About Malintang
Malintang is a stratovolcano rising to 1,988 meters (6,523 feet) in Indonesia's Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Malintang is located in Indonesia, within the Sunda Volcanic Arc of the broader Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Situated at 0.48° N, 99.66° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,988 meters above sea level, Malintang is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Malintang sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Indonesia near Malintang, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The broad forested Malintang andesitic-to-dacitic stratovolcano has an irregular summit crater with a 900 x 1,500 m lake. The flanks are relatively uneroded, and it most likely has had significant eruptions within the past few thousand years (Kieh, 2009 pers. comm.). The open caldera may be related to emplacement of a large debris avalanche.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Malintang.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Malintang
Is Malintang an active volcano?+
Malintang is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Malintang?+
Malintang has a summit elevation of 1,988 meters (6,523 feet) above sea level. At 1,988 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Malintang?+
Malintang is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Malintang located?+
Malintang is located in Indonesia, in the Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Sunda Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 0.476° latitude, 99.663° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Malintang?+
Malintang can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Indonesia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
