Mount Dukono Volcano Hike

The Mount Dukono Volcano Hike is located in Maluku, Indonesia, as mentioned by The World Travel Guy.

Mount Dukono is classified as one of the most active volcanoes globally, and it has maintained a continuous eruption pattern since 1933. If you are an avid hiker, you have the opportunity to witness this formidable volcano up close, making it one of the top hiking destinations in Indonesia.

Mount Dukono can be hiked in a day or enjoyed over two days and one night of camping. Climbing the crater is an option for those seeking a thrill, but caution is advised due to potential dangers.

One interesting aspect of this hike is its relative obscurity to tourists. Located in a remote area of Maluku, the trail to Dukono can be daunting, but it has the potential to gain popularity in the future, much like Mount Bromo minus the large crowds.

This travel guide provides information on how to reach Mount Dukono, details about the hike, and other essential details for your trip.

The Dukono volcano offers panoramic views with an apocalyptic feel.

Instructions for reaching Mount Dukono.

Mount Dukono is situated on the island of Halmahera in North Maluku, Indonesia. Tobelo, the nearest town, offers accommodations, restaurants, and necessary amenities for your hiking expedition.

To reach Dukono, there are a few options available. You can choose to fly to either Kao airport (code: KAZ) or Gamar Malamo airport (code: GLX). Another possibility is to fly to Ternate airport (code: TTE) and then take a boat from there to Halmahera, although this route may take longer.

There are multiple direct flights available each week to these airports via Wings Air, originating from Manado in North Sulawesi. To reach Manado, direct flights are available from Bali and Jakarta. Flight options within Indonesia can be searched on Skyscanner.

We flew from Manado to Kao airport, and then it took us 1.5 hours to drive to Tobelo town, where we stayed overnight before and after the hike.

Mount Dukono volcano erupting

Recommended local guide for Mount Dukono.

A local guide is recommended for navigation and safety at Dukono. Although it may result in additional costs, I would strongly suggest only doing this hike with a guide.

The path lacks clear markings and navigating it alone can be confusing. A guide will have a better understanding of the volcano’s behavior and can determine a safe distance to approach it on any given day. Additionally, if you plan to stay overnight, they can arrange for a porter to carry your camping gear, making the hike more manageable and enjoyable.

A guide to the Mount Dukono hike.

Mount Dukono offers the option of either a challenging day hike or the opportunity to camp overnight near the crater and descend the following day.

One advantage of overnight stays is better visibility of red lava after dark and the opportunity to enjoy the experience of falling asleep to the sounds of a volcano.

I chose a 1-day hike at Dukono in order prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness, although camping there is something I would enjoy in the future. Alex and I departed on scooters at 2 AM, heading towards the starting point near Mamuya village.

• Jungle Trek

The Dukono volcano has a summit elevation of 1,335 meters (4,380 feet), but the hike begins near sea level.

The initial section of the Dukono hike consists of a jungle path, with some parts paved. The entire route involves ascending a steep incline, but there are no inherent risks or dangers linked to cliffs or exposure.

There are multiple creek crossings that were dry during my visit. Flash flooding might occur during heavy rainfall. Our main challenge was maintaining stability on the uneven terrain caused by dirt and tree roots.

During our journey, we encountered various wildlife such as a python, a monitor lizard, giant centipedes, and exotic birds. The python was positioned on the main path, so we had no choice but detour around it.

Sunrise in the jungle

The jungle eventually comes to a stop at an old lava field.

• Old Lava Field

After 4 or 5 hours of hiking, we emerged from the jungle and caught our first glimpse of the smoking crater. We could hear it rumbling like a jet engine. If you are camping, this is the location where you will set up your tent, about 1 or 2 kilometers from the volcano crater.

In the next section, you will walk through a black lava field until you reach the top of the crater. Although it may not appear far from here, it typically takes around 1 or 2 hours to reach the top of the crater at a moderate pace. Along the way, you will come across a fascinating pool of turquoise water.

Walking on the lava rocks can be challenging, but I found it to be easier than navigating through the jungle. We took a pause here, and I operated the drone for a while in an attempt to capture the large cloud of smoke emitted by the volcano.

Hiking across the ancient lava fields on Mount Dukono.

There is a blue pool located near the volcano, which is considered to be mysterious.

• Dukono Volcano Crater

Upon reaching the summit of the Dukono volcano, we cautiously approached the crater’s edge and observed its emissions of smoke and ash. It is a remarkable spectacle, occasionally revealing streams of red hot molten lava as well.

Visitors should exercise caution and avoid approaching the crater when it is ejecting lava rocks. Dukono occasionally expels large lava rocks that descend like projectiles onto the crater’s slopes, posing a potentially fatal risk if struck. Fortunately, during our visit, the volcano was not emitting any rock projectiles, although we did observe some recent occurrences on the crater’s incline.

