1

I can't really answer your question but... I went to Bromo NP six weeks ago, in April, fully intending to climb Semeru. Officials though, had closed Semeru to trekking because of heightened activity levels. This wasn't that long ago, but it's possible that the situation has changed since. If you were able to call someone in the park, or even a tour operator, I think they'd tell you for sure. If the activity levels have gone down, please let us know here!

2

Thanks for the information...actually I have emailed the NP but they have not replied yet. By the way (Jabista), did you managed to climbed any other mountain nearby instead? I may want to climb a different mt if Semeru is still closed.

3

It seems to be easier to climb Semeru from the Lumajang/ Ranu Pane side. You can drive right up to Ranu Pane and start the climb from there without the hassle of Bromo. It's a couple of hours to the first little hut at the lake (Ranu Kumbolo) and then you can make it all the way to the last stop to camp at Kalimati, before the steep climb, in the first day.
I have done it three times (all from that side) and was never asked to get a permit or anything else before starting although I would have had I been told it was necessary. I was quoted silly amounts by people in Malang for an organised tour/ climb and so avoided that side.

4

Hi wong,

For additional info check out

http://www.summitpost.org/semeru/151063

And please, let me know any updates on the permit thing once you have done the climb.It's a great trek!

All the best!

5

Hey wong - no I didn't climb anything else in the park except Bromo and the Penaljakan viewpoint above Cemoro Lawang (the latter was gorgeous at sunrise and I had it to myself because most tourists don't walk to the very top). But these are not real treks, just short walks to beautiful tourist attractions. Semeru would be great - good luck!

6

Thanks for all the information. Probably I will go to Ceromo Lawang, Penanjakan and Bromo first, then trek over to Ranu Pane. If the guard post at Ranu Pane don't ask for a permit, then i won't have to go to Malang, otherwise I have to go to Malang for the permit and come back...

7

you can trekking to semeru only up to kalimati because of the volcano activity. but a lot of people avoided this and trekking to sUmmit. i suggest you to trek arjuna and welirang mountain. this 2 mount connected and you can go to 2 summit with easy.

8

btw you can get the permit to semeru on the gate. the helthy letter you can get with easy from the nearest healthy clinic or just ask someone near the gate. they will help you.

9

Thanks haidararhab for your information, I may try arjuna and welirang if i can't get to the top of Semeru. How many days it will take to climb both arjuna and welirang?

10

3 or 4 days. read summitpost.org and gunungbagging.com about mount arjuna-welirang. i'm sure you won't dissapoint .

11

If I am short of time, is it possible to do either arjuna or welirang on a day trip, from the nearest village?

12

I have got all the info I wan from gunungbagging.com, thanks.

13

To anyone who plan to climb Semeru in the near future:
I got to the top of Semeru on 6 Jun. The permit can be obtained at the ranger post at Ranupani. Despite Semeru being quite calm at the moment, they only issue permit up to Kalimati. But nobody followed the permit, everyone went for the summit (about 30 to 40 people on 6 Jun). So don't worry if the rangers tell you that you can only climb to Kalimati, just follow the crowd.
As for the health certificate, I did not have one and they did not insist on it. But please bring a copy of your passport.
The last part of the climb above the tree line was harder than expected. It was really hard work on the loose volcanic scree. A pair of shoes with very deep cutting would be an advantage, and a pair of walking sticks would help a lot too (if you don't bring your own, ask your guide to cut a stick for you on your way up). 2 hours on this section is considered very fast. An average hiker would definitely take more than 2 hours and the weaker ones would take longer than 4 hours. So if you are not a strong hiker and you want to catch the summit sunrise (first light was about 5am, as Indon time is GMT+7), it is a good idea to start at 1 am instead of 2 am if you start from Kalimati. On the day we went for the summit, majority of the people missed the summit sunrise because of slow progress on the scree (most people were still struggling up as we were heading down, long after the sunrise).
Good luck.

14

Thanks for the update, Wong!

Semeru

What is the entrance fee now?