5 Best Spots to Take Indonesia's Mount Merapi Photos

KOMPAS.com - A photo of flashes of bright lights over Indonesia's Mount Merapi went viral on social media recently. 

An official at the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Lapan), Emmanuel Sungging, confirmed it to be a meteor shower. 

"By looking at the photo, it is a meteor shower," said Emmanuel on Friday, May 28. 

The photo was taken from the Kaliadem area in Sleman regency, which is in Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java. This place is one of the best locations to see the panoramic view of Mount Merapi.

Instagram: @Gunarto_Song A photo shows a blue flash streaks at the top Mount Merapi on Thursday, May 27.

Located on the border between the Indonesian province of Central Java and Yogyakarta, Mount Merapi is one of the country's most active volcanoes. Mount Merapi is one of the most sought-after locations to take photos in Central Java because of its majestic view from every angle.

Here are the five best locations for breathtaking photos of Mount Merapi:

1. Kali Talang, Balerante, Klaten

Kompas.com/Anggara Wikan Prasetya The top of Mount Merapi is seen so close to the Kali Talang tourist attraction, Klaten, Central Java.

Kali Talang tourist attraction is located in the southeast of Mount Merapi. To be exact, it is located in Balerante village in Klaten regency, Central Java.

The distance between Kali Talang and the peak of Mount Merapi is quite near, which is only about five kilometers. Visitors can see a very clear fracture of the crater on the south side of Mount Merapi and its lava dome can be seen by using a zoom lens.

2. Kendalsari Dam, Kemalang, Klaten

KOMPAS.com/ANGGARA WIKAN PRASETYA Kendalsari or Karangkendal Dam in Kemalang, Klaten, Central Java.

The second spot is still in the Klaten regency, namely the Kendalsari or Karangkendal Dam.

It is about 10 km away from the top of Mount Merapi. However, it does not mean that the view of Mount Merapi is not clearer than the first spot in Kali Talang. During the sunny weather, Mount Merapi still looks great as the summit can be seen very clearly.

3. Klangon Hill, Cangkringan, Yogyakarta

dok. Facebook Klangon Merapi Klangon Hill, tourist attractions in Yogyakarta.

This tourist attraction is also not far from Kali Talang in the Klaten regency. The location is only 2.5 km from Kali Talang and can be reached in about 15 minutes.

From Klangon, the top of Merapi looks clear and dazzling. However, the fracture of the crater is not as clear as it is seen from Kali Talang. Meanwhile, Klangon is one of the favorite tourist attractions in Yogyakarta. Apart from photographing the view of Mount Merapi, tourists can also camp if conditions allow.

4. Kaliadem, Yogyakarta

KOMPAS.com/ WIJAYA KUSUMAH Raising 1000 red and white flags when celebration of Indonesian Independence Day at Kaliadem, Cangkringan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia with view of Merapi Mountain on Sunday, August 17, 2014.

Kaliadem is one of the tourist attractions in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, and the most favorite spot to see the peak of Mount Merapi.

During holidays and sunny weather, many tourists visit Kaliadem to explore the area by taking an off-road ride on a jeep and take photos of the view against the majestic backdrop of Mount Merapi.

5. Selo area, Boyolali

KOMPAS.com/ANGGARA WIKAN PRASETYA Embung Manajar Boyolali.

If the previous four locations are located in the southern part of Mount Merapi, the Selo area in Boyolali regency is situated on the northern side.

The Merapi crater fracture is not visible from Selo. However, the sandy and emits smoke from the top of Merapi can be seen clearly from Selo during a clear weather.

(Writer: Anggara Wikan Prasetya | Editor: Anggara Wikan Prasetya)

Source: https://travel.kompas.com/read/2021/05/30/090900527/5-tempat-untuk-bisa-memotret-puncak-gunung-merapi-dengan-jelas?page=all#page2.