Merapi Mt. (2968 mdpl) from Javanese world Meru means mountain and Api means fire. It is actually one of the most active and monitored volcanoes in the world. Its own ‘gatekeeper’ leads every year an offering ceremony to its summit. The volcano’s fertile ashes make it possible for thousands of local people to earn a living. Scientific curiosity, inspiration of spiritual feelings, as well as part of the economic life, Mt. Merapi is present throughout daily life.

The worst eruption was in 1930 which killed about 1300 people. People did not know exactly how many thousand or even million times, Merapi has been erupted since its birth. In the 10th century, its ashes had buried totally a temple 15 km southward. Probably its unbearable activity had pushed eastward the Hindu Mataram kingdom from Prambanan, central Java to East Java in the 10th century. But Merapi does not act always as "a bad guy", most of the time "it is a good guy", handsomely gives tremendous fertility to the land, stands strongly guarding the nature

GEDE PANGRANGO National Park is favorites place for hiking and camping. The summit of Gede Mount with height 2,958 above sea level. Beside Gede Mount Summit, we can see the summit of Pangrango Mount which looks like shape triangle. Both are controlled by National Park of Gede Pangrango Mount.

On the top of Gede Mount there are some active craters (last exploded in 1957), and savannah meadow with eternal flowers (Edelweiss/Anaphalis javanica) grows on it which an attractive view for climbers.

Passing through the tropical rainforest along to Kandang Badak (4 hours), we can find/meet beautiful Cibeureum waterfall, some shelters, spring, and hot water.

Meanwhile, the wild animal sometimes shows up along the path, such as Owa (Hylobates moloch), surili (Presbitis comata), lutung (Trachypithecus auratus), kera/monkey (Mucaca fascicularis), macan tutul/tiger (Panthera pardus), mencek/deer (Muntiacus muntjak), and Elang Jawa/Javanese Eagle (Spizaelus bartelsii).

Other places that can be visited are Mandalawangi summit (3,002 m) Sukaratu (2,836 m), and Gumuruh (2,928 m).