Trekking and Climbing Raung in East Java: The Ultimate Guide

Raung (3344m above sea level), is a unique volcano and one of the most active volcanoes in Java. Raung is located in the far east of Java, not far from Ijen Crater (The 2 volcanoes are part of the same volcanic complex and the same caldera). It is one of the least climbed volcanoes in Indonesia.

But, how to climb the Raung? Where to start? How to go to Raung? When to go? How much does it cost to do the Raung? Where to find guides and porters? Where to find camping gear? What are the mistakes to avoid?

How is the climb? what are its stages?

Information is difficult to find! Because Raung remains a little-climbed volcano and is an off the beaten track.

The purpose of this article is to give you all the necessary information to climb the Raung and the mistakes to absolutely avoided.

Then, for those who do not want to have the slightest hassle and who want to delegate to Go Volcano, the organization and the logistics of the trek, you will find the program and all the corresponding prices.

Finally, for the curious, at the very end of the article we will talk about Raung volcano, as well as its eruptions and its volcanic activity.

9 Things to Know Before Climbing Mount Raung

How to go to Raung volcano?

To go to the Mount Raung, there are 2 climbing routes (I talk about it in more detail below). So, there is the northern path (climb to the crater) via the village of Sumberwringin and the southern route (to the true summit) via Kalibaru.

Sumberwringin is accessible via the city of Bondowoso.

Kalibaru is located between the cities of Jember and Banyuwangi.

How to go to Sumberwringin?

To go to Sumberwringin, head towards Bondowoso, then towards Wonosari before heading to Sumberwringin itself. The simplest option is to drive your own car or motorbike.

How to go to Kalibaru?

By Plane :The nearest airports are Banyuwangi and Jember (both are located about 90 minutes drive from Kalibaru).

There are direct flights from Malaysia, Jakarta, and Surabaya to Banyuwangi Airport and direct flights from Surabaya to Jember Airport.

By Train: Kalibaru is also accessible by Surabaya-Banyuwangi train or Malang-Banyuwangi train. You have to get off at Kalibaru station.

When to go to Raung?

Raung is open to climbing activities all year round, except in case of force majeure (eruption, forest fire, accident, etc)

How Much Does the Permit Cost?

For foreign tourist, it cost IDR 75.000/person

For domestic tourist, it costs IDR 35.000/person

Where to Sleep?

In Bondowoso, there is a suitable hotel offer. There are some comfortable hotels available in town.

At Sumberwringin, there are basic homestays.

In Kalibaru, there is also a suitable hotel offer. There are some comfortable hotels frequented by tourists in town.

Hiking and Climbing Raung, With or Without Guide?

Nothing forces you to take a guide! But, it is strongly recommended to use it. It is a volcano that is not very often climbed. On the south side, the path is considered very technical, it is considered one of the most difficult treks (technically speaking) in Indonesia with roped climbing sections. On the north side, it is difficult to find the right path in the coffee plantations, but the climb is easier.

Where to Find Guides and Porters?

Porters and guides can be arranged on site at Sumberwringin or Kalibaru. It will all depend on how much time you have to prepare the trek and negotiate prices. But it is recommended to do it in advance to at least have a good guide.

Where to find camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, etc)?

It is quite difficult to find camping equipment for rent. As said above, we are off the beaten path. In addition to the classic equipment, you need helmets, ropes, and harness for the ascent of Raung south side.

The 5 mistakes to Avoid Before Climbing Raung

1. Not bringing enough water for drinking and for cooking. There are no water resources.
2. Go there without a guide, without helmets and ropes and alone, especially for the southern route.
3. Do not get too close to precipices and cliffs, the ground is unstable and volcanic (friable).
4. Not planning your transport between Kalibaru and the start of the trek on the south side.
5. Hiking unprepared and not well informed

What to do around Bondowoso and Banyuwangi?

• Of course Ijen Crater
• Meru Betiri National Park and Sukamade Beach (nesting place of sea turtles)
• Alas Purwo National Park

Climbing and Hiking Mount Raung

With more than 2 kilometers in diameter, the crater of Raung is the biggest crater of Java!

