Mt. Semeru

The basics

For Java’s best views, you can climb to the 12,060-foot (3,676-meter) summit of Mt. Semeru. Trekking tours usually last 2 days and take you to the top at sunrise to look out over the surrounding caldera. Mt. Semeru is also a popular stop on tours of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park departing from the nearby city of Malang. These excursions typically also include the Coban Sriti and Kapas Biru waterfalls and Goa Tetes Cave, which you can reach through a jungle trail.

Things to know before you go

• Indonesian Hindus consider Mt. Semeru one of the country’s most sacred mountains, so bear this in mind when you’re climbing to the top.

• The volcanic trails in this park are gravelly and slippery, so sturdy hiking shoes and even walking poles come in handy.

• There are several Hindu temples inside the national park, so take a sarong to cover your legs and shoulders if you plan on going inside them.

How to get there

The city of Malang serves as the gateway to Mt. Semeru and Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, and can be reached on a flight from Jakarta. The park is a 1-hour drive from Malang, but once you’re inside, you’ll need a 4WD to conquer the rugged terrain; tours with included transportation are the easiest way to go.

When to get there

The park is open daily from before sunrise to late afternoon. Mt. Semeru is extremely active, so you’re likely to see it belching out smoke no matter when you go. The best time of year to visit East Java is during the dry season, from May through September.

The Ijen Crater

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park isn’t the only reason people flock to East Java; it’s also home to another natural marvel. The nearby Ijen Crater and its lake—part of Ijen UNESCO Global Park—is famous for being the most acidic lake in the world. You can visit in the early morning to see the “blue fire,” which occurs when sulfur gas is ignited.