Gedong Songo

Gedong Songo means nine buildings, and that is the arrangement: a series of small Hindu shrine groups from around the eighth century, contemporary with the earliest Dieng temples, set at intervals up the southern flank of Mount Ungaran between about twelve hundred and fifteen hundred metres, so seeing them all means a walk of a couple of kilometres climbing steadily with each group a little higher than the last. They are Shaivite, small, square and andesite, some restored and some fragmentary. Between groups three and four the path passes fumaroles and hot springs venting sulphur out of the hillside. The altitude means cool air and frequent cloud, and on a clear morning the view runs to Merbabu, Merapi, Sumbing and Sindoro. Horses are offered for the climb.

What you actually see

• Nine shrine groups - eighth-century Shaivite temples strung up the mountain flank.
• Sulphur vents on the path - fumaroles and hot springs between the groups.
• A climbing walk - a couple of kilometres, each group higher than the last.
• A four-volcano view - Merbabu, Merapi, Sumbing and Sindoro on a clear morning.

When to go

May to September; early morning before cloud. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Cloud closes the view most days by late morning. The climb is continuous and at altitude. Horse welfare on the path varies. Weekends are crowded with domestic visitors.

Nearby

Bandungan is below; Ambarawa and Rawa Pening are further down.