How about visiting an active volcano and walking up to a crater rim? Sounds interesting? Mt Bromo is a place you cannot afford to miss if you are in Java island and would like to witness the natural wonders of the world. The word Bromo is the Javanese pronunciation of lord Brahma - the God of creation in Hindu mythology. Mt Bromo is one of the active volcanoes in the massif. It has erupted several times in the past. A trek to watch the sunrise across the mountain range is an experience of a lifetime. The landscape will leave you awestruck.
Basic Information
Highest Altitude: 2329m (7641ft)
Location: Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
State/Country: East Java Island, Indonesia
Base Village: Cemorolawang
Trek Open: Year Round
Total Distance: 8km
Time: 3-4 Hour Total.
Number of Days: Half a day
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time To Trek
The trek is open year round. However, one needs to be careful during the rainy season as the trail to sunrise view point can be slippery and difficult to climb. Otherwise, you can visit anytime of the year. The pictures on this post were taken during the month of April.
How to do this trek?
Here are three options to choose from.
1. Stay in Cemorolawang village
Cemorolawang village is the closest location to Mt Bromo. It is located 80km (2H) from Probolinggo (the nearest town). The nearest railway station is at Probolinggo. You will need to arrange a pickup from the railway station. Vehicles with registration outside of the village are not allowed beyond the checkpoint. However, I have heard that scooters are allowed to enter. So, if you have a rented scooter, you can reach the village directly. The homestay you have booked also offer pick-up and drop service from the railway station for a designated fare.
There are plenty of options to stay at the village. Most of the villagers own a homestay. Here is one contact that I used -
Oryza Villa - (+62) 852-3699-3658
Entry Fee to the park (Foreigners): 250K IDR
Jeep price: 150K IDR per person
Homestay price: 100-150K IDR per night
Pick-up and drop fare from Probolinggo: 100-150K per person
Total: 600-700K IDR
2. Stay in Probolinggo
The next best option would be to stay in Probolinggo and book a tour through the homestay/hostel you are staying at. The cost will amount to almost the same. The package may cost you around 600-650K IDR (2025 price). It involves the tour and breakfast. This is not a very expensive deal considering the entry tickets and transport cost. You will probably leave the town by 1:00AM and reach the village of Cemorolawang by 3 AM. The tour will end by 9 or 10 AM at Probolinggo. You can take a bus to Malang or train to Ijen on the same day.
Dhika Adenture Hostel (+62-822-2880-7657) in Probolinggo
3. Stay in Malang or Surabaya or Ijen
You can also do this tour from Malang, Surabaya or Ijen. Many hostels offer a package tour of doing both Mt Bromo and Mt Ijen. This involves transport, accommodation and entry fees. You can choose to get off at Ijen if you like and proceed to Bali.
Gears Required
1. Trekking shoe - A good trekking shoe is required to climb up the hill to view sunrise. The trail can be slippery during wet seasons.
2. Head torch or flashlight - As this trek will be done at night, you will need sufficient lighting. The trail is unclear and needs some attention.
The Trail
There are two treks to do here. First you do the sunrise viewpoint trek and then head to the crater rim. Below are the details on these treks.
Trek to sunrise view point (2KM oneway)
The view point is on top of a small hill, overlooking Mt Bromo and the range of mountains surrounding it. The jeep will drop you off at the entry point. Initial tar road will give way to a flight of stairs leading up to Sernai View point on top of the hill. Most people do not stop here. The views are better from viewpoints on the adjacent hills.
There is a small trail behind Sernai view point. Take the trail up the hill. This is an unmarked trail and you follow the path. This stretch can be challenging as it is steep. This trail will lead you to Bromo view point. From here the view is spectacular. Make sure to reach here early and pick a good spot as all view points get crowded. I would highly recommend going to Bromo viewpoint to watch the sunrise. You can also continue further to King Kong hill view point if required.
To Mt Bromo crater rim (2KM oneway)
Once you have finished the sunrise viewing, you will descend the hill and take the jeep and drive across the Tengerr sea sand (Sea of sand). This vast area is covered with volcanic ash and sand giving it a desert-like environment at the foot of the volcano.
The jeeps and mountain bikes drop you off at the parking lot. From here you have to walk to the crater. The walking distance is around 2KM oneway and is mostly flat. Locals offer horse rides up to the point where stairs begin. After a long walk on the sea of sand, you reach a flight of stairs up the volcanic mountain. Walk along the rim to view this spectacular sight.
My Experience
I booked this trek from Probolinggo. I left Probolinggo at around 1AM in a private vehicle. At the village of Cemorolawang, I had to switch to a jeep and join a team of two other tourists. The first stop was sunrise view point. We managed to find the trail leading up to an adjacent hill and I reached Bromo view point. A lot of travellers had already gathered there. The view was spectacular, to say the least. We witnessed Mt Sumeru release the volcanic gases. The glow of rising sun lit the entire area with a golden tint. It was truly a magical moment. You mainly go here to watch the breath-taking landscape and the views.
My Film on Mount Bromo Trek:
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