East Java contains some of the largest and most impressive mountain massifs in Indonesia and there are relatively few hikes that can be completed in a single day. The provincial capital is the city of Surabaya, which has an international airport, and the area is served by reasonably good railway services, connecting Banyuwangi, Malang and Surabaya with destinations in other Java provinces.

Semeru, Java’s highest peak, Arjuno, Argopuro, Lawu, and Raung are all world-class mountain hikes. Butak and Ijen (Merapi) offer splendid views but are much less well-known than they deserve to be. Bromo (Pananjakan) is perhaps the most famous viewpoint in Indonesia, and understandably so. Penanggungan is a fascinating, holy mountain easily climbed as a day trip from Surabaya. Liman is the highest peak in a large, remote mountain range not yet famous with hikers. Baluran is the most easterly mountain in Java, though infrequently climbed. Lamongan (Tarub) is a superb double-peak with a spectacular deep crater. Kelud is one of the most volatile volcanoes in Indonesia and its summit cliffs are the domain of serious rock climbers only. Pulau Bawean (Gunung Tengghi) is an island 150km north of Surabaya which looks like it might offer a decent hike to the island highpoint.

A Selection of Photos of East Java’s Ribus

The true summit of Gunung Raung (Taufan, 2009) The true summit of Gunung Raung (Taufan, 2009)

The true peak of Kelud shrouded in mist (Daniel Quinn, February 2011) The true peak of Kelud shrouded in mist (Daniel Quinn, February 2011)

Kawah Ijen – the rim (Barry Claasen, October 2009) Kawah Ijen – the rim (Barry Claasen, October 2009)

Interesting cloud shadow seen from Lawu (Jia Hao, July 2010) Interesting cloud shadow seen from Lawu (Jia Hao, July 2010)

Map of East Java’s Ribus

Download these peaks as a kml file.

Statistics and Links to East Java’s Ribus

Name	Elevation	Prominence	Ribu Category	Island	Bagging Info
Semeru	3,676 m	3,676 m	Sangat Tinggi	Java
Arjuno	3,339 m	2,811 m	Sangat Tinggi	Java
Raung	3,332 m	3,069 m	Sangat Tinggi	Java
Lawu	3,265 m	3,118 m	Sangat Tinggi	Java
Argopuro	3,088 m	2,745 m	Sangat Tinggi	Java
Butak	2,868 m	1,673 m	Tinggi Sedang	Java
Ijen (Merapi)	2,803 m	1,218 m	Tinggi Sedang	Java
Bromo (Pananjakan)	2,782 m	586 m	Spesial	Java
Liman	2,563 m	2,130 m	Tinggi Sedang	Java
Kelud	1,724 m	938 m	Spesial	Java
Lamongan (Tarub)	1,667 m	1,108 m	Kurang Tinggi	Java
Penanggungan	1,653 m	1,020 m	Kurang Tinggi	Java
Baluran	1,265 m	1,022 m	Kurang Tinggi	Java
Ringgit	1,249 m	890 m	Spesial	Java
Pulau Bawean (Gunung Tengghi)	655 m	655 m	Spesial	Java