7 Beginner-Friendly Mountains to Hike in Indonesia

August 22, 2025 | 04:06 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia has many mountains that boast extraordinary natural beauty and exciting climbing opportunities. Not all climbing routes demand strong physical abilities or extensive experience. Several mountains are friendly to beginner climbers. The beautiful scenery, fresh air, and relatively easy trails make these mountains suitable for someone who is trying climbing for the first time.

By choosing the right climbing route, beginner climbers can enjoy a safe and enjoyable journey. Some mountains in Indonesia are equipped with adequate facilities, relatively easy trails, and easy access. This certainly helps to make the first climbing experience more impressive and motivates climbers to try other mountains in the future.

Here are some mountains with beginner-friendly climbing routes quoted from various sources:

1. Mount Prau

As reported by the Ministry of Tourism, with a height of about 2,590 meters above sea level, Mount Prau is one of the favorite destinations to celebrate New Year's Eve. Located in Central Java, this mountain is known to be friendly to beginner climbers because its routes are relatively easy and not too long. The popular route through Patak Banteng even allows climbers to reach the peak in a fairly short time.

In addition to easy access, Mount Prau is also favored for its sunrise panorama, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Indonesia. It's no surprise that many beginner climbers choose this mountain for their first climbing experience.

2. Mount Bismo

Mount Bismo is located in the Watumalang and Mojotengah areas of Wonosobo in Central Java. It is about 2,365 meters above sea level. Its climbing routes are surrounded by lush trees, providing a cool and serene atmosphere throughout the journey. The natural beauty along the trails makes the climb more enjoyable, especially for beginners.

The quite popular route is the Sikunang trail, where climbers will pass three posts before reaching the peak. The travel time to the summit is relatively short, only about two hours. Given these conditions, Mount Bismo is an ideal destination for novice climbers looking to experience New Year's Eve in the great outdoors.

3. Mount Ijen

Mount Ijen is no stranger to nature enthusiasts. With a height of 2,779 meters above sea level, this mountain is often the main recommendation for beginner climbers. The journey to the peak takes about three hours with steep trails, but the fatigue will be rewarded when witnessing the rare and mesmerizing blue fire phenomenon in the Ijen Crater area.

4. Mount Penanggungan

Located in the Pasuruan and Mojokerto regions, East Java, Mount Penanggungan offers relatively easy climbing routes for beginners. The most popular official route is via Tamiajeng, which consists of four posts before reaching the peak.

This mountain's highest peak, Puncak Pawitra, stands 1,653 meters above sea level. This makes it an ideal choice for climbers looking for a challenging climb without overly difficult routes.

5. Mount Andong

Reported by Antara, September 29, 2024, Mount Andong is located in the Grabag District, Magelang Regency, Central Java. This mountain can be a light climbing option for beginners. With a height of 1,463 meters above sea level, the journey to its peak can be completed in less than two hours.

6. Mount Papandayan

Mount Papandayan is located in Garut Regency, West Java. It stands 2,665 meters above sea level and is known for its gentle, easily accessible climbing routes. This condition makes it one of the favorite destinations for beginner climbers. In addition to its friendly trails, the mountain offers stunning natural panoramas, including active craters and extensive fields of edelweiss flowers. There is also a dead forest with exotic nuances.

7. Mount Sibayak

Located in the Karo Highlands of North Sumatra, Mount Sibayak stands 2,904 meters above sea level. It boasts natural charms like rocky cliffs and active craters. One of the best moments to climb this mountain is at dawn, as climbers can witness the beautiful sunrise from its peak.

Each mountain has its allure and challenges. Beginner climbers can still experience the excitement of exploring Indonesia's natural beauty while feeling safe by choosing the right climbing route.

Melynda Dwi Puspita contributed to the writing of this article

Editor's Choice: Indonesia's Mountain Hiking Trails Classified: A Guide to All 5 Difficulty Levels

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