Mont Sindoro is separated from its similarly conical but slightly higher neighbour, Gunung Sumbing, by the Kledung Pass (1,400m). Together, they dominate the Dieng plateau area and can both be climbed from Kledung village where there is a decent hotel. There is another straightforward and slightly shorter ascent from the north at Sigedang (1,791m).
For its size, Sindoro is an easy hike and would make a great introduction to hiking in Indonesia. From the top there are great views to Sumbing, Mera...
Recommended for hikers in excellent physical condition
This is still the most popular route. From Kledung it takes around 5 – 6 hours to the top or slightly less if you get an ojek for the first section. From the main road at Kledung,The cobbled road leads gently up the hillside for about one mile and it is recommended you get an ojek (motorcycle taxi) to take you up as far as possible. The end of the road is located at 1,654 m. The well-defined but sometimes slippery trail ascends through a pine forest, passing the remains of Post 1 (1,761 m) and Payungan Post (1,813 m). It then crosses a few small wooden bridges before reaching the remnants of the shelter at Post 2 (1,995 m).
There are a few good places to admire the views of Sumbing across on the other side of the Kledung Pass but it is not until you are beyond Batu Longko and at the first major camping area (Pos 3 at 2,337m) that the vegetation becomes sparse. If you are going to camp anywhere other than at the summit (which is not advised at present due to volcanic activity), Pos 3 is recommended because the views south and east are spectacular and there is plenty of room for tents. However, there are many places suitable for just one or two tents all the way up.
The trail climbs more steeply and passes scattered rocks, notably ‘batu tatah’ (at 2,843m). There is little shade here so for the light-skinned it is essential to use sun cream during the day. Finally the top is reached and you are on the edge of Sindoro’s crater. If returning by the same route be careful to make note of this point.Fast hikers can be back down at the Kledung Pass hotel in less than 4 hours. You may even be able to arrange an ojek from a local farmer when you reach the cobbled road.
Ascent from Sigedang / Sikatok (north)
Recommended for hikers in excellent physical condition
This is an incredibly picturesque route with tea plantations and views to the Dieng Plateau and the hills north of Sindoro. Allow 3.5-4.5 hours up and 2.5-2.5 back down. The basecamp is at an elevation of around 1,700m and the trailhead starts a little higher up at 1,791m. Depending on if you follow the metal signs or not, the trail leads via Pos Bayangan (1,865m), Pos 1 Kebun Teh (1,889m), and Pos 2 Kebun Teh (2,066m). These first Pos are actually tea-weighing shelters.
The end of the tea plantation area is known as Patok Besi (2,168m). From there the trail continues through pleasant woodland via Pos 3 – Watu Tulis (2,422m) which is as the names suggests a large rock supposedly with some writing on it and is soon followed by the Pos 3 camping area (2,519m) which is by far the most favoured spot for spending the night.
Pos 3 camp area has really nice views back over to the minor hills on the other side of the Sigedang valley, including Gunung Sigandul which has a local peak name of Puncak Setlerep (Gunung Telerejo – 2,098m on the Bako map) and further east the unnamed 2,142m peak on the Bakosurtanal map. In 2019, these peaks are tourist treks and camping spots in their own right, including a lower side peak called Gunung Buthak.
Next up is Pos 4 Ladang Batu 1 (2,734m) which marks the start of more challenging terrain, with very steep rocky sections, and offers views to Batu Susu (‘milk rock’). The terrain remains steep and slippery until after Ladang Batu 2 (Batu Tangga, 3,024m) and finally you reach Sabana (3,121m) which is just before the summit plateau.
Itinerary from Bansari (east)
Recommended for hikers in excellent physical condition
You might think that this route takes a little longer as the basecamp is further down at 1,076m but you can almost always get an ojek up the wide stony plantation track to Pos 1 (about 20 minutes and a reasonable Rp20,000 per person in 2019). Allow 4-5 hours up (5-6 without motorbike taxi) and 3-4 hours back down (4-5 without motorbike taxi).
The trail leads via Pos Bayangan, Pos 1 Sidempul (1,575m) where there is an entrance plus a water source, Pos 2 Turunan (1,870m), and Pos 3 Tunggangan (2,154m) which has a water source down to the right just before the flat camp spots. Next is Pos 4 Bukit Soma (2,292m), and it’s an excellent place to see Sumbing, Merbabu and Lawu framed through tree branches at first light. Soon after is the amusing ‘Pos Ojek’ (2,392m) which is not included in the numbering system and is certainly not a place to find a motorbike taxi!
Once above an elevation of 2,550m, the vegetation becomes much lower and the views correspondingly more impressive. Next is an area popular with campers and not at all surprising given the fabulous panorama in clear weather. In 2019, this spot was marked with a tall bamboo flagpole (2,664m). Pos 5 Mlelan (2,710m) is next and should be reached by most hikers in around 3 hours from Pos 1.
Pos 6 Centong (3,086m) is reached after a further hour during which the trail steepens and progress slows down a little. From Pos 6, the trail curves round to the left, overlooking a wide gash in the mountainside which may be the remains of an old side crater. After just five minutes from Pos 6 is the Bansari sign (3,132m) – a very important marker that you need to remember if you are returning on the same trail.
Ascent from Kledung
Trekking time Between 9 hrs and 10 hrs
Difference in heights +/- 1.200m
Ascent from Sigedang/Sikatok
Trekking time 7 hrs
Difference in heights +/- 1.400m
Ascent from Ndoro Arum
Trekking time 8 hrs
Difference in heights +/- 1.400m
Ascent from Bansari
Trekking time 8 hrs
Difference in heights +/- 1.400m
Ascent from Katekan
Trekking time 5 hrs
Difference in heights +/-1.200m