Raung erupted in 2015 (see below for the Raung eruption with a video), which forced the Indonesian authorities to close 2 of the 3 main airports of the country (Surabaya and Denpasar).

There are two main roads to Gunung Raung. The most popular route is North to Sumberwringin. This trek can be completed in 2 days.

However, for those wishing to reach the highest point of the Raung crater, Puncak Sejati, must leave from the south near Kalibaru and be ready to spend 3 days and 2 nights on the mountain and climb, roped, small sections of the trek.

It should also be known that the two route are not connected, so there is no way to go up and down the other way around.

The ascension of the true summit of Raung “Puncak Sejati” via Kalibaru

Climbing the highest point of the crater, Puncak Sejati, can be achieved in 3 days.

1st Day

You will leave Kalibaru to Wonorejo (570 m) by motorbike (about 20 min). Here you will find a registration desk. Then you will continue for another 30 minutes on difficult and muddy terrain (note that you may need to change ojeks to Wonorejo).

Pos 1 (900 m) is where most hikers begin their climb. (If you start your hike from Wonorejo, you will probably need more than 3 days to complete the climb). From there, the summit of Raung is 10 km in a straight line.

The beginning of the hike is easy and enjoyable. You will be in the forest surrounded by local wildlife.

You should have reached Pos 2 (1450m) in less than two hours. Then Pos 3 (1640m) in 30 minutes and Pos 4 (1815m) in 45 minutes.

Pos 5 (2,050 m) follows after another 45 minutes of walking and Pos 6 (2220 m) another 45 min, which is close to seismological equipment.

Finally, you will reach the Pos 7 (2555m) where you will spend your 2 nights. From the beginning of the trek, it must take you about 6 or 7 hours, with some breaks. There are great views of Argopuro and Semeru and enough space for at least 10 tents.

2nd day : The Summit Attack

You will start at 4am for the summit attack.

After a little over an hour you will reach the Pos 8 (2870m). It takes another 45min to an hour to reach Pos 9 (3070m) which is the last camp. The path is still in the forest here, but there are many gaps in the trees to look west to Argopuro and east to Gunung Agung in Bali. You will also see a majestic peak on the edge of Raung Crater on the right of the track – this is the Glenmore Peak (3,227m) which is 1km east of Puncak Sejati.

Finally, after about 2 hours from Pos 7, you will have reached at the end of the vegetation (3 115 m). Another five minutes and you will be in Puncak Bendera (“Flag Peak”, 3140m) which has an Indonesian flag and offers an amazing panorama of mountains and distant villages. It’s also where you get a glimpse of the challenging sections of the trail to Puncak Sejati. And here you start asking yourself questions, feasible or not feasible! To your helmets.

From Puncak Bendera, it takes about 3 hours to reach Puncak Sejati and is one of Indonesia’s most challenging trails. There are very narrow ridges to cross with steep cliffs on each side and slippery screes covering them! With short, almost vertical sections that require ropes, helmets, calm, and confidence!

After crossing the first of the narrow ridges, you will definitely need to use ropes to ride a short section of rock, which is probably the hardest part of the lot.

The next major landmark is Puncak 17 (3.173m), a stunning pyramid peak. On the other side, you will need ropes to go down about 20 meters.

After Puncak 17, you will have another narrow ridge to cross with steep descents on each side. There are then two very short sections where a rope is useful.

Now you are on a huge expanse of craggy rock with ravines. Above you will see vertical rock slabs. It’s the next target, called Puncak Tusuk Gigi (‘toothpick peak’, 3,315m). It’s not technically demanding, but like Merapi and Semeru, you have to be careful not to hit stones on the slope.

Just before you reach Tusuk Gigi you will have to walk on rocks with crevasses, you have to be very careful. You have only 5 minutes left to Puncak Sejati where the panorama is the most impressive. Further east you will see Glenmore Peak and in the distance Ijen-Merapi and Baluran. To the north is the jagged outline of the small Gunung Ringgit and to the west Argopuro and Semeru.

