Summary
Mount Dukono is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and it has been erupting continuously since 1933. For hiking enthusiasts, experiencing this formidable volcano up close is a thrilling adventure, making it one of the best hikes in Indonesia!
While it is possible to hike Mount Dukono in one long day, many choose to spend two days and one night camping on the mountain. This approach is less challenging and offers breathtaking views. For the adventurous, climbing into the crater for a closer look is an option; however, some risks are involved.
The allure of this hike lies in its relative obscurity among tourists. Located in a remote part of Maluku, Dukono offers a thrilling experience that feels a bit like Mount Bromo without the crowds!
This travel guide will cover how to get to Mount Dukono, what to expect during the hike, and essential tips for your adventure!
How To Get To Mount Dukono
Mount Dukono is situated on the island of Halmahera in North Maluku, Indonesia. The nearest town to stay for the hike is Tobelo, which is equipped with hotels, restaurants, and all necessary amenities.
You can reach Dukono by flying into either Kao airport (KAZ) or Gamar Malamo airport (GLX). Alternatively, you can fly to Ternate airport (TTE) and take a boat to Sofifi in Halmahera, although this method extends your travel time.
Direct flights to these airports with Wings Air operate several times a week from Manado in North Sulawesi. To reach Manado, look for direct flights from Bali and Jakarta. You can find flights in Indonesia on Skyscanner.
From Manado, we took a flight to Kao airport, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Tobelo town, where we stayed before and after our hike.
Best Local Guide For Mount Dukono
Having a local guide is crucial for navigation and safety at Dukono. Even though hiring a guide adds to your expenses, I strongly recommend it for this hike.
The trail is nearly unmarked and can be confusing for solo hikers. A guide will have an expert understanding of the volcano’s behavior and the safest distances to approach on any given day. Additionally, if you decide to camp overnight, they can arrange for a porter to carry your camping gear, enhancing your overall experience.
I hiked with Alex Djangu, a knowledgeable local trekking guide who speaks English and resides on Halmahera island. He has extensive experience leading international hikers to both Mount Dukono and Mount Ibu, another stunning volcano on the island.
You can reach Alex via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 821-9123-5467 or email him at alex_djangu @ yahoo.com (no spaces). The best method of communication is through WhatsApp.
Mount Dukono Hike: What To Expect
The Mount Dukono hike can be either a very long day trek or a two-day adventure, camping near the crater and returning down the next day.
Camping overnight allows for a spectacular view of the red lava after dark and an unforgettable experience falling asleep to the sounds of an active volcano.
I opted for a one-day hike to save time and money, although I hope to camp there in the future. Alex and I began our journey on scooters at 2 AM, heading to the trailhead near Mamuya village.
• Jungle Trek
With a peak elevation of 1,335 meters (4,380 feet), the hiking starts near sea level. The initial part of the Dukono trek takes you through the jungle, although much of the path is paved. You ascend a steep hill the entire way, but the trail is not perilous in terms of cliffs or drop-offs.
There are several creek crossings, but they were dry during my visit. Flash flooding could occur during heavy rains, making caution necessary. The primary challenge was avoiding slips on dirt and tree roots.
Along the journey, we spotted a python, a monitor lizard, giant centipedes, and several exotic birds. The python was on the main path, requiring us to navigate around it.
• Old Lava Field
After 4 or 5 hours of hiking, we exited the jungle and had our first glimpse of the smoking crater, accompanied by its ominous rumbling, akin to a jet engine. If camping, this area is where you would set up your tent, situated approximately 1 or 2 kilometers from the crater.
This next segment involves traversing an old black lava field leading to the crater’s peak. It may appear close, but a moderate pace takes 1 or 2 hours to reach the top. Along the way, unique turquoise water pools await your discovery.
While navigating the lava rocks can be slightly challenging, I found it more manageable than the jungle trek. This was also a good spot to fly the drone for capturing the impressive smoke billowing from the volcano.
• Dukono Volcano Crater
Upon reaching the Dukono summit, we crawled to the crater’s edge, gazing inside as smoke and ash billowed around us. It is indeed an incredible sight, often revealing red-hot molten lava.
For safety, it’s wise to keep your distance from the crater when it is positioning lava rocks. Dukono is known to occasionally expel large rocks, which can pose a deadly risk if they land on you. Fortunately, there was no rock ejection during our visit, although we noted some remnants on the crater’s slope.
We spent about 30 minutes on the crater rim, capturing more drone footage before beginning our descent. The heat, noise, and smoke were both frightening and exhilarating.