We spent approximately 30 minutes on the crater rim, and I operated the drone for a bit longer before descending. The combination of noise, heat, and smoke was both awe-inspiring and exhilarating.

There is lava simmering in the crater.

• Return Hike

Descending from Dukono is less challenging than ascending, but it still presents difficulties. The paved sections of the path are steep and slippery, particularly in wet weather. We encountered heavy rain for a duration of 1 or 2 hours during our descent and experienced multiple falls on the slick pavement.

We began our descent around 10 AM, as the weather became cloudy. It took us approximately 4 hours to reach the starting point of the trail from the top of the crater, or close to 5 hours if we include the scooter ride and other factors.

Me and my guide Alex spent approximately 12 hours hiking at Dukono, primarily on uphill terrain and slippery mud paths in the jungle. We were considerably dirty and exhausted, particularly due to our early morning start.

I had a meal in Tobelo town the following afternoon, and then slept for approximately 11 hours. It was quite a day.

Descending from the crater.

Is the Dukono Volcano currently erupting?

The Dukono volcano is consistently active, with continuous eruptions since 1933. For inquiries about the current activity, please reach out to my local guide Alex using the provided contact number.

The level of volcanic activity fluctuates annually at Dukono, however, it consistently provides a captivating spectacle. During my visit in 2021, there was a slight reduction in ash emissions compared to typical levels, and the frequency of rock bomb ejections was relatively low.

Is the safety of The Dukono Volcano a concern?

Naturally, the safety of this trek may be questionable due to the proximity to a highly active volcano, but there are measures you can take to minimize risk while still enjoying an incredible experience.

Dukono’s main risk is the rock bombs it throws. They are large and a hit can be deadly. These rocks can land anywhere on the crater’s slope at any time. Proceed with caution.

To ensure maximum safety, it is advisable to observe the volcano from a safe distance and refrain from looking directly into the crater. It is possible to capture impressive photographs of Dukono from the surrounding lava field without being at risk of rock bombs, particularly if using a drone.

Dukono experiences occasional severe eructions. historical severe eruption cases include incidents in 1550, 1719, 1868, and 1901, which resulted in death and destruction on Halmahera island. It is advisable to check for updates on Magma Indonesia before visiting.

Epic!

Determining the optimal time for hiking Mount Dukono.

For those planning to hike Mount Dukono in one day, it is recommended to start early, around 2 AM. This is due to the lengthy hike and the optimal timing to reach the crater shortly after sunrise, ensuring clear skies and visible eruptions.

If you are planning a 2-day hike to Dukono, the timing can be more flexible. Even if there are clouds or rain when you arrive, it is likely to be clear at night or the next morning.

The climate in Tobelo consists of consistent rainfall throughout the year, with the driest months occurring from July to October. During these months, hiking is particularly ideal. That being said, visiting Dukono outside of these months should not pose significant concerns.

During our trip to Dukono in June, we encountered a brief downpour for 1-2 hours in the afternoon while descending through the jungle. However, it did not detract from our hike and I still managed to take numerous pictures at the volcano.

Here is another aerial photograph of the active Dukono volcano emitting smoke.

What To Bring

Appropriate footwear, such as real hiking shoes or boots, is necessary for the path which can vary in terrain conditions from rocky and muddy to slippery. Even the paved sections can be slick without good traction.
A headlamp and spare batteries are necessary for the Dukono hike due to its long duration. Starting or ending the hike in the dark, it is important to have visibility while walking.
It is common to encounter rainfall during the trek, so it is advisable to carry a small foldable poncho, especially if you have electronic devices that need to remain dry.

Here are some additional tips for visiting Halmahera Island.

During our time on the island, we experienced good 4G reception with Telkomsel for cell service, although WiFi availability was limited.
In our experience, Tobelo town had stable 24/7 electricity.
During the hike, we encountered some mosquitoes at the beginning and at our hotel in Tobelo town. However, as we reached the old lava field and got closer to the volcano, we did not see any more mosquitoes. In general, there were not many mosquitoes on this hike, but your experience may be different.
Malaria might be present in North Maluku, although it has reportedly decreased according to a study conducted by Lancet in 2018. We took precautions by using bug spray and avoiding mosquito bites, but we did not take malaria prophylactics.
The roads in and between towns were generally in good condition. The scooter road to the start of the hike was not perfect, but it was also not terrible. It is important to note that road condition may vary depending on weather conditions.
There are functional ATMs in the vicinity that dispense 50k Rupiah notes.

Indonesia Drone Video

This YouTube video showcases drone shots of Mount Dukono and other Indonesian volcanoes, waterfalls, and natural sights.

The video was recorded in various regions of Indonesia, including Bali, Java, Maluku, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and other islands.

More Indonesia Travel Guides

Thank you for reading! I hope you found this guide helpful for the Mount Dukono volcano hike in Maluku, Indonesia.

Please be sure to review the Indonesia Travel Guide and the list of the top hikes in Indonesia.