Twenty of the Best Weekend Hiking Trips from Jakarta

It is quite surprising how much you can achieve over a regular weekend from Jakarta if you are willing to leave straight after work on a Friday afternoon and not get back home until late Sunday night (or very early on a Monday morning in some cases!) Below are twenty of the very best hiking trips that are possible over a normal weekend, with some information on logistics. Strictly speaking, none of them even require any flights as you can use trains, buses and boats, but if you prefer then it is quite possible to cut the travelling time a little (and increase sleeping time) by flying instead.

Some important points:

  • As most of these trips involve train travel, you need to book more than one month ahead, preferably two or the maximum three (90 days). Otherwise tickets will have sold out for what are very popular weekend services. The Traveloka App is an easy way to book ahead. Economy class seats are not recommended for longer journeys so stick to Executive (eksekutif) and Business (bisnis) class. The two main departure stations in Jakarta are Gambir and Pasar Senen, both in Central Jakarta, but the very cheap commuterline services can be used to get to Bogor (for Gunung Salak) and Rangkasbitung (for Gunung Karang and the Krakatau Islands).
  • The twenty destinations below stretch from Lampung to Central Java. Maxmimum length of journey in one direction is around 7 and a half hours (Yogyakarta) but more typically 5 (Purwokerto or Pekalongan) or 6 (Semarang). Those who are happy to sleep on trains in both directions could easily add another eight destinations on to the list – Gunungs Lawu, Kelud, Liman, Butak, Anjasmoro, Penanggungan, Bromo and Lamongan (all in East Java) by taking train services to Surabaya and Malang. Those who are happy to fly in both directions could add even more destinations (via Medan in North Sumatra, Padang in West Sumatra, Bengkulu in Bengkulu province, Bandar Lampung in Lampung province, both main airports in Bangka Belitung, Banyuwangi in far East Java, Denpasar in Bali, Makassar in South Sulawesi, Manado in North Sulawesi and Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru in Peninsular Malaysia.

1. Gunung Tangkuban Parahu (West Java)


This volcano consisting of numerous active craters is one of the leading tourist attractions in West Java – mainly because it is an easy day-trip from Bandung and there is a road all the way to the Jaya Giri car park at the edge of Kawah Ratu crater at 1,830m! Stalls line the fences overlooking the craters and the sound of the call to prayer, angkots and ojeks rings in the air. However, it’s an impressive viewpoint, and there is actually some incredibly wild trekking to be done across the mountain massif despite the many masts which crown the long summit ridge. There are many sulphur vents in Kawah Ratu but there hasn’t been a major eruption since 1926.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Reserve a ticket on the Argo Parahyangan train from Gambir to Bandung on Friday afternoon and return by the same method on the Saturday evening or Sunday. Tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. You could also take a shuttle bus but be warned that the traffic could be horrendous. Read more

2. Gunung Papandayan (West Java)


This Ribu is located about one hour’s drive from the town of Garut and actually has a car park at over 2,000 metres above sea level on the edge of the active craters. There is an alternative route to the mountain from Cileuleuy and Pangalengan but the approach from the main crater is by far the easiest and most popular. The scenery is some of the most spectacular and varied in West Java and the active crater attracts a lot of tourists.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Take a Garut-bound Primajasa bus from Ciputat, Lebak Bulus or Cililitan. Tickets are cheap and are normally just bought upon boarding. The earlier you can leave, the better traffic-wise. Consider spending the Friday night at Cipanas near Garut or in Garut itself. Return by the same method on the Sunday. Read more

