A trip to Yogyakarta isn’t complete without visiting the natural wonders at the foot of Mount Merapi. This volcano, located north of Yogyakarta and bordering Central Java, is the most active in Indonesia.
The area around Mount Merapi offers cooler weather compared to downtown Yogyakarta or the beaches, plus breathtaking views of the landscape. But what makes this place stand out? The highlight is an off-road adventure through the volcanic slopes, where you’ll explore areas affected by past eruptions, all from the comfort of a Jeep.
This activity, known as the Lava Tour, takes you on a journey through Indonesia’s most active volcano and lets you see the aftermath of Merapi’s powerful eruptions in 2006 and 2010.
It’s an exciting and emotional experience. As someone living in Central Java, I remember seeing the news after those eruptions—it was overwhelming to witness the extent of the destruction.
On this journey, I’ll guide you through everything: the history behind the Lava Tour, the route from Yogyakarta to the site, the main attractions, and an estimate of the costs. Let’s get started!
How the Lava Tour Began: A Story of Recovery and Adventure
The Lava Tour Merapi started in 2013, a few years after the massive eruption of Mount Merapi on October 26, 2010. That eruption was one of the worst ever, killing hundreds of people and wiping out entire villages. Homes were destroyed, and many families lost everything.
The disaster was caused by scorching hot clouds of gas and ash dust, called Wedus Gembel, that traveled as far as 15 km from the top of the volcano, with temperatures reaching up to 800°C. On top of that, thick ashfall and cold lava floods made things even worse, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.
I remember when I was watching the news and seeing people covered in ash dust, as if they had stepped straight out of an old black-and-white movie. After the eruption ended, people returned to their villages, hoping to find what was left. Sadly, most of what they found were burned-out like motorcycles, broken plates, and other ruined belongings. Many lost their livestock animals like cows, goats, and chickens—to the eruption.
Three years later, the area started to turn into a tourist destination. The people, slowly recovering from the trauma, decided to honor what they had been through. Some even turned the ruins of their homes into small museums or memorials. And that’s how the Merapi Lava Tour began—a mix of adventure and a tribute to the past.
The Lava Tour isn’t about visiting the volcano’s crater or seeing active lava. Instead, it’s an off-road journey through the areas affected by the eruption. Riding in a Jeep through the rugged landscape has become a favorite for visitors, making it a thrilling and emotional experience that’s hard to forget.
Where is the Lava Tour Located?
The Lava Tour is located at the foot of Mount Merapi, precisely in Sidorejo District, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, about 27 km from the city. You can head north by following Jalan Kaliurang, which takes approximately one hour by motor vehicle. If you spot Jeep rental services, it means you are very close to the location. The tour is conducted using Jeeps, as the road conditions leading to the tourist site are quite steep and damaged.
Lava Tour Activities
There are several locations commonly visited during the Merapi Lava Tour, such as visiting the Mbah Maridjan Museum, Kaliadem Bunker, and Omahku Memoriku Museum. Below, I will explain further about the locations that are usually visited during the Merapi Lava Tour.
Mbah Maridjan’s Petilasan Museum (Merapi’s Gatekeeper)
The first stop on the Lava Tour is Mbah Maridjan’s Petilasan Museum, located in Kinahrejo, just 4 km from the center of the Merapi eruption. This hamlet was one of the hardest-hit areas during the 2010 eruption.
Mbah Maridjan, one of the victims, was Merapi’s gatekeeper (Juru Kunci), an official guardian assigned by the Keraton Yogyakarta (The Kingdom Palace) to protect the mountain. He had a deep connection with the locals, who believed in his strong knowledge of nature and spirituality.
To honor his legacy, his house has been turned into a museum and memorial, now known as Mbah Maridjan’s Petilasan Museum.
Inside, you’ll find items left behind after the eruption, including household objects, the skeleton of a motorbike, Mbah Maridjan’s gamelan instruments, and a charred van. There’s also a replica of a grave, marking the place where his body was found, in a prostration position.
When the eruption struck, not only did Mbah Maridjan lose his life, but around 6 PM, Merapi became more unstable, spewing deadly hot clouds. A volunteer and a journalist tried to evacuate him and several other residents, but the Wedus Gembel (pyroclastic flow) reached them too quickly.
A memorial has been built to remember the victims, with the names of those who perished inscribed on it.
Thinking about the intensity of the eruption always leaves me emotional. It’s hard to imagine how the heat could burn an entire van and wipe out a whole village. This journey is especially meaningful to me because I live in Central Java, where the eruption’s impact reached us too. For a week, volcanic ash rained down on our home.
