Visible from mostly everywhere in the city when the sky is clear, Merapi Volcano is respected and feared, and brings destruction at a quite regular interval of about four years, taking every time its toll of lives. It's considered to be the most active volcano in Indonesia, not a bad record for a country with over 150 volcanoes!

After so much time spent shopping, sightseeing and being carried around by bicycle rickshaw, it's time to stretch your legs. The best way to experience Mount Merapi is to hike to its top from the village of Selo on the north slope. It's not a long trek, taking about 4-5 hours to reach the 2968 meters of altitude, but it's definitely extenuating. Start around 1 am to be on top before sunrise. The route is covered in very slippery volcanic hash, with the last section of the cone being the most spectacular but also the most challenging reaching inclination of up to 60 per cent!

The way back is faster but still slippery and dangerous, so be extremely cautious. While it's difficult to get lost given the multitude of local hikers to follow, an experienced guide is suggested for the less adventurous. An entrance fee, many times more expensive for foreigners than for locals, is required to enter the protected area of the Volcano.