Note: Mount Sinabung is an active volcano. Further volcanic activity in the area including explosive eruptions, lava flows, lahars, hot ash, pyroclastic heat clouds and molten debris remains always possible.

Mount Sinabung (Gunung Sinabung) is North Sumatra's 4th most active volcano. The long eruption of Mount Sinabung is similar to that of Mount Unzen in Japan, which erupted for five years after lying dormant for 400 years.

Understand

Mount Sinabung is a Pleistocene-to-Holocene stratovolcano of andesite and dacite in the Karo plateau of Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia, 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the Lake Toba supervolcano. Many old lava flows are on its flanks and the last known eruption, before recent times, occurred 1200 years before present, between 740 - 880 CE.

Get in

Due to frequent eruptions, there is only one mountaineering route to get to Mount Sinabung, the Lau Kawar route. On this route, you will pass Lau Kawar Lake, which is on the north side of the mountain. That lake is a camping ground for mountaineers.

It would take 6-8 hours for a round trip. From Lau Kawar Lake, follow the path that goes up the hillside. You will pass a hut and come to a wide intersection. From there, turn right onto a wide road that goes up, past tomato and chili gardens.

Follow the path until you find a tree on the left side. The path to the mountain begins to be visible from the tree. The track is filled with bushes, so you might get lost if you are not careful in choosing the path.

From there, choose the path that leads directly to the forest filled with bushes. After 100 meters, you will enter a forest track with both winding path and steeper incline. At some points, you may have to climb a little and go through muddy terrain.

After passing the forest part, you will pass through a path filled with bushes and fern plants. From that point, you can see the view of Lau Kawar Lake and Gunung Leuser National Park to the west.

The closer you get to the peak of Mount Sinabung, you will pass a track that is formed by lava flow. Because the track is quite steep, you may have to crawl up to get to the top. This will get even more difficult if the track is soaked by rain. However, your journey will be paid off with amazing views on Mount Sinabung, such as the majestic Mount Sibayak and the beauty of Lau Kawar Lake.

See and do

• Camping in Lau Kawar Lake.
  • Lau Kawar Lake is surrounded by both tropical forest woods and golden yellow grass. The edge of the lake stretches up to three hectares so it is suitable as a camping ground. You can also fish or ride a boat in the waters of Lau Kawar Lake.
• Mount Sinabung Volcano Park Tour
  • You can enjoy the charm of Mount Sinabung by seeing the beauty of the molten lava of Mount Sinabung at night.

Buy

There is no souvenir shop in this area since the volcaninc activity is pretty high.

Eat and drink

You can buy food and beverage in the area of Lau Kawar Lake.

Stay safe

Mount Sinabung erupted after a 400-year-long hiatus in August 2010, and has been continuously active since September 2013.

Go next

• Mount Sibayak, another mountain in North Sumatra.