It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to return to the relative safety of Puncak Bendera and early vegetation. And less than 2 hours to return to Pos 7.

Adrenaline rush guaranteed!

3rd Day

The return to Pos 1 will take you about 6 hours. From the Pos 1 you will be waiting for the return on Kalibaru with “ojek” (about 1 hour later).

After that you will be able to celebrate one of the most difficult and rewarding treks in Indonesia.

Climb to the rim of the Raung Crater via Sumberwringin

From the starting point of the trek, you can reach the crater in a little over 7 hours. and the return can be done in 4 to5 hours.

From Sumberwringin (729m) you will take an ojek for about 40 minutes to reach the starting point in the pine forest (1.206m). There is crossing in the path near the departure, so a guide would be welcome!

It’s a long and easy hiking route. The trail is nice and it climbs slowly through wild vegetation and scattered pine forests.

Far to the right (west) you should be able to see the great mountain of Argopuro rising above the clouds. To the left (east) is a small mountain called Gunung Suket, a beautiful, well-structured summit a few kilometers from Raung. There are several places to camp on the trail, but none of them are big enough for more than 5 tents. They are also on a slightly sloping ground. The two best are at 2,337m (no views but warmer) and 2,807m (colder but excellent sunset on Argopuro side). The latter is only 15 minutes from the tree line and would be ideal for those wishing to climb to the crater for sunrise.

At the edge of the trees, there is a small memorial. From here, the crater is about an hour climb on steep, bare volcanic rock. On your left, between Suket and Raung’s side, you could see the Ijen-Merapi Massif that runs through the clouds and the smaller Baluran Mountain in between.

Finally, you will reach the edge of the crater (3,180 m) and you will be rewarded by a breathtaking view of the vertical cliffs of the crater. The caldera is huge and in the center is a crater about 400 meters in diameter, which sometimes spits gas and rocks. The true highest point of the Raung can be seen on the other side of the crater, to the right (west). It is practically impossible to reach the top of this side, but you will have one of the most beautiful panoramas of Java.

Raung Trekking and Hiking with Go-Volcano

The highlights of the trip:

• The crater of Raung, which is one of the largest and deepest in Indonesia
• Not to much tourists
• Very active volcano

Hiking and Raung Trekking from the north in 2 days 1 night

• Duration: 2 days
• Price: from IDR 2,650,000 / € 166
• Level : 3/5

Detailed Program and Raung Trekking Route from the North

Option 1: Pick up from Banyuwangi – Transfer to Bondowoso

You will be met by your guide at Banyuwangi Airport or Bus Station. you will go to Bondowoso (about 3 hours). You will stay and dine at a hotel in Bondowoso.

Accommodation: Hotel (twin or double)
Meals included: Dinner

Option 2: Surabaya pick up – Transfer to Bondowoso

You will be met by your guide at Juanda International Airport Surabaya. Then you will go with our air conditioned car to Bondowoso (about 7h)

Day 1: Bondowoso – Pondok Motor (1182m) – Pondok Angin (2806m)

Departure after breakfast from Bondowoso to Sumber Wringin then Pondok Motor (1182 m above sea level) for about 1.5h. From here, the trek will begin. You will walk to Pondok Sumur for about 3 hours, where you will have lunch. Then you will continue your hike to Pondok Angin camp (2806m above sea level) for another 3.5 hours. You will camp and dine at Pondok Angin Campground.

Accommodation: tent (1 tent for 2 persons)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Pondok Angin (2806m) – Top of Raung (3344m) – Sumber wringin Bondowoso

You will leave from Pondok Angin camp at 4.30 am to the top of Raung (40 minutes walk). You will see the beautiful sunrise from the top of this strato volcano. As soon as the sun comes up, you will see the majestic Mount Raung crater. You will then return to the campsite to have your breakfast. You will return to Pondok motor, where the car will be waiting for you. Lunch at Sumber wringin. Return to Banyuwangi, which will take about 4 hours. End of service

accommodation : –
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Option 2: Return to Surabaya, which will take about 7-8 hours.

