Mount Bromo is an active volcano, and sunrise treks in Indonesia are a great travel experience. Climbing around mount Bromo volcano in Java is not too difficult, and you will see it directly at the burning volcano. If this is your first time visiting Bromo, Indonesia, you can take an independent road trip around East Java that includes Bromo and the Kawah Ijen Kraters and a couple of cascades.
Bromo is regarded as one of the world’s greatest mountain craters. Just like most other volcanic sites, it is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape that is worth seeing. Jeep tours to (Mount) Gunung Bromo have been a popular activity in East Java. This is the information from the hiking guide to the best spot to visit Mount Bromo!
Mount Bromo Overview
Mount Bromo is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, which covers a vast area of 800 square kilometres. Although small compared to other volcanoes in Indonesia, the majestic Bromo does not disappoint with its spectacular views and dramatic landscapes. At 2,392 meters above sea level, Bromo is one of Indonesia’s highest mountains and its stunning beauty lies in incredible surroundings.
Where is Mount Bromo?
Mount Bromo is one of an active volcanic craters in East Java, Indonesia. It lies between Malang, Surabaya and Probolinggo and can be visited from any of these locations. Bromo is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, with its famous five volcanic complexes (including Bromo) and Mount Semeru, the highest mountain on Java island, emitting smoke in the background
How to Get to Mount Bromo
To reach Mount Bromo, you can fly to Juanda International Airport in Surabaya. There are direct flights to Surabaya from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Bali. From there, drive through a travel agency or Surabaya-Pasuruan-Wonokitri-Mount Bromo. Travel time is 2-3 hours. It is best to leave Surabaya at 11:00 PM.
Alternatively, you can stay at a hotel in Prigen, Tretes and make sure you are on the crater rim before sunrise. The pony will take you across a sea of sand to the bottom of the steep steps leading to the crater.
Also read: The Perfect Trekking Guide to Mount Rinjani
Things to Do at Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo Sunrise Viewpoint
Mount Bromo is a popular tourist sunrise tour over the volcano. The sunrise can be seen from the highest point of the caldera if you want to explore the Broma mountains. It is the favourite tourist destination to see the sunrise. All Mount Bromo tours begin like that. There is an excellent spot for sunrises. On a clear day, it’s a beautiful day to see Argopuro’s eastern side.
Sea of Sand
Following sunrise, the next stop lies the ‘sea of sandy’ beneath the caldera. Lautan Pasir is a local dialect that signifies Bahasa Indonesia. It is an interesting place, and you will probably have to travel to the Bromecrater.
The sand can be explored in your Jeep, horseback riding, or motorbikes. The view of the mountains and the Widodaren volcano from the front is perfect.
Mount Bromo Crater Hike
Perhaps the best thing to do in surrounding mount Bromo mountains was to hike up to the volcano’s top. The trip to Mount Bromo’s top crater is approximately 1 hour, but you can increase the time while riding part-way.
It is a short but steep climb up a concrete staircase at the top of the craters. Be cautious on the top as there are virtually no railings to secure the building, and the windy days have nasty sulfur fumes which are hard to breathe.
Mount Bromo Volcanoes Viewpoint
The view from the northern end of the caldera provides iconic views of the Bromos volcano cluster. You can choose Seruni Point, King Kong Hill, Bukit Penanjakan, Bukit Perahu, and Bukit Cinta.
The difference between the views on Bromo is the only thing causing the crowd to become crazy (especially on weekends). Do not worry about what viewpoints you are at. It is all incredible, and you will be enjoying it.
Mount Penanjakan (Sunrise Lookout)
After getting your Jeep and buying your ticket, you’ll be driven to a very steep climb to Mount Penanjakan – known as Viewpoint No. 1. This view is the best way of viewing Bromo from sunrise.
Is Volcano safe?
Bromo can be safely visited though it is advisable to examine the current situation before making your plans otherwise it may not be possible to experience it fully. The eruption occurred in 2010 and 2019.
Usually, nobody gets killed, so you have a good perspective, but it’s likely at least the hiker could not take the climb. The site is monitored closely and has seismic detectors underground which anticipate the possibility of an eruption occurring at Bromose.
Where to Stay near Mount Bromo
The two main places to stay when visiting Bromo are Cemoro Lawang and Probolinggo. Cemoro Lawang is on the edge of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. From the city, you can see all of the areas on your own without the need for additional transportation. Our recommendation would be to stay at Cemoro Lawang itself due to the convenience factor and proximity to all Bromo activities.
Mount Bromo Weather
Although this is Indonesia, Mount Bromo is 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) above sea level, and the sunrise viewpoint is even higher, so it can get quite chilly before sunrise. The elevation of the Penanjakan Lookout is a whopping 2,770 meters (9,088 feet). This is unusually high for Indonesia.
Temperatures can drop below 7 degrees Celsius (45 F), and the wind chill isn’t considered. The summit can experience incredible winds, and the dry season is cooler than the wet season. However, it freezes only before sunrise. It then warms up fairly quickly, and the sun is strong enough at this altitude.
If you feel too cold on Mount Bromo while waiting for sunrise, you can also rent jackets at your hotel or at one of the many small local shops near the sunrise viewpoint.
What to Bring Before Visiting Mount Bromo
Jacket
This is essential for sunrise as it can get very chilly. Jackets must be removed after sunrise.
Footwear
Regular shoes are fine, but sturdy walking shoes are best for hiking Mount Bromo. Walking to the crater may require slippery gravel and steep ascents and descents.
Sunglasses
It may be good to protect your eyes from sandstorms in the sand sea.
Poncho or Rain Jacket
If you are visiting Bromo during Indonesia’s rainy season (especially December to February), bring a rain jacket just in case.
Snacks
Most Mount Bromo tour include complimentary breakfast, but breakfast is small and you’ll want to have an energy snack to accompany it.
Headlight
This is useful for pre-dawn hikes, especially if you want to hike Mount Bromo without a guide.
Camera
Camera is required. A small tripod is also useful as Mount Bromo gets dark before sunrise.
Best Time to Visit Mount Bromo
Although any time of the dry season is ideal, there is no best month to visit Mount Bromo. The dry season in Indonesia lasts from April to November. This time of year, there is less rain, and the views of the mountains are the best. This also applies to East Java.
You can also visit Mount Bromo during East Java’s rainy season (December to March), but if it’s cloudy, you may miss the sunrise and iconic volcanic views. That said, it was technically the end of the rainy season when we went to Bromo, but it was still perfect weather, so don’t back off completely.
Please note that the park is very crowded on weekends and holidays.
More Things To See Near Bromo
Many great attractions near Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia, such as the beautiful Tumpak Sewu waterfall and countless more beautiful waterfalls near Malang and Probolinggo.
After climbing Mount Bromo, many travellers take off to Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater), a spectacular volcanic lake on Java’s eastern edge. You can even reach the Semeru mountains, Java’s largest peak.
The volcanic peak is visible from the distance of Bromor Tengger Semeru National Park.
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