Sidoarjo Mud Volcano, Sidoarjo

SIGHTSEEING, SIDOARJO Created :

Derek Freal

Derek Freal abandoned the American Dream in 2009 to travel the world and eventually realized that Asia is the best part, which is why most of his writing covers India to Indonesia (and everywhere in between). However Derek"s specialty is in unique and offbeat travel guides -- not just for Asia but countries across the globe -- and in producing travel videos. All this and more as the nomadic journey continues on http://blog.theHoliDaze.com.

In May of 2006, a drilling accident in Sidoarjo resulted in the formation of a mud volcano, and yes, that is exactly like what the name suggests. Mud has been flowing out ever since, swallowing up roads, houses, trees and everything else in its path. It, really, is quite surreal. Scientists estimate that it could continue erupting for another two to three decades.

As you wander around, you will most likely encounter a local or two offering to be your tour guide around the mudscape for a few rupiahs. This is certainly one case of them needing it more than we do, so go for it.

Sidoarjo is located 25 km south of Surabaya in East Java. Given the unique and one-of-a-kind nature of this site, it is the only “must-visit“ location on this list. The mud volcano is also so obscure that you will not find any signs or tourists. However, the mud flow is large enough to be seen on Google Earth so you won't have any problems spotting it as you drive south on Jalan Raya Malang-Surabaya!
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