- Address: Pasrujambe Lumajang Regency, East Java Indonesia
- Height: 3676 m
One of the highest volcanoes on the island of Java is the Semeru (Semeru), it is also called Muhomeru (Mahameru). It is located in the southern part of the Tanger caldera (volcanic complex) and is active.
general information
From 1818 there were 55 volcanic eruptions, which were accompanied by large-scale destruction and human casualties. Since 1967 Semer is constantly active. From it erupt clouds of ash and smoke, as well as pyroclastic material. The interval is from 20 to 30 minutes. These processes are most active in the southeastern crater.
The most terrible eruption occurred in 1981, when torrential rains provoked the formation of huge landslides. After their descent, 152 people from the nearest settlements were injured, and 120 aboriginals were missing. In 1999, two climbers died from ballistic fragments, and in 7 months an explosion occurred, which led to the death of several volcanologists.
Description of the volcano
Seven is one of the most active volcanoes on our planet. Its name translates as "Great Mountain". The highest point reaches 3676 m above sea level, and the volcano itself consists of basalts and andesites. To study the geological history of the object began only in the XIX century.
It was formed under the influence of the Tenger and was formed as a result of faults in the earth's crust and in the outflow of magma. The volcano has several flat-bottomed craters (maars) filled with lava lakes. The depth of the largest of them is 220 m, width varies from 500 to 650 m.
The debris flows off near the city of Limajang. This populated area is in daily danger of being flooded with mud and ash.
Peculiarities of visiting Semeru
Ascent of the volcano begins in the village of Ranupani (Ranupani). The tour usually takes 3-4 days and depends on your physical abilities. Usually tourists spend:
- to climb - 2-3 days;
- on the descent - 1 day.
To climb to the top of the mountain you can independently (remember that there is a chance to get lost) or accompanied by a guide. All climbers must receive a special permit to climb in the official office of Semer, who is in the village. Here you can find all the necessary information about the state of the volcano, a map of the area and equipment:
- sleeping bags;
- tents;
- caremats;
- Food;
- warm clothing, etc.
The route itself is long and complicated. It is divided into 2 parts:
- From the village to the base camp Kalimati (Kalimati), where you can relax, eat and get used to the altitude, which is 2700 m above sea level. The journey takes about 8 hours and starts at dawn. Here you will see the picturesque lake Ranu Kumbolo, where swimming is prohibited. The water in the pond is crystal clear, so it is used for cooking and drinking.
- From the camp to the top of the mountain. Usually the ascent from this point begins at 23:00, so that tourists can meet the dawn on the volcano. The journey takes up to 4 hours. It is very dangerous to look into the crater, although it is interesting: you can be seriously injured by stones during the eruption.
The air temperature at the top can drop below 0 ° C. The best time to conquer the mountain is from May to July. Ascent to the Semeru volcano is prohibited during the period of increased seismic activity. In the villages, small hotels are built, where you can wait out this process.
How to get there?
To reach Ranupani from the nearest settlements it is possible on a minibus or a motorcycle on roads: Jl. Nasional III or Jalan Raya Madiun - Nganjuk / Jl. Raya Madiun - Surabaya.