Sarangan Travel Guide

 theo1006 Says:  Mount Lawu is the most popular mountain to climb in Central Java. Hundreds of Indonesians yearly make the trip. So you seldom walk the trail alone.It is a fairly long walk, but the main trail (see picture of map) is relatively easy. Above 2500 m it has become badly eroded... 

 theo1006 Says:  Sarangan consists practically of hotels, villa's and restaurants only, so make your choice. Except with Lebaran and Xmas-New Year most are empty, no need to book. And do not let them draw you into the very first one you see.Points to consider: (1) do you want to stay near... 

 theo1006 Says:  Nightlife in Sarangan?By nightfall mist creeps up and it gets quite chilly. The roads soon are deserted.Prepare for cocooning by the fireside. Bring your own wine and what goes with it.If you are male travelling alone, the hotel staff likely will offer you female company 'to... 

 theo1006 Says:  Sarangan is actually in East Java province, but usually approached from Solo (Surakarta). The road passing over the southern slope of Lawu mountain used to be narrow, steep and cobble-stoned, but it has been upgraded to become an alternative route between Solo and... 

 theo1006 Says:  Avoid going to Sarangan with Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Lebaran (end of fasting month). The place is crowded with local sightsee-ers. See the holiday calender on my Indonesia page.During weekends there are a lot of visitors too, but on working days you have Sarangan... 

 theo1006 Says:   Bring enough cash for all your expenses.The nearest bank with ATM ('Ambil Tunai Mandiri' or Automatic Teller Machine) is at Magetan, 15 km downhill in the direction of Madiun. 

 theo1006 Says:  Hidden in the outer ridges of Lawu mountain is Curug Iwok, a creek with three consecutive waterfalls.To get there from Sarangan walk to the other side of the lake keeping it on your left hand and turn right where you see a deep valley. Just follow the irrigation canal...