The most epic volcanoes in Indonesia to hike

Towering over Bali at 3,031 metres, Mount Agung is the tallest volcano on the island. It’s an important religious site for Balinese Hindus who regard it as the home of the gods. It’s worth visiting Pura Besakih, Bali’s largest and holiest temple perched on the slopes of the mountain. Although the climb to the summit of Mount Agung doesn’t require any technical skills, it does require a good level of fitness as some parts can get quite steep. One of the main routes to the top starts from Pura Pasar Agung which takes four to five hours, whereas the route from Besakih takes six to seven hours. The trek usually starts in the middle of the night so you can reach the summit in time to catch the sunrise.

If Mount Agung sounds a little too strenuous for you, Mount Batur is a great alternative. At 1,717 metres, this is a much easier climb which only takes between two and three hours. Surrounded by the mountains of the Kintamani region, Mount Batur offers some of Bali’s most breathtaking views. From the top, you can admire the shimmering Lake Batur, lava flows, miles of patchwork fields, and Mount Agung looming in the distance. After your hike, reward yourself with a dip in the many natural hot springs on the lake's edge. This area of north Bali is also home to many stunning waterfalls such as Tukad Cepung Waterfall, so it’s worth adding on a visit to them.

Standing at 3,805 metres, Mount Kerinci is the tallest volcano in Indonesia. It’s located within the Kerinci Seblat National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread over almost 14,000 square kilometres of tropical rainforest. The best part about trekking here is that you can combine it with wildlife watching, as it’s home to endangered species like the Sumatran tiger and Sumatran rhino, as well as leopards, elephants, tapirs, and sun bears. The climb itself is challenging and involves rugged slopes and scrambling in parts. From the starting point of Kersik Tuo village, it usually takes between two and three days to reach the summit. It’s well worth it though, as the summit offers views of a huge crater lake and other surrounding peaks.

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable hike, you have to add Mount Ijen to your itinerary. At 2,769 metres, it may not be the highest volcano on this list, but it certainly is one of the most dramatic. The climb is pretty moderate, taking about two hours to get to the top. It’s best done in the early hours of the morning so that you can witness the blue flame phenomenon which occurs when sulphuric gases combust. From the summit, climb down into the crater (you’ll want to put your gas mask on) to see the beautiful but deadly crater lake – surrounded by noxious fumes and sulphuric smoke, its turquoise waters are highly acidic and toxic, so make sure you keep a safe distance.

One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Merapi means ‘Mountain of Fire’. Despite frequent eruptions, it remains a popular climb for thrillseekers looking to reach the 2,910-metre summit. There are several routes you can take, but the New Selo one is the most popular, taking between four to six hours to the summit. It’s a tough climb that’s steep in parts, and you can sometimes see volcanic steam blowing out from vents in the mountain. While you’re in the area, pop into Museum Mini Sisa Hartaku, a fascinating and haunting museum where you can see artefacts from the 2010 eruption, such as household items and skeletons of farm animals. 

Soaring into the heavens at 3,726 metres, Mount Rinjani is the second-tallest volcano in Indonesia. The scenery is incredible up here, from thick jungle to savanna and montane forests. Depending on the route, treks range between two to four days. If you have the time, it’s worth heading down into the crater to camp by the lake and swim in the hot springs (although this can be done in a day, too). Some treks start from the village of Senaru, but if you want to climb the summit, then it’s better to start from the town of Sembalun. Be warned that the push to the summit is a challenging one, but you’ll forget all your pain once you lay eyes on the views of Lombok and the neighbouring islands of Bali and Sumbawa. Afterwards, head straight to the idyllic Gili Islands for a well-deserved beach break.

At a modest 1,639 metres, Kelimutu proves that you don’t need to hike the tallest mountains for epic views. The short and easy climb only takes about 30 minutes to the summit and is suitable for all age groups. At the top of the mountain are the famous tri-coloured lakes, each constantly changing colours due to the natural gases and chemicals in the water. Whether it’s blue, green, pink, brown or red, it’s very much a lucky dip, and you’ll never know what colours the lakes will be when you visit. Most people visit at sunrise, but those in the know will wait until mid-morning, as this is when the colours of the lakes are at their most vibrant.