3. Gunung Slamet (Central Java)


Gunung Slamet is the highest peak in Central Java and second highest in Java island. Upon seeing Slamet during his first exploration of the world, Sir Francis Drake immediately directed his boat to dock in Cilacap on Java’s south coast. It is an immense mountain and the vast lava field summit is one of the most isolated places you can be in Java. It is also one of the best places to see both the north and south coasts. Slamet is one of Java’s more active volcanoes and there is almost always lots of gas around at the crater.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Depending on your preferred trailhead (Bambangan or Guci) take a train from Jakarta’s Gambir or Pasar Senen stations to Purwokerto (for Bambangan) or Tegal (for Guci) on Friday afternoon/evening. Tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Return by the same method on the Sunday or do a traverse of the mountain, returning by a different route. Read more

4. Gunung Gede-Pangrango (West Java)


This Ribu is one of the two peaks that form part of the famous Gede-Pangrango National Park. It is only 50 km drive from Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta, and is one of the most popular destinations in “The Puncak”, which is the area between Cisarua and Cibodas. Due to its proximity to Jakarta and Bandung, it sees over 50,000 visitors per year and there is actually a limit to how many climbers are allowed up each day. The most common starting point is at the entrance to the magnificent Cibodas Botanical Gardens where the Gede-Pangrango Park office is located (for permits, guides, porters and basic maps).

How to get there and back from Jakarta: If hiking from Cibodas or Gunung Putri then the only option is by road (via the toll to Bogor and then up to The Puncak area). This is congested at the best of times. If the less popular Selabintana route is open (double check), then you can take a commuterline train to Bogor, walk over the footbridge to Bogor Paledang station and take the Sukabumi-bound Pangrango train. The Pangrango train travels in both directions 3 times a day and you need to book well in advance as seats are limited (especially the more comfortable executive class). Return by the same method or do a traverse of the mountain. Read more

5. Gunung Merbabu (Central Java)


This Ribu is one of the most popular hikes in Central Java, and has spectacular views to other volcanoes in all directions from the summit area. It has five calderas, Condrodimuko, Kombang, Kendang, Rebab and Sambernyowo but no serious volcanic activity has been reported here for many decades. Merbabu can be climbed from Kopeng (northern slope, near to Semerang) or Selo (southern slope between Merbabu and Merapi and closer to Solo), The best hike is definitely a traverse from Kopeng to Selo, because the climb from Kopeng is a gentler slope and there is a good source of water halfway up. This hike could be completed in a day by very fit people, but an overnight stay on one of the summits is recommended.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Reserve a ticket on a Semarang-bound train from Gambir or Pasar Senen on Friday afternoon and return by the same method on the Sunday afternoon or evening. Tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Read more

6. Gunung Merapi (Central Java)


This Ribu is the most active volcano in Indonesia. Its name literally means mountain of fire and it is one of the world’s 16 Decade Volcanoes. It can therefore be very dangerous indeed. There was a major eruption in 2006 but nothing on the scale of what happened in October and November 2010 when a series of devastating eruptions killed over 300 people across a radius of almost 20km from the crater. Among the dead was Merapi’s gatekeeper, Mbah Maridjan, and the volcano was on a high level of alert for several months afterwards. Since mid-2011, Merapi has been relatively quiet again and it is possible to climb to the crater rim.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Reserve a ticket on a train from Gambir to Yogyakarta on Friday afternoon and return by the same method on the Saturday evening or Sunday. Tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Read more

7. Gunung Muria (Central Java)


This mountain is like the younger sibling of Gunung Lawu, as they are both pilgrimage mountains, both have considerable links to Indonesia’s pre-Islamic past, and both have gorengan food stalls on or near the summit! Whereas Lawu is a considerable hike, Gunung Muria is a half-day outing, or better still a sunrise trek.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Reserve a ticket on a Semarang-bound train from Gambir or Pasar Senen on Friday afternoon and return by the same method on the Sunday afternoon or evening. Tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Read more

