Gunung Merapi is a stratovolcano with an elevation of 2,910 metres and at the very foot of the volcano is the city of Yogyakarta. The centre is about 30 km away from the summit as the crow flies.

Mount Merapi is Indonesia's most active volcano and large eruptions occur about 1-2 times a year.

The eruptions usually do not directly threaten the inhabitants of the surrounding towns, but the volcano has taken many lives, especially of tourists.

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Climb to the top of Merapi

There are several ascent routes to the summit, but the shortest and easiest is from the village of Selo on the northern slopes of the volcano in the valley between Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu.

The trail to the crater is 2.3 km one way and covers 1,103 metres.

It usually takes 4 hours up and 4 hours down.

Climbing Mount Merapi has been banned since 2018 due to dangerous volcanic activity. It is strongly recommended to follow this ban. The top of the mountain is truly life-threatening due to the unpredictable activity.