Mount Bromo, an active volcano part of the Tengger massif in East Java, Indonesia. At 7,641 ft it is not the highest peak of the area but definitely the most popular for obvious reasons, it’s beauty and the fact that it’s an active volcano! Situated in the middle of the “Sea of Sand” walking and taking a motorbike across the vast land can be quite adventurous through thick, dark sand. This nature reserve has been protected since 1919, about 45 minutes walking from the local town Cemoro Lawang, you can also stop at Mount Penanjakan to get a stunning view of the volcano from afar. The collapse of land following a volcanic eruption is the caldron shape of the mountain known as a caldera. Locals will collect sulfur near the caldera. Make sure to note, if you plan climbing to the top of Mount Bromo, you should expect to get covered in a dark dust of sand. It’s a good idea to bring a scarf to wrap around your face or you can buy a breathing mask off of locals on your way up there. Depending on the time of year, it can get pretty windy, especially being next to the Tengger Sea of Sand.
The last time this volcano erupted was in 2010. It is quite uncommon, as many travellers find there way here daily, if you are concerned you can check the local report on it’s activity online. Whether you’re flying in to Surabaya, Indonesia or taking a bus from Jakarta, getting to the famous Mt. Bromo without paying a fortunate is possible. Although I had some doubts in the beginning, as there is little information other then what tour companies provide online, once you arrive you can trust to find your way. The earlier you start in the day the better, taking a public bus to Probolinggo is an easy way to get closer to the mountain and will only take about 4 hours depending on traffic. At the airport or anywhere locally in the city you can find a taxi for low cost to take you to the bus station. There is limited information on bus schedules, as they can change from time to time, this is why I recommend going earlier in the day. If you arrive at the bus station and it is too late, worst case you should be able to hire a taxi to take you there for low cost, the more people to divide the cost as well will make it cheaper.
Once in Probolinggo, you can take a small bus or jeep or motorbike to Cemoro Lawang, the town closest to Mt. Bromo. This is a tourist area, so you will find many guest houses and hostels to stay at. Prices are upwards of 30,000 Rupiahs a night, if this is beyond your budget for time of stay you can always pack a tent, some basic camping gear, and hike up a site in the local area. However, don’t forget that at such a high altitude it gets very cold at night, cold enough to see your breath. During the day temperatures rise to 25 to 30 Deg Celsius. It is possible to see all of Mt. Bromo for one sunrise, as you can choose to climb the volcano first thing in the morning or you can climb up Mt. Penanjakan where you can see Mt. Bromo from a far. Make sure to pack a flashlight, warm clothes, and hiking shoes.
Starting in Cemoro Lawang, around 3:30AM / 4:00AM , you can begin your climb up Mt.Bromo, about a 2 hour trek. The paved road eventually turns into a dirt road, almost daily you will see tourists climbing the mountain. At times the trek may become steep, but there are several lookouts where you can stop to rest. Locals will set up small stands selling snacks, tea, coffee, and other beverages. Locals speak enough English to have full basic conversations, so there shouldn’t be too much of a language barrier. If you find the climb to strenuous, locals will also offer you to take their horse to close to the top of the mountain; however, it will cost you and sometimes the horses don’t go much faster then walking. You will find the horses are small, they aren’t ponies, they are actually a type of horse custom to Indonesia that the locals are quite proud of.
After sunrise, you can enjoy a cup of hot tea, coffee, bananas, or some Indonesian food near Mt. Penanjakan. Guest house restaurants and shops usually start to open around 7:00AM. Also, if you need to travel back to the town there will be drivers with jeeps standing around asking tourists where they need to go. Often, if you have a group or find other people looking to go the same direction you will end up with a lower price per person. Don’t forget, as part of Southeast Asia, here you can often try to negotiate a lower price for such things as transportation that are not on a taxi meter or fixed bus/train price.
After living in Bangkok for 4 months, getting some fresh air felt essential to my survival. East Java was an incredible place to go for it, as locals grow cabbage, onions, carrots, and other vegetables up the mountains and hills, you can guarantee this is not only one of the best places to see in Indonesia but also find fresh food. If want to see more of Indonesia, you can travel about 7 hours in the other direction to Ijen Crater, and of course Bali is right near by. Bali has many mountains to trek; also, of course diving, snorkelling, surf, beaches, and some of the most beautiful sites in Southeast Asia.