8. Gunung Prau and the Dieng Plateau (Central Java)


When Gunung Bagging first visited back in 2010 there were no other hikers up at the top of Gunung Prau. Fast-forward to 2018 and social media has meant that it is now almost impossible to take a photo here without getting a tent ot two in the picture. But it’s a staggering panorama at dawn… the huge volcanic twins of Sindoro and Sumbing plus the fascinating Dieng Plateau down below. One of the very best viewpoints in Java.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Two possible routes… via Pekalongan or Purwokerto. Take a train from Jakarta’s Gambir or Pasar Senen stations to either of these cities on Friday afternoon/evening. Tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Return by the same method on the Sunday. Read more

9. Gunung Parang and the Jatiluhur hills (West Java)


This hill region near Jatiluhur reservoir is perhaps the finest day trip you can make from Jakarta, assuming you are willing to set off very early to beat the traffic. The area is about halfway between Jakarta and Bandung and all three main peaks – Parang, Bongkok and Lembu – are worth climbing in their own right.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Either take a Bandung-bound train and get off at Purwakarta or take a bus from Kampung Rambutan. Train tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Return by the same method. Read more

10. Guung Raksa and Panaitan Island (Banten)


Panaitan island is best known as a remote surfing spot but it also has a small mountain with an ancient statue on top. Not only is the hike enjoyable, but camping near the ocean on an island that sees few visitors is a brilliant way to relax after a week of mayhem in Jakarta.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Either by private car to Carita or Sumur (or wherever your boat captain is based) or by commuterline to Rangkasbitung and then private car. Ideally you need a group of 6 or 7 to make this trip affordable as hiring a speedboat and crew for the weekend is not cheap. Read more

11. Gunung Salak (West Java)


Bogor’s mountain, Gunung Salak can be hiked from several directions. The official trails start at Cidahu and Pasir Reungit.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: For Pasir Reungit, take a commuterline train to Bogor. For Cidahu, take a commuterline train to Bogor and then board the Pangrango train (reserved in advance) at Bogor Paledang station and get off at Cicurug and arrange transport up to the trailhead. Read more

12. The Krakatau Islands (Lampung)


Krakatau is world-famous and perhaps needs little introduction after having been in the news in late 2018 when Anak Krakatau collapsed and caused the catastrophic Sunda Strait tsunami. Whilst nearby islands remain treeless and previous camping beaches are no more, it is possible to visit once again and camp on a relatively unharmed beach on neighbouring Rakata island. This is perhaps the best weekend trip you can do from Jakarta. Most folk just do it as a day trip from Anyer or Carita but it is recommended that you spend a night camping out there.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Either by private car to Carita or Anyer (or wherever your boat captain is based) or by commuterline to Rangkasbitung and then private car. Ideally you need a group of 6 or 7 to make this trip affordable as hiring a speedboat and crew for the weekend is not cheap. Read more

13. Gunung Tampomas (West Java)


Although most commonly hiked from near Sumedang, the town famous for its tahu, Gunung Tampomas could actually be done as a day trip from Jakarta if you use the trail from Narimbang which lies in the north east. Whilst no giant in terms of elevation, Tampomas is an easy and enjoyable hike – perfect as the first of the season or as a warm-up for something more challenging – and there are pleasant views from the top.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Unless you want to spend a lot of time waiting for connections, private car is the best bet for either of the trailheads. However, you could combine the hike with a trip to either Bandung or Cirebon (using trains to either city from Jakarta). Read more

14. Gunung Karang and the Pandeglang hills (Banten)


After Gunung Halimun which borders West Java, Gunung Karang is the highest peak in Banten. There are two separate trails on the mountain both of which can be done as half-day hikes. The first leads to the forested summit with a mosque on top, and the second leads to a rarely-visited crater area. Given how close Gunung Karang is to Jakarta it is surprising that it is not yet as popular as similar peaks in West and Central Java.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Bus to Serang and then angkot to Pandeglang or commuterline to Rangkasbitung and angkot or ojek to Pandeglang. Read more

15. Gunung Sindoro and the Kledung Pass (Central Java)


Mount Sindoro is separated from its similarly conical but slightly higher neighbour, Gunung Sumbing, by the Kledung Pass (1,400m above sea level). Together, they dominate the Dieng plateau area and can both be climbed from Kledung village where there is a decent hotel. There is another straightforward and slightly shorter ascent from the north at Sigedang (1,900m). 