• Return Hike
The return hike from Dukono is easier than the ascent, although it remains challenging. The paved sections of the path can become steep and slippery, especially following rain. We faced heavy rain for 1 to 2 hours during our descent, slipping multiple times on the slick terrain.
We commenced our descent around 10 AM, with clouds rolling in. It took us 4 hours to return from the crater to the trailhead, totaling about 5 hours when considering the scooter ride and other delays.
In total, Alex and I spent around 12 hours hiking Dukono, with most of that time spent trudging uphill on rugged volcanic ground and slick muddy paths through the jungle. We emerged incredibly muddy and exhausted, especially after such an early start.
The following afternoon, I enjoyed a quick meal in Tobelo town and then collapsed, sleeping for nearly 11 hours. What a day!
Is Dukono Volcano Still Erupting?
Indeed, the Dukono volcano remains highly active, having been in continuous eruption since 1933. For the latest information regarding current activity, you can reach out to my local guide Alex, and he will be glad to assist.
Volcanic activity at Dukono varies yearly, but it consistently puts on an impressive display. When I visited in 2021, the ash output was lower than usual, and rock ejection was minimal.
Is The Dukono Volcano Safe?
The safety of this trek poses concerns, as you will be approaching the edge of an active volcano. Nonetheless, there are precautions you can take to enhance your safety while still enjoying the experience.
The primary risk at Dukono arises during lava rock ejections. These projectiles can be quite large, and being struck could mean serious injury or loss of life. Approach at your own discretion.
If you prefer to play it safe, consider viewing the volcano from a distance rather than peering into the crater. Remarkable photographs of Dukono can be captured from the old lava field without entering risky zones, particularly if you utilize a drone.
Occasionally, more severe eruptions occur at Dukono, as experienced in 1550, which caused considerable destruction on Halmahera island. Other significant eruptions were documented in 1719, 1868, and 1901. You can monitor the volcano’s status by checking Magma Indonesia prior to your visit.
Epic!
When To Hike Mount Dukono
For a one-day adventure on Mount Dukono, it is essential to begin early, around 2 AM. This timing is crucial as it’s a lengthy hike, and reaching the crater shortly after sunrise provides the best visibility for appreciating the eruptions against a clear sky.
If you opt for a two-day hike, the schedule offers greater flexibility. Even if the weather is cloudy or rainy upon arrival, conditions typically clear at night or the following morning.
Tobelo experiences a relatively rainy climate year-round, with July to October being the driest months—ideal for hiking—but it is safe to visit Dukono outside this period as well.
We hiked Dukono in June, and although we encountered a downpour for 1 to 2 hours on the descent, it didn’t detract from our experience or impede the numerous photo opportunities at the volcano.
What To Bring
- Footwear: It’s essential to wear proper hiking shoes or boots, as the path can be rocky, muddy, or slippery at times. Even paved sections can become treacherously slick without adequate traction.
- Headlamp: A headlamp, along with spare batteries, is crucial for this long hike. You’ll likely start or finish in the dark, so visibility is a must.
- Raincoat: Since rain is common during the trek, bringing a small foldable poncho is a smart choice—especially to protect electronics from moisture.
More Tips For Halmahera Island
- Cell Service: On the island, we found good 4G coverage with Telkomsel, but WiFi is still not widely available.
- Electricity: In my experience, Tobelo town had stable 24/7 electricity.
- Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes were only noticeable at the hike’s start and in our hotel in Tobelo. Once we reached the lava field and approached the volcano, they disappeared. Overall, mosquitoes were not a significant nuisance, although experiences may vary.
- Malaria: While there might still be some occurrence of malaria in North Maluku, reports indicate it has decreased according to a Lancet study from 2018. We were cautious, using bug spray, but we did not take malaria preventative measures.
- Roads: The road conditions in and between towns are generally good. The scooter route to the trailhead wasn’t perfect but manageable. Conditions may fluctuate with weather changes.
- ATM: ATMs are available and functioning in the region, typically dispensing 50k Rupiah notes.
Indonesia Drone Video
Check out this YouTube video showcasing some of my drone footage of Mount Dukono, as well as other remarkable landscapes from Indonesia, including volcanoes and waterfalls.
This video features scenes from Bali, Java, Maluku, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and various other islands throughout Indonesia.
More Indonesia Travel Guides
Thank you for your interest! I hope this travel guide to the Mount Dukono hike in Maluku, Indonesia, has been enjoyable and informative.
Explore my Indonesia Travel Guide and check out the best hikes in Indonesia!
