What’s It Like to Climb Mount Karangetang in Sulawesi?

Mount Karangetang is an impressive Jurassic Park-like volcano situated on the remote island of Siau in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its striking presence is impossible to ignore; the volcano, with its two smoking craters, is a prominent feature on this tiny island.

If you’re fortunate, you might catch it erupting molten lava and rock bombs under the nighttime sky—a sight that occurs with surprising frequency.

In this guide, I’ll be sharing my firsthand experience of hiking Mount Karangetang in 2021, providing useful tips for those considering this adventure.

Mount Karangetang Volcano In Siau Island Sulawesi Indonesia Drone — Drone picture of Mount Karangetang volcano

Is It Safe?

Safety is paramount when it comes to Mount Karangetang. It’s one of the most active volcanoes globally, and while local guides possess extensive knowledge and the Indonesian government monitors seismic activity, there are undeniable risks involved in climbing. Eruptions can happen unexpectedly, making it prudent for most hikers to only venture partway up the mountain, enjoying distant views of the smoking craters.

Climbing any active volcano in Indonesia carries risks, and Karangetang is notably active. As such, it’s crucial to assess these dangers before proceeding.

Mount Karangetang Volcano Smoking Twin Craters In Siau Island Sulawesi Indonesia Drone — Smoking dual vents at Gunung Karangetang

My Local Guide: Dominik

I highly recommend hiring a local guide for this hike, as the trail can be challenging to navigate. I had the pleasure of hiking with Dominik, an experienced local guide from Siau, who brought along his brother and their dog, making our adventure even more enjoyable.

You can reach out to Dominik via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 853-9866-6999. I paid 600,000 Rupiah for the hike, although prices may have increased since Covid. Dominik can also organize other tours and activities around the island, which we arranged through the Kalea Beach Resort during our stay.

Local Hiker Guides Climbing Mount Karangetang In Siau Sulawesi Indonesia — Climbing the volcano with my guides

Smoking crater summit and old lava field — Summit view from the old lava field

Mount Karangetang: What To Expect

Starting The Hike

To ensure clear views of the volcano, my guides and I began our hike early, setting off at 3:15 AM. This decision paid off, as thick clouds rolled in shortly after we exited the treeline. The hike commenced with a 30-minute scooter ride to the trailhead on the volcano’s south side.

Jungle covered Siau bay — We could see most of the island once we got out of the jungle

In The Jungle

Progress was slow as we battled through dense jungle terrain in the dark. The trail had been neglected during Covid, forcing my guides to clear the path with machetes. We encountered various wildlife, including giant green millipedes and a more intimidating giant centipede, which raised itself in a threatening posture.

Navigating this steep, muddy, and slippery trail was challenging. Although there were no dangerous drop-offs, the risk of slipping on the guides’ machetes kept me alert.

Hiking out of the jungle and into the steep lava rocks — Out of the jungle and into the lava rocks

Bloody scraped legs from hiking — Got some scrapes from falling in the jungle

Old Lava Field

After approximately 2.5 hours of hiking, we reached an old lava field below the summit just in time for sunrise. The lava rocks were slippery and difficult to traverse, resulting in a few injuries despite my durable hiking shoes. For safety, we decided to stop here as we were two-thirds of the way to the summit, given the volcano’s unpredictable nature.

Mount Karangetang Volcano Hike In Siau Island Sulawesi Indonesia — Views from the old lava field. This is where I stopped and flew my drone.

During our break, I spent about an hour flying my drone to capture the stunning surroundings. The volcano’s dual smoking cones at the summit were particularly captivating.

We began our descent at 7:25 AM, just as the summit vanished behind clouds. The return journey was faster, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes. If circumstances were different, I would have loved to reach the summit and witness the craters up close. Despite stopping short, the hike was rewarding, offering breathtaking views.

Mount Karangetang Volcano Hike in Siau Island Sulawesi Indonesia Drone — What a place!

When To Do The Hike

Siau Island enjoys a tropical rainforest climate comparable to that of Manado in North Sulawesi. The driest months, from July to October, present the best conditions for hiking Mount Karangetang. During my visit in June, the weather was favorable.

My Travel Guide For Siau Island

Thank you for reading! I hope you found this guide about climbing Mount Karangetang volcano informative and inspiring.

Don’t forget to check out my comprehensive travel guide for Siau Island before your visit—this hidden gem boasts incredible beaches, captivating tarsiers, and other attractions waiting to be explored.