I participated in the Mount Merapi jeep tour as part of my 2 day trip in Yogyakarta, where I also got to tour the famous Borobudur Temple and explore Jomblang Cave.

Overview

The Mount Merapi Jeep Tour is not about hiking Mount Merapi - Rather, it is an adventure that takes you on a jeep through the landscapes surrounding the mountain. The tour allows you to explore the aftermath of past eruptions while (ironically) enjoying great views of the volcano and surrounding countryside. This tour is operated by local guides and delivers a great balance of thrill and history. We booked this experience via JogjaTourPackage, which provided us a great experience and took great care of us throughout the tour.

In short, there are few key highlights of this tour:

1. Jeep Ride: Tours usually start at a designated base camp near Mount Merapi, where visitors are introduced to their drivers and jeeps. The jeeps are classic open-air jeeps, and will take you to different parts of the villages surrounding the volcano
2. Great Views: The journey provides unobstructed views of Mount Merapi (subject to weather) and nearby villages
3. Volcano museum visit: Visit Museum Omahku Memoriku, a museum near Mount Merapi that showcases artefacts of the volcanic eruption, such as burnt vehicles and visual images
4. Eruption lava flow: View the path carved by the lava flow during the eruption, which is now used actively for sand mining today

Should you Hike Mount Merapi?

As of 2025, no. Mount Merapi is Indonesia’s most active volcano and one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Central Java. Known as "Fire Mountain," it has erupted frequently over the centuries, shaping both the landscape and the lives of the communities around it.

In recent years, hiking Mount Merapi has become increasingly discouraged due to its status as one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with eruptions occurring approximately every 2-5 years. More notably, the 2010 eruption was one of the deadliest in history (see next section)

The volcano’s unpredictable nature poses significant risks to climbers, as eruptions can occur with little warning while releasing lava, ash plumes and deadly pyroclastic (a mix of hot gas, ash and rocks) flows. Recent volcanic activity and changes in government policies have also limited access to the summit to prioritize safety.

Local authorities and geological experts closely monitor the volcano and frequently update safety guidelines. As of now, ascending beyond certain points on the mountain is strictly prohibited to protect lives. Hence, those who still wish to explore the mountain's beauty can opt for the Mount Merapi Jeep Tour, which is a safer alternative.

Mount Merapi 2010 eruption

The 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi was one of the deadliest in recent history, claiming the lives of over 350 people and displacing thousands. It left an indelible mark on the region, reshaping the landscape and the lives of those who lived near the mountain. Massive amounts of volcanic ash and pyroclastic flows dispersed via the eruption devastated nearby villages like Kinahrejo, where entire communities were buried under layers of ash and rock. As a result, thousands of families were evacuated, with many losing their homes and livelihoods.

The eruption’s aftermath forced the affected to rebuild their lives in the face of tragedy. The shift also forced locals to seek alternative sources of livelihood, including tourism, which is why tourist activities like the jeep tour exists today. However, it is still being debated whether such acts are ethical.

Should you go for this Tour?

The Jeep Tour is recommended as a bonus if you have time, and some reasons why I think this would be a worthy experience are as follows:

1. Adventure and Scenery: The jeep experience adds an element of adventure, while the stunning views of Mount Merapi and its surrounding landscapes make for great photo taking opportunities.
2. History and Culture: The tour sheds light on the relationship between the mountain and the local communities, offering insights into their cultural and historical significance.
3. Educational Value: The tour is an opportunity to learn about the geological and social impact of Mount Merapi, and you get an up close first-hand opportunity to witness the aftermath of the volcanic eruption.

Mount Merapi Jeep Tour

The Mount Merapi Jeep Tour was conceived as a way for locals to showcase the region’s natural and historical significance through repurposing the volcanic aftermath as a tourist attraction. Expect to explore repurposed abandoned villages and other man-made landmarks.

When we arrived, we were given a quick overview of the programme before boarding the jeep. The jeep is open air and you can choose to either sit or for the more thrilling experience, stand. Our guide also asked how fast we wanted him to drive, to which we said to just go "his fastest".

We stood for most of the ride and held on dearly to the jeep so we didn't fall off during the more bumpy parts of the ride.

Museum Omahku Memoriku

Our first stop was at Museum Omahku Memoriku ("My Memories House Museum"). This small yet poignant museum showcases artifacts and remnants from the 2010 eruption, which was recovered from villages buried in volcanic ash.

This includes a range of items, such as melted household items, charred bicycles and personal belongings. Below is how the eruption obliterated a clock:

It was an interactive experience, as we got to learn about the eruption's impact through stories shared by our guide, who provided great context to the exhibits.

Overall, the museum offers a reminder of the volcano’s destructive power and its impact on the region and its people.

Alien Stone and Lava Flow

Next, we were brought to witness the aftermath of the eruption's lava flow of the landscape. We arrived at an area of barren ground, home to what the locals call the Alien Stone, or Batu Alien.

The Alien Stone is a massive volcanic boulder that was hurled down from Mount Merapi during its 2010 eruption. Its peculiar nickname comes from its unique shape, which many believe resembles a human face or an alien head when viewed from certain angles.

Today, the Alien Stone stands as a natural marvel, and is commonly accessible via the Jeep Tour. Its location is also set amidst the barren volcanic landscape which encapsulates the magnitude of the 2010 eruption.

Well, it's worth imagining the sheer force of the eruption that was able to transport a boulder of such size all the way down to its resting spot today.

We also got up close to witness the effect of the lava flow from the eruption. Although some greenery is blocking the image, you can see a dirt path below which was where the lava once flowed during the eruption. Today, the area is mostly used for sand mining.

As mentioned, I would suggest going for this Jeep Tour if you have time and if you are interested in learning more about Mount Merapi and its history while enjoying some thrill on an open-air jeep.