Mount Merapi National Park | National Parks Association

Mount Merapi Overview

Mount Merapi National Park, known locally as Taman Nasional Gunung Merapi, is located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta in Indonesia. Encompassing approximately 98 square kilometers (37.8 square miles), the park is a significant natural and cultural landmark dominated by the active Mount Merapi, which towers at 2,930 meters (9,613 feet) above sea level.

This active stratovolcano is one of the most active in Indonesia and has shaped the region’s landscape and ecology over centuries through periodic eruptions. Its proximity to Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia’s cultural hubs, makes it a popular destination for both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

The terrain of Mount Merapi National Park is a fascinating mix of rugged volcanic landscapes, lush tropical forests, and steep cliffs formed by ancient lava flows. The lower elevations are characterized by dense vegetation, including tropical hardwoods, ferns, and bamboo, while the upper reaches transition into alpine grasslands and barren volcanic rock, showcasing the dramatic effects of volcanic activity.

Rivers and waterfalls, such as Kali Kuning and Tlogo Muncar, punctuate the park’s verdant lower slopes, offering serene spots for visitors. Lava tour routes, remnants of past eruptions, and hardened lava fields create an otherworldly landscape that attracts photographers and geologists alike.

Wildlife in Mount Merapi National Park is diverse, thanks to the range of ecosystems within its borders. Among the mammals found in the park are Javanese monkeys, long-tailed macaques, wild boars, and the elusive leopard cat.

Bird enthusiasts are drawn to the park to spot vibrant species like the Javan kingfisher, yellow-throated leafbird, and zebra doves. The park’s biodiversity is further enriched by its variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as monitor lizards and tree frogs, which thrive in the humid environment.

Visitors to Mount Merapi National Park can enjoy a range of activities to experience its unique offerings. Trekking to the summit of Mount Merapi is a highlight for adventurous travelers, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to witness the volcano’s dynamic geology up close. Guided lava tours, which often use off-road jeeps, allow visitors to explore the trails and sites impacted by past eruptions, including villages buried by ash.

Birdwatching, photography, and exploring waterfalls are popular among those seeking a more leisurely visit. Cultural connections to the mountain also draw visitors, as local traditions and rituals often incorporate the volcano’s spiritual significance.

The park’s management faces significant conservation challenges, primarily due to the frequent volcanic eruptions that disrupt habitats and human settlements. However, these same eruptions contribute to the renewal of soil fertility, supporting the regrowth of forests and vegetation. Collaborative efforts between local communities, scientists, and park authorities have yielded conservation successes, including reforestation projects and the protection of native species. Balancing the demands of tourism, local livelihoods, and environmental conservation remains a critical focus.

Park Map

Mount Merapi National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Mount Merapi National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with its diverse habitats providing a home to numerous vibrant and rare bird species.

Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi)
This striking raptor, with its golden-brown crest and powerful build, is endemic to Java and serves as a symbol of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. It prefers forested slopes for nesting and hunting.

Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
Known for its distinctive casque and large bill, the Oriental pied hornbill plays a vital role in seed dispersal within the park’s forests.

Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris)
A stunning bird with iridescent blue and chestnut plumage, the Javan kingfisher is often seen perched near rivers and streams, hunting for fish and insects.

White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
This large raptor is commonly seen soaring over open areas and water sources in the park. It preys on fish and small mammals, often hunting with precision.

Blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus)
A colorful bird with a slender build, the blue-tailed bee-eater is known for its aerial acrobatics as it catches insects mid-flight.

Chestnut-backed thrush (Geokichla dohertyi)
This rare and beautiful bird is characterized by its striking chestnut plumage and spotted underparts. It thrives in the cool, shaded forest floor of Mount Merapi.

Black-winged starling (Acridotheres melanopterus)
An endangered species, the black-winged starling is recognized by its white body and black wings. It feeds on fruits and insects and is often seen in open forest areas.

Scarlet minivet (Pericrocotus speciosus)
The scarlet minivet, with its vibrant red and black plumage, is a striking addition to the park’s canopy. It moves in mixed flocks and feeds on insects.

Lesser cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus)
This migratory bird is known for its soft, repetitive calls. It is often found in the park’s forest edges and shrublands.

Crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela)
This medium-sized raptor has a distinctive crest and is known for its powerful talons. It preys on reptiles and small mammals in the park.

Popular

Mount Merapi National Park in Indonesia is home to a diverse array of wildlife, thriving in its volcanic terrain and lush forests. This park supports numerous endemic and unique animal species, particularly mammals and reptiles.

Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
This adaptable primate is commonly seen in the forests of Mount Merapi. Known for their social behavior, they live in large troops and can often be found near human settlements within the park.

Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas)
An elusive and critically endangered subspecies of leopard, the Javan leopard roams the dense forests. It plays a crucial role as a top predator in the ecosystem of Mount Merapi.

Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyura)
With sharp quills covering its body, the Malayan porcupine is a nocturnal rodent that thrives in the park’s forested areas. It feeds on roots, tubers, and fruits.

Javan rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)
This graceful deer species, also known as the Sunda sambar, can often be seen grazing in open areas. It is an important prey species for large predators in the park.

Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus)
The smallest of all bear species, the sun bear is recognizable by its short black coat and distinctive golden chest patch. It is primarily arboreal and feeds on honey, fruit, and insects.

Javan pangolin (Manis javanica)
This unique, scale-covered mammal is known for its ability to curl into a ball when threatened. The Javan pangolin is a shy and nocturnal species that feeds on ants and termites.

Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
Often found in forested and agricultural areas, this small carnivore is nocturnal and feeds on fruits, small animals, and insects. It is also known for its role in producing kopi luwak coffee.

Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus)
One of the world’s longest snake species, the reticulated python inhabits the forests of Mount Merapi. It is non-venomous and preys on small mammals and birds.

Javan water monitor (Varanus salvator)
This large lizard is commonly found near water sources in the park. It is an opportunistic feeder, preying on fish, small mammals, and carrion.

Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
A widespread species in the park, wild boars forage for roots, tubers, and fallen fruits. They play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to aerate the soil.

Birds

Mount Merapi National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with its diverse habitats providing a home to numerous vibrant and rare bird species.

Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi)
This striking raptor, with its golden-brown crest and powerful build, is endemic to Java and serves as a symbol of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. It prefers forested slopes for nesting and hunting.

Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
Known for its distinctive casque and large bill, the Oriental pied hornbill plays a vital role in seed dispersal within the park’s forests.

Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris)
A stunning bird with iridescent blue and chestnut plumage, the Javan kingfisher is often seen perched near rivers and streams, hunting for fish and insects.

White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
This large raptor is commonly seen soaring over open areas and water sources in the park. It preys on fish and small mammals, often hunting with precision.

Blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus)
A colorful bird with a slender build, the blue-tailed bee-eater is known for its aerial acrobatics as it catches insects mid-flight.

Chestnut-backed thrush (Geokichla dohertyi)
This rare and beautiful bird is characterized by its striking chestnut plumage and spotted underparts. It thrives in the cool, shaded forest floor of Mount Merapi.

Black-winged starling (Acridotheres melanopterus)
An endangered species, the black-winged starling is recognized by its white body and black wings. It feeds on fruits and insects and is often seen in open forest areas.

Scarlet minivet (Pericrocotus speciosus)
The scarlet minivet, with its vibrant red and black plumage, is a striking addition to the park’s canopy. It moves in mixed flocks and feeds on insects.

Lesser cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus)
This migratory bird is known for its soft, repetitive calls. It is often found in the park’s forest edges and shrublands.

Crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela)
This medium-sized raptor has a distinctive crest and is known for its powerful talons. It preys on reptiles and small mammals in the park.

Popular

Mount Merapi National Park in Indonesia is home to a diverse array of wildlife, thriving in its volcanic terrain and lush forests. This park supports numerous endemic and unique animal species, particularly mammals and reptiles.

Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
This adaptable primate is commonly seen in the forests of Mount Merapi. Known for their social behavior, they live in large troops and can often be found near human settlements within the park.

Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas)
An elusive and critically endangered subspecies of leopard, the Javan leopard roams the dense forests. It plays a crucial role as a top predator in the ecosystem of Mount Merapi.

Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyura)
With sharp quills covering its body, the Malayan porcupine is a nocturnal rodent that thrives in the park’s forested areas. It feeds on roots, tubers, and fruits.

Javan rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)
This graceful deer species, also known as the Sunda sambar, can often be seen grazing in open areas. It is an important prey species for large predators in the park.

Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus)
The smallest of all bear species, the sun bear is recognizable by its short black coat and distinctive golden chest patch. It is primarily arboreal and feeds on honey, fruit, and insects.

Javan pangolin (Manis javanica)
This unique, scale-covered mammal is known for its ability to curl into a ball when threatened. The Javan pangolin is a shy and nocturnal species that feeds on ants and termites.

Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
Often found in forested and agricultural areas, this small carnivore is nocturnal and feeds on fruits, small animals, and insects. It is also known for its role in producing kopi luwak coffee.

Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus)
One of the world’s longest snake species, the reticulated python inhabits the forests of Mount Merapi. It is non-venomous and preys on small mammals and birds.

Javan water monitor (Varanus salvator)
This large lizard is commonly found near water sources in the park. It is an opportunistic feeder, preying on fish, small mammals, and carrion.

Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
A widespread species in the park, wild boars forage for roots, tubers, and fallen fruits. They play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to aerate the soil.

Birds

Mount Merapi National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with its diverse habitats providing a home to numerous vibrant and rare bird species.

Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi)
This striking raptor, with its golden-brown crest and powerful build, is endemic to Java and serves as a symbol of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. It prefers forested slopes for nesting and hunting.

Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
Known for its distinctive casque and large bill, the Oriental pied hornbill plays a vital role in seed dispersal within the park’s forests.

Javan kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris)
A stunning bird with iridescent blue and chestnut plumage, the Javan kingfisher is often seen perched near rivers and streams, hunting for fish and insects.

White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
This large raptor is commonly seen soaring over open areas and water sources in the park. It preys on fish and small mammals, often hunting with precision.

Blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus)
A colorful bird with a slender build, the blue-tailed bee-eater is known for its aerial acrobatics as it catches insects mid-flight.

Chestnut-backed thrush (Geokichla dohertyi)
This rare and beautiful bird is characterized by its striking chestnut plumage and spotted underparts. It thrives in the cool, shaded forest floor of Mount Merapi.

Black-winged starling (Acridotheres melanopterus)
An endangered species, the black-winged starling is recognized by its white body and black wings. It feeds on fruits and insects and is often seen in open forest areas.

Scarlet minivet (Pericrocotus speciosus)
The scarlet minivet, with its vibrant red and black plumage, is a striking addition to the park’s canopy. It moves in mixed flocks and feeds on insects.

Lesser cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus)
This migratory bird is known for its soft, repetitive calls. It is often found in the park’s forest edges and shrublands.

Crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela)
This medium-sized raptor has a distinctive crest and is known for its powerful talons. It preys on reptiles and small mammals in the park.

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