Ranu Kumbolo: Emerald From the Sky

Ranu Kumbolo, which in local language means Kumbolo Lake (ranu = lake). This lake is claimed as the highest lake in Java Island. Located at altitude 2400 meters above sea level, with an area of about 14 hectares. This location is one of the hiking post of the mountain Semeru (Mahameru) which is the highest mountain in Java Island. However, it is not rare for people who come to this Ranu Kumbolo just for camping only, not to climb for the Semeru's Top. Because of this Ranu Kumbolo offer natural beauty that so exquisite. So perfect for camping and refreshing. Even though Semeru hikers almost certainly will spend at least 1 day for camping here, because they obviously do not want to lose precious moments to enjoy the beauty of this Ranu Kumbolo.

This lake is blue-green shining. With Background Mount Semeru (Mahameru) coughing smoke belching, and surrounded by a vast savanna, this makes the atmosphere of this place more beautiful. When the morning come, sun will rise among the sidelines of hill. The light will bounce over the lake, which will make the lake sparkled like an emerald green. And this is one of precious moment than should not to be missed for anyone who visits this place

For those who visit this place, could spend the time with a stroll around the lake which has natural scenery that quite beautiful. Or they also can fishing in the lake (which according to a story, fish seeds in this place is dispersed by the former president of the Republic of Indonesia, Suharto), or just relax only. Everything is still going to feel great. From this place, every few minutes will see the top Mahameru smoke belching.
The main access to Ranu Kumbolo reach through the Tumpang village, south of the city of Malang. From the bus station of Malang, take public transportation to the Tumpang village. It will spend about 30 minutes. From here, you can rent a Jeep (if you are in the large group) or you can hitchhike the vegetables truck that a lot located behind Tumpang traditional market that will leave to Ranu Pani village. Ranu Pani village is the last village in the base of mountain Semeru.



By using vegetable truck or jeep, trip starts from Tumpang to Ranu Pani. But first stopped at Gubugklakah to obtain a permit letter and will be checked at Ranu Pani guard post. In Ranu Pani there are also stalls and cottages. In this post we can find any porters (local residents to help indicate the direction of hiking, lifting goods and cooking). Hikers can also spend the night at the guard post. In Ranu Pani there are also has two lakes namely Lake Ranu Pani lake(1 hectares) and Ranu Regulo lake (0.75 hectares). Situated at an altitude of 2200 mdpl.
Initial point tracking is sloping enough, along the hillside is dominated by reed plants. There was no sign of track to navigate, but there are signs on every 100 meter. There are many fallen trees and branches above the head.
After walking about 5 km down the hillside that a lot overgrown with Edelweiss, we will arrive at Watu Rejeng. Here, there is a steep stone that is very beautiful. Very beautiful scenery to the valley and hills, and there are overgrown with fir and pine forests. Sometimes the smoke can be seen from the top of Semeru. To go to Ranu Kumbolo still has a distance of about 4.5 Km.
Ranu Kumbolo located behind a hill, so it will not appear from a distance. When you've been over the hill, you'll see incredible beautiful scenery. Ranu Kumbolo, vast savanna, and from a distance looks the top of Mount Semeru.

Route:

• Malang-Tumpang: 30 minutes
• Tumpang-Gubukklakah: 15 minutes
• Gubukklakah-Ranu Pani: 1.5 hours

Track:

• Ranu Pani-Watu Rejeng: 5 km
• Watu Rejeng-Ranu Kumbolo: 4.5 km

Tips:

• Bring your fishing pole
• Have an extra memory card for your camera, coz you will take a lot of photograph :)