4 days 4WD Mount Bromo, Java Itinerary

Q: I am planning a trip to Mount Bromo with my cousins, around 10 people. We have only about 4 days, in and out of Indonesia, as it will be near Chinese New Year 2014. Do you have any itinerary suggestions? Thanks!
-Lyn

Answer:
I would personally recommend to go via the Ngadas-Tumpang route from Malang to Bromo because it is just so amazing and full of adventure for the scenic 4WD ride to Mount Bromo via the crater.

For Bromo 4WD adventure, I would suggest itinerary like this:

Day 1 – Surabaya to Malang

Fly into Surabaya as this is the nearest airport you can find that serves international flights. From here, head straight to Malang via bus, the journey will take around 3 hours. It would have helped to have booked a 4WD beforehand since your time is short, but if not, quickly shop around the hostels and tours around Malang city when you got there to book one. My advise would be to book well ahead since it is a popular tour.

Day 2 – 4WD ride from Malang to Mount Bromo

Take the 4WD ride from Malang to Mount Bromo today. On the way, you would normally do a pit stop at a beautiful and majestic waterfall. It is well worth a short break and trek down to have some cool refreshing mist. The ride to Mount Bromo is definitely one to remember with rolling hills and dramatic landscapes.

Day 3 – Sunrise hike and visit the crater

Wake up really early for your hike to catch the sunrise over Mount Bromo. After that you would catch a quick breakfast before continue to trek onwards to the crater rim and for an up close experience. There is also a Hindu-Buddhist temple along the trek. After that, come back in time to catch the minibus down to Problinngo at noon and then a public bus from there to Surabaya.

-> Check out our Complete guide to hiking Mount Bromo
-> Check out Where to stay at Mount Bromo

Day 4 – Surabaya

Do a quick day trip around Surabaya before your flight out. Few popular things to do here are massages and shopping.

-> Check out our Surabaya Travel Guide