as Argo Dumilah. There is a large cement column and spectacular views in all directions. The best places to camp are just below the cement pillar on the peak or lower down towards the cottages where porters usually to spend the night. It gets very cold near the top and unprepared climbers have died on Lawu so take extra layers of clothing with you.
After admiring the sunrise over the peaks of East Java, you can descend the same way in approximately 4 hours, or if you’re feeling very adventurous head west to visit the ancient Candi Ceto temple and then take an ojek or angkot back round to Tawangmanggu (30 minutes). If doing the latter, make sure you have a guide who knows the way as it is much less used than the ascent route from Cemoro Sewu.
Practicalities
| Getting there | There are regular flights and train services from Jakarta to Solo (Surakarta). From there, take public transport to Tawangmanggu (approximately 90 minutes). |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Tawangmanggu offers a small selection of places to stay. |
| Permits | Register at Cemoro Sewu |
| Water sources | Available near the summit – both at the holy well and at the warung (small shop). |
I felt tired when climbing this mountain, because the road is long and far. But you should try it, hehehe..
Was on Ceto’s route heading up to Lawu on the 13th March 2010. Were making good progress and arrived at Post 3 late in the afternoon only to find a 5 days old corpse. Went back down to report and SAR brought a female corpse down. Apparently there’s foul play suspected so the plan to bury her up on Post 3 was cancelled. Oh well, see you next time Lawu.
Lawu is an amazing hike.The road to the National Park will take you out of Solo and into Tawangmangu which is gorgous tapestry of mountainous jungle and classical Javanese terraced rice fields, no doubt ancient in their own right. Twangmanggu is worth exploration itself.
From Tawangmanggu you go to the park’s entrance at Cemoro Sewu. Once you enter the part you immediately start ascending and steadily gaining altitude. As usual the Volcano is used for farming uintil transforming into its own exotic wonderland.The higher you go the more breathtaking the views; and if you stay overnight.
You will be greeted to an amazing sunrise standing nearly 10,000 feet at POS 3 which is just a bunch of ample flat spots to camp at.
Once you arrive at the summit you will be treated to a vast arrays of volcanic ranges and Stratovolcano “Hall of Famers” such as Semeru,Arjuna,Merapi and Merbabu to name a few. Enjoy. The best part is that the road to Cemero Sewu is world class for Indonesian standards and their are manmade ande natural steps almost all the way to the top. You may also meet some cheerful locals making a spiritual trek to the summit!