Lava Merapi and Alien Stone

The Lava Merapi and Alien Stone site is a popular, captivating, and educational tourist attraction located in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is a key stop on the famous Merapi Lava Tour which takes visitors on a thrilling off-road jeep adventure across the volcanic landscape left behind by the devastating 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi. Key Highlights of the Site Alien Stone (Batu Alien):This is a large, unique volcanic rock that was hurled out of Mount Merapi during the 2010 eruption. It earned its name because its shape is said to resemble a face or an "Alien's head" (from the movie *Alien*). It serves as a popular and unique photo spot with the volcano as a backdrop. Volcanic Landscape:The area provides a dramatic, rugged landscape of volcanic sand, huge stones, and other materials from the eruption, offering a clear and often stunning view of Mount Merapi's summit. Part of the Lava Tour:The site is a central point on the Merapi Lava Tour routes, which typically include other significant locations like: Museum Sisa Hartaku(My Remaining Treasure Museum): A small museum in a house damaged by the eruption, displaying personal belongings melted and destroyed by the hot ash. Kaliadem Bunker: An old underground concrete shelter used as a refuge during eruptions. Kali Kuning:A river area where you can see the former lava flow path. Merapi Lava Tour Options The Lava Tour is the primary way to visit the Alien Stone and other spots. Tours are conducted in 4x4 off-road jeeps and usually depart from basecamps like Kaliadem. Short 1 - 1.5 hours Museum Sisa Hartaku, Alien Stone, Kaliadem Bunker. | Medium 2 - 2.5 hours Alien Stone, Kaliadem Bunker, Museum Sisa Hartaku, Kali Kuning. 3 - 3.5 hours Mini Museum, Alien Stone, Kaliadem Bunker, Kali Kuning, Mbah Maridjan's Petilasan (former house of the Merapi caretaker), and the lava river spot. Local Tip: The optimal time to visit is often early morning (some tours offer a sunrise option starting at 4:00 AM) or late afternoon, as a clear sky provides the best view of the volcano. The jeep ride can be bumpy and dusty, so sunglasses, a hat, and a mask/cloth to cover your mouth are often recommended.