Guidebook for Climbing Mt. Semeru

INTRODUCTION

A mount climbing is any form activities of travelling to climb a mount which is conducted either in a way of individual or group with various motivation and objectives.

Many beneficial aspects which can be taken in doing a mount climbing activity such as a training to increase self-reliance, increasing stamina developing friendship and spending a leisure time for recreation. While doing a climbing activity, it can be held too for scientific activities to observe natural resources like flora, fauna and ecosystems.

The Mount climbing can be categorized as a kind of sport having great challange and adventured which need skill, power and struggle. The Challenge to overcome any barriers is a main interest of climbing activity to test stamina, and a success in doing a difficult climbing tends as an overcome on fear and take a victory.

Many important aspects should be prepared before doing a climbing activity such as preparation of physical and mental. skills and sufficient knowledge especially about field track which will be traveled knowledge about using compass and map. knowledge about climate, and first aid.


"Climbing with a good planning
and preparation will enhance of success"

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Location of Mt. Semeru

  Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is one of conservation areas which has been already well known by many people, because it has great values of potential aspects both is viewed from cultural history, biodiversity and estetica. This is proved with increasing of people to visit the park with various interests like for recreation, camping climbing, education and research.

Realizing that situation, the government had established Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area as a nasional park which was established on November 12, 1992 with the decree of Minister of Foresty No.1049/Kpts-Il/1992 with covering an area of 50.267,3 ha. which administratively is located in 4 regencies of Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Malang and Lumajang, East Java Pnovince.

Mount Semeru is located between the regencies of Malang and Lumajang with geographical position of 8 06' South Latitude and 12 55' East Longitude. The peak of Mount Semeru is 3,676 m above sea level, the highest mountain in
Java and one of active volcano. The Caldera of Mount Semeru is located in the Lumajang Regency viewed from the South. Mount Semeru resembles a perpectly cone-form but in fact it is a dome form with stripefield on hillsides.

Soil and Climate of Mt. Semeru

Soil in Mount Semeru is regosol as a result of youth quaner volcano. Generally climate in Mount Semeru area is B type (Schmidt and Ferguson) with rainfall of 927 mm-5498 mm per year with the sun of rainy day is 136 days/year 
and wet season is from November to April. Temperature in the peak of Semeru ranges from 0 - 4 C

Flora and Fauna of Mt. Semeru 

Flora in Semeru area consisted of various species dominated by Casuarina junghuniana, Acacia decurens, Pinus merkusii and Podocarpus sp. Understory species are dominated by Euphathorium odoretum, Imperata cylindrica, Melastomamalabathricum and Anaphalis javanica. 

Fauna spesies can be found in Mount Semeru area like : Panthera pardus. Presbytis cristata, Paradoxurus hemaproditus, Muntiacus muntjak and tragulus javanica

GUIDANCE FOR CLIMBERS

Climbing Permit

Concerning the letter of the Director of National Park and Recreation Forest on March 5.1986 Nomor : 176/TN-1/1980 about recreation permit, an issuing of entrance permit to the park is authority of the Head of National Park/ Bureau of Nature Conservation office on location.

The condition of climbing permit requirement to Mount Semeru is as follows :


For Students
Request of a permit letter know/approved by the head master ot school
For Graduate Students
Request of a permit letter known/approved by the Dean of university
For Nature Lover
Request of a permit letter know/approved by the leader of nature Lover
For Public
Request of a permit letter know/approved by the leader of community


Request of a permit letter should contains :


a. Name and address of requester
b. Destination
c. Date and duration of climbing
d. Number of climbers including a list of name, address, gender and age

Helpful Hints for Day Hiking 
Just getting started in the outdoors? 
Even expert hikers enjoy a day hike from time to time-ranging from a few hours to a full day on mild to moderate terrain. 
Dayhiking can be one of the easiest and most quickly rewarding ways for you and your family to enjoy your time in state or national parks and many other outdoor locales, especially if you follow these simple guidelines: 

Acquaint yourself with the area and its trails ahead of time so you can set a reasonable timetable. Many guidebooks give time estimates for trails.

To save fuel and avoid the nuisance of shuttling cars, plan hikes that begin and end at the same parking area.

Carry more water than you think you'll need, as much as you can comfortably carry. Fill your canteens before you leave. Backcountry water sources are unpredictable.

Carry more food than you think you will need. It's better to take extra snacks home with you than to go hungry on the trail. Store your clothing and food in different colored sacks in your pack so you can find them easily.  
Put the items you need most frequently, such as your water bottle, guidebook or jacket, at the top of your pack.

Weather on the trail can change quickly, especially in the mountains.  
Layer your garments, and be prepared for severe weather. 
If you are driving into remote regions, make sure your vehicle is in good running order and top off your gas tank.

Start off slow to avoid fatigue partway through your hike. Take frequent breaks.  
Let the slowest member of your group set the pace. If skill levels are dramatically different, break into groups and meet at agreed-upon locations. 

Practice low-impact hiking. Carry out whatever you pack in so others can enjoy the surroundings, too.  

To increase your chance of seeing wildlife, choose less traveled trails and start your hike early in the morning.  (When you choose less traveled trails, you also help reduce erosion on overused ones.)
Leave your itinerary with someone you trust, and check in with them when you return.

                                                                                                                                                                 Source: Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park