Central Java Province is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Indonesia. A chain of volcanic mountains runs west to east through the central part of the province and is surmounted by several volcanic peaks that exceed 3,000 meters, with relatively easy access also various routes from easy to moderate.
Among those mountains are Mount Sumbing and Mount Sindoro, which are popularly known as two adjacent mountains and located face to face. At 3371 meters and 3136 meters, Mount Sumbing and Mount Sindoro are the second and the fourth-highest mountains in Central Java. Because of their location, hikers prefer to climb Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing at one time, just like killing two birds with one stone. Hikers with regular physical fitness normally take 4 days to climb up and climb down those two mountains, while those with excellent physical fitness or trail runner can cover those trails in 2 days long hike.
Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing are active stratovolcanos, with parasitic craters and cones are found at Mount Sindoro and a small phreatic crater at the summit of Mt Sumbing. In November and December 2011, the Indonesia Center For Volcanology And Geological Hazard Mitigation reported a series of increasing volcanic activities which led them to raise the alert level status from level I to level II of Waspada ( Caution).
There are many routes to climb Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing, Alang-Alang Sewu is the most popular route to climb Mount Sindoro, while the Kaliangkrik route is for Mount Sumbing. Each route offers a different beautiful view, which is mostly dominated by tobacco fields and vegetable plants at the base of the mountains. Those two routes are considered moderate routes, it takes an average of 7 hours to complete and reach the summit.
These two adjacent summits provide postcard views of volcanic scenes and the beautiful farmland of the Surrounding area. Climbing Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing is moderately challenging but very doable for the average person. With plenty of rest points along the way, this mountain is suitable for a multiday volcano adventure with family and friends.