Some five years ago, Samiran was just a short stopover for climbers on their way up the mountain. The idea to offer travellers to stay for the night in the local homes proved to be a success. Now 13 households in the village are revamped as homestays providing hikers with accommodation and food as well as an opportunity to stay in an authentic Central Java home.
Samiran homestays cater for both individual travellers and groups with some houses offering large rooms that can accommodate up to 20 people. Room rates start from as low as USD10 and for additional USD1.5-2 travellers are served three meals a day.
Samiran turned out to be a popular destination both with hikers and those who come to enjoy serene panoramas of the mountains far from the city hustle and bustle. Merapi coffee served in a small warung nearby adds attraction to the place.
For locals, this homestay program means they do not rely exclusively on farming any longer. Part of the money gained from tourism is further invested in development of tourist facilities in the village. The locals say that visitors staying overnight bring merry vibe to the village, too.
In 2017, 489 travellers stayed in Samiran. In 2018 the number of visitors reached 1537. This year, almost 200 people a week visit the village.
Homestays on Slopes of Merapi Lure Visitors with Authenticity and Outstanding Scenery
News in Asia
Villagers of Samiran on the slopes of Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu, Java, Indonesia, invite tourists to their homes in the frames of tourist village program launched in Samiran in 2017.