Guide to Hiking Mount Bromo, East Java

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Mount Bromo, standing tall at 2329 m, is Indonesia’s most iconic and hiked mountain. This is one of the top 10 things to do in Java, and rightly so. The mountain beckons majestically despite having the entire top blown off and with a crater inside that keeps spewing off-white sulfurous smoke.

Mount Bromo is still one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and some areas are blocked off from tourists due to its imminent danger. It sits inside the massive Tengger caldera (volcanic crater with a diameter of approximately 10km), surrounded by the Laut Pasir (sea of sand) of fine volcanic sand.

After an easy hike, travelers are awarded a breathtaking, ethereal landscape at sunrise.

Myth has it that Mount Bromo is significant to the Tengger people, who believe that the site is where their brave prince sacrificed his life for his family. To appease the Gods, the people will offer food and money by throwing it into the volcano’s crater once a year during the annual Kasada (or Kasodo) festival.

Where is it

Mount Bromo is situated inside Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, beside Mount Semeru in East Java, Indonesia.

Why go

To be awe in nature’s best combination of beauty and danger, an active volcano that can be so foreboding and desolate yet so beautiful. The view itself is almost out of this world and is the reason enough to go there!

When is the best time to go

June – August when there is less rain but more tourists. August is also the month for the Kesada / Kesodo festival for the Tengger people if you are interested.
With that said, Indonesia has relatively mild weather, just rain or shine. So anytime is a good time to go to Mount Bromo. Check out local weather when you are there for the best clear sky for your sunrise experience. If you do not have many days, then hope for the best when you are there.
Also, try to avoid weekends if you do not want the crowd.

What to see

Mount Bromo, of course.

Tenggerese houses are unique to their kind, and while takes some time to understand the beautiful Tengger people.

A Tenggerese Hindu temple known as The Poten sits nearby Mount Bromo, looking both eerie and peaceful on the sea of sand.

What to do

Hike up Mount Penanjakan in time to catch the sunrise over Mount Bromo. It takes about 1 to 2-hour hike to the first vantage point. The sun rises at 5.30 am; therefore, usually, you have to plan when to start hiking, depending on your fitness level. Maps and information are readily and easily available at one of the many suitable locations.

An extra tip is that you may want to hike earlier to avoid the crowd and get the right spot, as you may find many people crowding the vantage point to view the sun rising over Mount Bromo. If you have the time and energy, there is another less-crowded vantage point higher up with an unobstructed view of the sunrise. Find and scale the slope behind the shelter to get to the higher flat land.

Trek down Mount Penanjakan and up to Mount Bromo summit. Here you can trek down and then across 3km of sand of the sea and then upwards to summit the caldera of Mount Bromo. It takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your fitness level.

Where to stay at Mount Bromo

You may find various guesthouses and basic hotels located around Mount Bromo, as that place is popular with tourists. Stay nearby so that you can do the morning hike up to catch the sunrise easily. Lots of guesthouses or hotels are situated at the crater rim. Take note that all the prices here, whether hotels, guesthouses, or homestays, would be higher than your usual Indonesian ones as it is a popular tourist area.

Cemara Indah
I stayed here myself, and it was a pleasant stay with a direct view of Mount Bromo. Most importantly, it is located right behind the trail to start trekking up for the sunrise. Recommended for those who want to do their hike for sunrise independently. After that, come back straight down for breakfast provided before trekking onwards to the crater rim. Budget to mid-range with prices starting at 50 USD.
Check out the latest prices and reviews at Agoda.com *

Jiwa Jawa Bromo
One of the popular hotels at Mount Bromo, with a beautiful garden for sitting out and enjoying the scenic mountain views. The place’s surroundings are well-loved by guests, and to top it off, they have really good coffee! Luxury with prices starting at 120 USD.
Check out the latest prices and reviews at Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices and reviews at Booking.com *

If you come from Surabaya, you will most likely go via Probolinggo. There are also some options to stay * in this town and take a day trip up to Mount Bromo, such as the good-for-value Clover Homestay *.

If you want to access Mount Bromo via 4WD drive, staying at Malang *, where you can enjoy the unique and luxurious Tugu Hotel *is recommended. I stayed at the mid-range Hotel Santika Premier * here with good experience.

What and where to eat

Every lodge, guesthouse, or hotel typically serves food as well for travelers. There are also a few independent eateries, such as Bromo Corner Café and Waroeng Basuki. You may head to simple roadside warungs and enjoy basic local Indonesian food. You should also try out the hot Javanese coffee (kopi panas). All restaurants will open by 3 am as that is when most people start to wake for the hike to catch the sunrise.

How to get there

Fly into Juanda international airport at Surabaya. Direct flights are from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Bali. If you fly domestically from Jakarta, you may take Sriwijaya, which flies twice weekly. Take note that domestic departures cost 40,000 Rp tax while international departures cost is 200, 000 Rp tax.

Distance from Surabaya airport to Mount Bromo national park is about 70km, and the time it takes us is around 4 hours due to heavy traffic and congestion. On the way, you would pass Probolinggo town, which lies on the major highway across java. Here, most backpackers usually share a transport to take them up to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National park. Or get a complete overnight sunrise tour from Surabaya to Mt. Bromo and back.

How to get around

If you are able, then trekking or walking is the best way to experience Mount Bromo, but you may take ponies or horses across the sea of sand to the bottom of the steep stairs that leads to the crater.

Where to go nearby

Malang – Cultural capital of East Java
Ijen crater – 6 hours drive away. The magnificent turquoise sulfur lake exudes flames, blue fire at night, and smoky white in the day.

Tips

Bring a jacket and gloves, as it may get chilly up there. You can rent a jacket at around 25k rupiah in a pinch and buy a glove at 20k rupiah.


Travel Tips:
1. Book the best accommodations – Booking.com* or Agoda.com *
2. Find the cheapest flight options that suit you – Skyscanner * or 12Go.asia *
3. Rent a car in advance and make your trip more convenient – Rentalcars *
4. Make the most of the time that you have! Exciting excursions, professional guides, and more – Klook *
5. Book your train tickets online easily – Tiket.com * or bus tickets at Easybook.com *
6. Order ahead Indonesian Rupiah with the best exchange rate – Wise Travel Card *

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