From Ancient Temples to Lava Trails: Our Merapi Jeep Adventure
After our meaningful visit to Borobudur Temple, where I reconnected with my roots and introduced Noah to the rich cultural heritage of Java, our journey continued with something a little more rugged and wild—an adventure through the volcanic landscapes of Mount Merapi.
TRAVEL
CM
8/4/20253 min read
As part of our one-day tour with Enjoy Your Holiday, we chose the medium Merapi Lava Tour package, which gave us two full hours to explore the stunning natural beauty and historical impact of one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes—Mount Merapi.
A Thrilling Ride Through History and Nature
We kicked off the experience at Merapi Adventure Land and hopped into our iconic red jeep. From the moment the engine started, I could feel this was going to be a ride to remember not just for me, but for Noah too.
Here’s what made this journey truly special:
The House of Memory
Our first stop was haunting and powerful an abandoned house frozen in time, known as The House of Memory. Inside, you’ll find the skeletal remains of everyday life, preserved as a reminder of the devastating 2010 eruption. As we walked through it, I couldn’t help but feel a deep respect for the resilience of the people living around the volcano.
Bunker Kaliadem
Next, we made our way up to Bunker Kaliadem, a historical site that once served as a refuge during eruptions but is now a memorial. With Mount Merapi looming behind us, covered in mist and mystery, we stood still for a moment, taking in the dramatic contrast between tragedy and nature’s beauty. It was quiet, eerie, yet grounding.
Jungle Vibes & Green Scenery
Driving through the rugged lava paths surrounded by lush green hills and tropical forests, I felt like we were deep in the heart of something magical. The scenery was just breathtaking. This wasn’t a touristy spot it was raw, real, and stunningly beautiful.
Jeep Splash & Pure Fun
Now, the best part the water play! Our driver took us through a shallow river trail where our jeep dashed through the water, splashing everything (and everyone) in its way! Noah couldn’t stop laughing, holding tight to his little green turtle plushie while yelling, “Let’s do it again!”
His joy was so pure it reminded me why I do trips like this. Not just to show him where I come from, but to create memories that stick.
A Journey of Culture and Connection
As a Javanese woman now living abroad, this trip wasn’t just about ticking off places on a list. It was about showing my son the land of his ancestors, letting him feel the energy of Merapi, and experiencing how history, nature, and community come together in such a powerful way here.
Would I recommend this tour? Absolutely.
Would we do it again? Noah already said yes!
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Yogyakarta or already planning a trip to Borobudur, I highly recommend adding the Merapi Lava Jeep Tour to your itinerary. It’s a unique way to experience Indonesia’s volcanic landscape, learn about its powerful history, and have tons of fun along the way especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Until the next story,
With love from the trail,
Catharina & little explorer Noah
