Jeep Riding in Pakem Sub-District, Yogyakarta - Indonesia

One of the allures of Merapi National Park (Kaliurang) is the opportunity to enjoy Lava Tour, riding a Jeep to explore the challenging landscape. This tourist activity can be done in Hargobinangun Village, Pakem Sub-District, either alone or together with other people. On the site, tourists can hire a driver of Jeep or Land Rover to explore the sea of sand created due to the eruption of Merapi Mountain. During the adventure, they can see the traces of lava and dry landscape left by the eruption. Plus, they can watch beautiful natures while riding Jeep!

The Nuance
Have no worries. It is easy to enjoy Jeep riding or lava tour due to the presence of a community located near to Merapi National Park. Also, they can be found easily in Umbulharjo Sub-District (in the south part of Merapi Mountain). 4-5 people can get in the car depending on the size of the body and the capability of the vehicle itself. As for the price, it varies depending on the season and the number of the guests during the event. That means the fee may go up during holidays and weekends when many tourists come to the site.

Enjoying Jeep Riding
Not all travelers are aware of Lava Tour. It is because they focus only on the natural beauty of Merapi National Park and visit the famous attractions like waterfalls and hills. Well, knowing such opportunity, their vacation would be more memorable for sure. So, where is it? Umbulharjo Sub-District becomes the most recommended checkpoint to find Jeep service and it features a challenging trek with its beautiful landscape. The only consideration is that tourists must find a good service in order to avoid getting lost or choosing the wrong route.

Here is the fact. There are several options for tours including lava tour and casual Jeep tour. The first option, though, is the most famous one among travelers. The reason is none other than the opportunity to explore the slope of Merapi Mountain and watch the remains of destroyed villages (due to the previous eruption of Merapi). Not to mention they can see Merapi from near and get amazed by its size and nuance. During the tour, make sure to grab on something as the route is quite bumpy.

Lava tour also includes several checkpoints like Kaliadem Bunker and Sisa Hartaku Museum, actually. That means tourists can visit these places and other attractions including Tempuran, Bendo Village, Batu Wajah, Jambu Village, and Petung Hill! What a complete tour! Have no worries. The fee is considered cheap as compared to other types of tours, so everyone can afford it.

Nearby Attractions

• The Lost World Castle
• Kaligriya Kaliurang
• Turgo Village
• 76 Hill
• Plunyon Kalikuning

How to Get There
From Adisucipto International Airport, tourists’ first destination is either Pakem or Umbulharjo Sub-District, where they can find the Jeep service. Actually, the first option is the most common one. In this case, the distance is 28.1 km, so they may spend around 50 minutes to get to the location. Also, the best route to take is Pakem – Kalasan Street.

Where to Stay

• Ngesti Laras Hotel
• Eden II Hotel
• Paraksari Hotel
• Cakra Kusuma Hotel