Kaliadem Bunker
The next stop, which is just as impressive, is the Kaliadem Bunker, located directly to the east of Mbah Maridjan’s Petilasan. This bunker was built in 2001 as a shelter for residents during natural disasters caused by Mount Merapi.
The bunker was equipped with a water tank intended to cool survivors from the scorching heat of the Wedus Gembel (pyroclastic clouds). Unfortunately, during Merapi’s 2006 eruption, two people sought refuge inside the bunker, but tragically, they were found dead due to the extreme heat of the pyroclastic flow.
Today, the Kaliadem Bunker is no longer used as a shelter but has become a tourist attraction. You can explore the inside of the bunker or take photos outside, with the peak of Mount Merapi serving as a stunning backdrop.
Additionally, many stalls now sell snacks and souvenirs around the area. One of the favorite local treats here is Tempe Bacem served with sticky rice—resembling sushi but perfect for vegans.
Another activity to try is a short hike or simply enjoying the breathtaking views around the bunker.
What are the other places in Yogyakarta you shouldn’t miss? Read Yogyakarta: Most Popular Tourist Attractions and Practical Tips
Omahku Memoriku Museum
Another memorial museum is Omahku Memoriku, located in the former house of Sarsuwaji, a survivor of the Merapi eruption. It is situated to the south, in Kepuh Harjo Village, Cangkring District, about 2.7 km from the Bunker.
Sarsuwaji’s old house has been transformed into a museum displaying photos, remnants of belongings, and the skeleton of his cow, which also perished in the eruption. There are other similar museums, such as the Mini Museum Sisa Hartaku, but during my visit, I only explored Omahku Memoriku.
I took several photos at this museum with my friend Rahmi.
This museum is included in the tour packages offered by Jeep rental operators and often marks the end of this emotionally stirring journey.
Other Activities
In addition to the museum visits, you can enjoy other activities during the Lava Tour, such as watching the sunrise from the heights of Merapi, taking pictures at the Batu Alien (Alien Rock), seeing the Gendol River, which served as a cold lava flow path, or visiting The Lost World Castle, a popular tourist spot in Yogyakarta.
How to Get to the Merapi Lava Tour
To reach the Lava Tour in Yogyakarta, it’s best to rent a car or motorbike, as public transportation is limited. While Trans Jogja buses can take you only as far as Pakem Terminal, which is about 8 km from the nearest Jeep rental station, other public transportation options like angkot (public minivans) are rare, and you might have to wait a long time for one.
If you’re traveling alone or with a partner, renting a motorbike is a good option. For groups, it’s better to rent a car. This activity is even more enjoyable when done with friends or family, as each Jeep can accommodate 4-5 passengers.
Interested in how public transportation in Yogyakarta works? Read our guide Public Transportation in Yogyakarta.
Is the Off-road Tour Safe for Children?
The off-road experience is generally safe for children. Jeep drivers will adapt to the needs of their passengers, and if a route feels too extreme or dangerous, they will take a safer alternative path. Don’t hesitate to remind the driver if needed!
How to Rent a Jeep
Renting a Jeep is easy—you can find several Jeep rental basecamps in the area. Alternatively, you can book a tour service that offers Lava Tour Merapi trips online via platforms like GetYourGuide or Klook. From my experience, Klook offers cheaper activities while GetYourGuide offers more full day trips that combine merapi tour with other activities such as Borobudur or Prambanan Trips. Below are some recommendations for tour services.
Estimated Prices and Duration for Jeep Rentals
The rental price of a Jeep for the Lava Tour usually depends on the length of the trip you choose. They offer tour packages with details on the locations, duration, and rental costs.
Short Trip:
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Price: IDR 400,000 per jeep (26 USD)
- Includes: Visits to 3-4 tourist spots
Medium Trip:
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Price: IDR 500,000 per jeep (32 USD)
- Includes: Visits to 5-6 tourist spots
Long Trip:
- Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Price: IDR 600,000 per jeep (39 USD)
- Includes: All available locations
If you’re skilled at riding trail motorbikes, you can also rent one, with prices starting from IDR 200,000.
Summary
The Lava Tour Merapi is one of the exciting activities you can enjoy while visiting Yogyakarta. It offers a unique way to learn about nature, volcanic activities, and history all at once. Plus, the fresh air and open outdoor environment make the experience even more refreshing. So, don’t miss out on this memorable, thrilling, and fun adventure!
Be sure to check out our other articles related to Yogyakarta!