Price for the north trek of Raung

• For 7 people and more: from IDR 2,650,000 / person (166 €)
• For 6 people: from IDR 2,800,000 / person (175 €)
• For 5 people: from 2 900 000 IDR / person (181 €)
• For 4 people: from IDR 3,100,000 / person (194 €)
• For 3 people: from IDR 3,500,000 / person (€ 219)
• For 2 people: from 4,200,000 IDR / person (263 €)

Hiking and Raung Trekking from the South Side in 3 Days and 2 Nights

• Duration: 3 days
• Price: Start from 3 750 000 IDR / person (222 €)
• Level : 4/5
• Very technical climbing

Detailed Program and Itinerary Raung Trekking from the South Side

Day 1: Kalibaru – Pos 7

Departure after the breakfast in Kalibaru. Lunch along the way (pos 3 or Pos 4). Arrived at Pos 7 and dinner

Accommodation: tent (1 tent for 2 persons)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Pos 7 – Raung Summit (3344m) – Pos 7

You will leave the Pos 7 at 4am to the top of the Raung. You will see the majestic crater of Mount Raung. Then down to Pos 7. Big day, very technical.

Accommodation: tent (1 tent for 2 persons)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Pos 7 – Kalibaru

You will leave Pos 7 after breakfast to Kalibaru.

Accommodation: –
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Price for the Raung Trekking from the South Side

Do not hesitate to ask us your questions and to make us requests of estimate with the options chosen and the dates by contacting us.

• For 7 people and more: from IDR 3,550,000 / person (€ 222)
• For 6 people: from IDR 3,750,000 / person (€ 234)
• For 5 people: from IDR 3900000 / person (€ 244)
• For 4 people: from IDR 4,200,000 / person (€ 263)
• For 3 people: from IDR 4,600,000 / person (€ 291)
• For 2 people: from IDR 5,600,000 / person (€ 350)

Included and excluded

Included

• The services of an experienced English-speaking Go-Volcano guide (Francophone depending on availability) all along the circuit.
• Experienced local guide and porters for camping gear.
• Entrance Fee
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Beverages are NOT included.
• Mineral water, snacks and fruits during the program.
• Camping equipment (1 tent / 2 persons, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, inflatable pillow, camping chair, toilet tent)

Excluded

• Hotel
• Transport to bondowoso or kalibaru (transport from banyuwangi to sumberwrigin or Kalibaru IDR 750 000/one way)
• Tips & personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs)
• Flight ticket
• Travel Insurance & Assistance
• Articles that are not mentioned in “included”

Mount Raung

Raung is a unique volcano of its kind because it has the biggest crater of Java! The caldera, 2 km in diameter and 500m deep (The Tambora is even more impressive from this point of view with 6 km in diameter and 1110m deep). The complex of Raung consists of volcanic cones built along a line from North East to South West. Stratovolcanoes Gunung Suket and Gunung Gadung being located to the north-east and west respectively. The collapse of Raung volcano has produced the largest avalanche of debris known in Indonesia. The avalanche deposit was first recognized by Neumann van Padang (1939), who described a large deposit that stretches 60 km from its Gadung Mountain source.

Raung and Its Eruption

The Gadung Mountain was responsible for a major collapse of the Raung’s western flank that reached the Indian Ocean after a 79-kilometers run.
All eruptions of the Raung are explosive with a volcanic explosive index of 1 to 2 sometimes up to 5 and taking place in the caldera at the top of the volcano. The first of these eruptions reported by Westerners took place in 1586 and 67 followed until the last one in 2015. This intense volcanic past makes Raung one of the most active volcanoes of the island of Java.
Its eruptions usually result in the emission of one or more volcanic plumes of volcanic ash from the summit caldera but the eruptions of 1586, 1593, 1597, 1638, 1730, 1817 and 1838, more powerful because involving an old crater lake which qualifies them as phreatomatic, caused material damage and death due to the production of a large eruptive plume and the formation of lahars.