Mt Merapi spewing lava in Central Java

Mt. Merapi in Central Java is spewing molten lava in flows up to 100 meters long. Indonesia has still not raised the danger level to the maximum, and locals are still farming in the vicinity. One of the reasons people don’t want to leave is they know other people will steal their cattle.

Scientists think Mt. Merapi will leak more lava, rather than explode, ‘Krakatoa style’. That’s good news for local as far as the danger element.

Visitors to Bali might like to hike a volcano. I have hiked 3, which are Mt. Batur, Mt. Agung, Mt. Catur. Here’s the rundown.

• Mt Batur: Unique location, inside a huge caldera (crater). Aggressive locals. Expensive to hike (could be 400,000rp depending on which guide you talk to). Takes about 2 hours up, 1 down. Best avoided.
• Mt. Agung: Big mountain. You can hire a guide or go alone. Basically one long, steep, hike without switchbacks. You can start from 2 locations, Besakih and Pura Pasar Agung. The first takes several hours, the second, around 5 hours to reach the summit. Less going down. Only hike this mountain in the dry season.
• Mt. Catur: Pleasant, free, hike up a forested path. Steep in places but never dangerous. Takes 2-3 hours and half that coming down.

If you hike any volcano / mountain, take plenty of water, some food and sun protection.