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Two possible routes… via Semarang or Purwokerto. Take a train from Jakarta’s Gambir or Pasar Senen stations to either of these cities on Friday afternoon/evening. Tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Return by the same method on the Sunday. Read more

16. Gunung Malabar and the Pangalengan tea plantations (West Java)


This vast mountain area lies directly south of Bandung in Cisangkuy valley and is surrounded by a huge tea plantation – the largest in West Java. There used to be a Radio Malabar transmitter station here which was world famous in colonial times – all that remains today is a few crumbling stone walls. The name of the mountain is apparently taken from India’s Malabar coast and Hindu tradition and culture remain strong in this area.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Take the Argo Parahyangan train from Jakarta’s Gambir to Bandung. Then bus to Pangalengan from Leuwipanjang terminal. Train tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Return by the same method on the Sunday. Read more

17. Gunung Rajabasa and the southern tip of Sumatra (Lampung)


Gunung Rajabasa is the southernmost Ribu on the island of Sumatra and, as such, is easily accessible from Jakarta in a weekend. Because of its low height it is unfairly overlooked by many hiking clubs, but this is a positive thing because it means that the forest is still full of wildlife and there is little litter or noise or trail erosion here! Not yet anyway, so enjoy it while you can!

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Reserve a DAMRI bus ticket from Gambir station to Bandar Lampung. These can be booked ten days in advance in person at the office behind Gambir station in Central Jakarta. The ticket price includes the ferry crossing from Merak (Java) to Bakauheni (Sumatra). Tell your driver you want to get off in Kalianda, which is about 30 minutes from Bakauheni. Return by the same method on the Sunday. Read more

18. Gunung Ciremai (West Java)


A solitary giant, this Ribu is the highest peak in West Java province and one of the most popular hikes in Indonesia. The starting points for the hike are 2 to 3 hours by car or public bus to the south of Cirebon, which itself is easily accessible from Jakarta by train. There are three starting points and it is easy to ascend by one route and descend the other. 

How to get there and back from Jakarta: For any of the routes, Cirebon is the nearest major city. Take a train from Jakarta’s Gambir or Pasar Senen stations on Friday afternoon/evening. Tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Return by the same method on the Sunday. Read more

19. Gunung Ungaran and Gedong Songo temples (Central Java)


Just an hour by car from the city of Semarang is Mount Ungaran. Many people visit the southern slopes of this mountain, not because of the mountain itself but because of the impressive ancient Gedong Songo temple monuments which are scattered across the hillside. The name ‘gedong songo’ literally means nine buildings, and these Hindu relics date from approximately 900AD and were ‘discovered’ in the nineteenth century by Stamford Raffles and later restored.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Take a train from Jakarta’s Gambir or Pasar Senen stations to Semarang on Friday afternoon/evening. Tickets are available 90 days in advance and weekend seats sell out quickly. Return by the same method on the Sunday. Read more

20. Gunung Cikuray (West Java)


This Ribu is the highest peak in the whole of the Parahyangan highlands of West Java. It is a beautiful dormant cone and dominates the landscape near Garut. Given its height, it is actually fairly straightforward because on several hiking routes there are farm fields reaching high up the mountainside. There are now many routes up the mountain, all of which are short enough to make this a possible day-hike, though the finest views are usually at sunrise and sunset.

How to get there and back from Jakarta: Take a Garut-bound Primajasa bus from Ciputat, Lebak Bulus or Cililitan. Tickets are cheap and are normally just bought upon boarding. The earlier you can leave, the better traffic-wise. Consider spending the Friday night at Cipanas near Garut or in Garut itself. Return by the same method on the Sunday. Read more

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