Hike to Penanjakan - There is a spectacular view already from Cemara Lawang on the volcanos, but the best views one get's from a viewpoint on the neighbouring mountain chain. It's called Penanjakan (2,770 m). Following the small road from Cemara Lawang it's a climb up a small path later on. A number of viewpoints offer views with different perspectives over the grand panorama. Later one reaches an asphalt road which leads up to Penanjakan. From there one has views to both sides, the volcanos (south-south-west) as well as to the northern direction. Villages are to see as well, might be Wonokirti.
A souvenir booth at Penanjakan peak.
The wider area around the volcanos is completely free of settlements what makes part of the surroundings charme.
On the way back one can follow the asphalt road, which leads down to the sand desert; from there it's easy to reach Cemara Lawang again, passing by Mount Bromo. The whole trip is about 25 kilometers. A good walker makes it in four hours walking time. The way is very easy to find.
When I made it, I met only a Czech couple who did the same, but masses of (mostly) Javanese Tourists who hired either a jeep or came on motorbikes. Because of the heavy traffic with it's smog and dust it's not really healthy to do that walk. Without the traffic it would be a fabulous hike with a lot of different viewpoints and absolute quietness around - only the wind would be to listen. So it's dominated by engines, like everywhere else.
