Kelud Mountain

Geological Wonders: From Green Crater to Lava Dome

The most prominent natural feature of Mount Kelud is its crater. Before the 2007 eruption, the crater was known for its calm yet deadly greenish acidic water lake. However, a unique phenomenon occurred in 2007 when a "child mountain" in the form of a lava dome emerged from the lakebed, replacing the water body with a mound of volcanic material spewing sulfurous smoke.

After the 2014 eruption, the crater changed shape again. Now, visitors can witness a vast crater with sturdy, blackish-gray vertical cliff walls. The presence of peaks surrounding the crater, such as Puncak Gajah Mungkur, Puncak Kelud, and Puncak Sumbing, provides a dramatic silhouette, especially when a thin mist begins to envelop the crater floor in the afternoon.

Resilient Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Despite being frequently affected by volcanic activity, the ecosystem around Mount Kelud shows remarkable resilience. The lower slopes are dominated by dense tropical mountain forests, which are home to various endemic Javanese bird species and primates like the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis).

One of the unique phenomena here is the natural succession of vegetation post-eruption. Visitors can observe how pioneer plants, such as ferns and wild grasses, begin to re-green the land that was once covered by thick volcanic ash. Additionally, the slopes of Kelud are known as the best pineapple-producing region in East Java, where community pineapple plantations stretch widely, creating a refreshing gradient of green before entering the more arid summit area.

Outdoor Activities and Unique Experiences

Mount Kelud is not just a place for distant views; this destination offers various physical interactions with nature:

1. Off-road Adventure with Jeep: One of the most thrilling ways to explore Kelud is by renting a tourist Jeep. The routes include sandy paths, steep uphill climbs, and traversing expanses of volcanic material from past eruptions.

2. Mysterious Gravitational Road: Before reaching the main parking area, there is a unique natural phenomenon known as the "Mysterious Road." On this seemingly uphill road, vehicles can move upwards on their own even when the engine is off. This phenomenon is believed to be caused by magnetic fields or local topographic optical illusions.

3. Natural Hot Springs: For those seeking relaxation, there are hot spring streams containing sulfur. Visitors must descend hundreds of steps to reach the valley floor, where the natural hot springs meet the cold river water, creating a perfect temperature for a soak while enjoying the towering cliffs.

4. Trekking to Gajah Mungkur Peak: Via a well-maintained staircase (via Kediri), visitors can reach the viewpoint of Gajah Mungkur Peak. From here, the panorama of the crater and the expanse of Kediri Regency is clearly visible.

Best Time to Visit and Seasonal Variations

The best time to visit Mount Kelud is during the dry season, between May and September. During this period, the sky is usually clear and blue, providing maximum visibility to see the crater floor. Furthermore, the risk of heavy rain that could trigger cold lava floods on the trekking trails is very minimal.

If you visit in the morning (around 05:00 - 07:00 WIB), visitors have the chance to witness the phenomenon of a "sea of clouds" that seems to engulf the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Conversely, during the rainy season, the atmosphere becomes more mystical with thick fog, but some access to the crater or hot springs may be closed for safety reasons.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

As an active volcano, Mount Kelud's status is constantly monitored by PVMBG (Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation). Conservation efforts focus on restoring forest cover to prevent erosion and maintain hydrological functions for Kediri and its surrounding areas. Visitors are strongly urged not to litter, especially plastic, and not to vandalize crater rocks or existing facilities. Environmental awareness is crucial, considering that this recovering volcanic ecosystem is very sensitive to human pollution.

Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Access to Mount Kelud from the center of Kediri City is relatively easy and can be reached within approximately 1 to 1.5 hours of land travel. Smooth asphalt roads are available up to the last parking area in the tourist area via Kediri Regency (Wates).

The available facilities are quite adequate, including:

• Spacious Parking Area: Capable of accommodating motorcycles, private cars, and tourist buses.
• Kelud Theater Building: Where visitors can watch documentaries about the history of Mount Kelud's eruptions before ascending to the peak.
• Ojek and Jeep Transportation: Facilitating tourists who do not want to walk far to the crater rim.
• Culinary Stalls: Offering local specialties such as corn rice and fresh pineapple products.
• Toilets and Prayer Rooms: Available at several strategic points in the tourist area.

Mount Kelud is not just about the remnants of disaster, but a tangible testament to nature's regenerative power. With its unique geomorphological beauty, mysterious gravitational phenomena, and refreshing mountain air, Kelud remains a premier natural tourist destination that must be visited in East Java for anyone who wants to feel the earth's breath directly.