With a crater spanning over 2 kilometers in diameter, Mount Raung boasts the largest caldera in Java. Towering above 3,000 meters, it remains one of the most remote and least-climbed peaks, meaning its trails are unspoiled, offering a true off-the-beaten-path trekking experience. Many travelers catch a glimpse of its vast and dramatic crater from the air, as flights between Java and Bali often pass overhead. While Mount Raung last erupted in 2015, it hasn’t seen any major activity in decades, ma...
Early morning departure (6 AM) towards the village of Wonorejo. From there, you continue on a challenging, muddy trail to reach Post 1, located at an altitude of 896 meters. This is the starting point for most trekkers—a simple warung within the coffee plantations, run by a Madurese couple, Pak Sunarya and his wife. Just below, on a clear day, you’ll get a stunning first glimpse of Mount Raung.
From Post 1, the summit is still 10 km away in a straight line. The trail begins with a gentle incline, and as you ascend, you might hear the flapping wings of hornbills or the distant grunts of wild boars in the surrounding forest.
Keep an eye out for the strikingly beautiful indigo flycatchers as well.
You’ll reach Camp 2 (1,451 m) in under two hours, followed by Camp 3 (1,638 m) in just 30 minutes. A further 45-minutes trek leads to Camp 4 (1,815 m), then another 45 minutes to Camp 5 (2,045 m), and a similar effort to reach Camp 6 (2,222 m), located near seismological equipment.
Finally, after 6 to 7 hours of trekking, including breaks, you arrive at Camp 7 (2,553 m), a scenic ridge that offers the best spot for your two nights of camping. The panoramic views of Argopuro and Semeru volcanoes are breathtaking, and there is ample space to accommodate at least 10 tents.
You begin your summit ascent before 4 a.m. to make the most of the daylight. After just over an hour, you reach Camp 8 (2,870 m). Another 45 minutes/ 1 hour of hiking brings you to Camp 9 (3,068 m), the last "camp." The trail remains within the forest, but there are several clearings offering stunning views of Argopuro to the west and Mt. Agung (Bali) to the east. To the right of the trail, you’ll also spot a majestic peak on the edge of Raung’s crater—this is Glenmore Peak (3,227 m), located about 1 km east of Puncak Sejati.
Finally, after about two hours of hiking from Camp 7, you reach the tree line (3,115 m). Five minutes later, you arrive at Puncak Bendera ("Flag Peak," 3,139 m), where an Indonesian flag marks a breathtaking panorama of distant volcanoes and villages. From here, you also get your first glimpse of the challenging sections leading to Puncak Sejati.
From Puncak Bendera, it takes about three hours to reach Sejati Peak [optional] via one of Indonesia’s most demanding trails. The route follows razor-thin ridgelines with sheer drops on either side, loose scree, and short but nearly vertical rock sections that require ropes, helmets, and a steady nerve. After crossing the first narrow ridge, you’ll likely need ropes to climb a short but exposed rock face.
It’s only about ten meters, but it’s arguably the most challenging part of the route, and for most hikers, attempting it without ropes is unthinkable. The next major landmark is Puncak 17 (3,172 m), a striking pyramid-shaped peak with a summit marker. There are two possible routes: guides typically take you over the peak itself (where ropes are usually necessary) on the way to Puncak Sejati and then lead you around the side on the way back (where ropes aren’t strictly required but can be helpful). On the other side, you’ll need ropes to descend about twenty meters—it’s not technically difficult and not too steep.
After Puncak 17, you cross another narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides. Some prefer to shuffle their feet rather than walk normally, as the small loose rocks make it easy to slip. You then encounter two very short sections—only about three meters each—where a rope is useful. At this point, you find yourself on a vast stretch of steep rock with deep ravines. Looking up, you’ll see a series of vertical rock slabs reaching toward the sky—your next target, Puncak Tusuk Gigi (“Toothpick Peak,” 3,315 m). While not technically difficult, this section requires caution, especially in a group, as loose rocks can easily be dislodged onto trekkers below. Just before reaching Tusuk Gigi, you’ll need to crawl through a large gap between widely spaced rocks. Once through, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of the towering rock slabs and the crater rim. But just five minutes to the right, upon reaching Puncak Sejati, the panorama is even more spectacular.
Guides claim Puncak Sejati stands at 3,344 m, though official records list it at 3,332 m (and our GPS readings never exceeded 3,338 m). Just beyond Puncak Sejati, there’s a crumbling cliff where some hikers like to take selfies—with Java’s largest crater as a dramatic backdrop. Be extremely careful! Further east, you’ll spot Glenmore Peak and, in the distance, the Ijen-Merapi complex and Baluran volcano. To the north, the jagged silhouette of Gunung Ringgit stands out, while to the west, you can see the Argopuro and Semeru volcanoes.
It takes about 2.5 hours to return to the relative safety of Puncak Bendera and the return of vegetation, a welcome sight after spending half the day in a volcanic scree desert. From there, it’s less than two hours back to Camp 7.