Affordable Couple’s Getaway to Indonesia: Explore Bromo Volcano on a Budget

Itinerary Sharing
🔴Day 1
9:20 – Touch down at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, and hop into a Grab for a scenic ride to Surabaya Zoo. Spend the morning exploring the zoo and savoring local cuisine.
15:00 – Catch a taxi to Surabaya bus station and board a bus to Malang (75K). The journey is a great time to rest or catch up on some reading.

17:00 – From Malang bus station, take a taxi to the breathtaking Sewu Waterfall (200K). The drive will offer a preview of the stunning landscapes that await you.
20:00 – Check-in at Sewu hotel, where you can unwind and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

🔴Day 2
8:00-12:00 – Start your day with a visit to the majestic Sewu Waterfall. Take in the serene beauty and snap some unforgettable photos.
12:00-20:00 – Embark on a scenic taxi ride to Bromo Volcano Village (800K). The entrance fee is 50k, but there are tips available on how to avoid it by riding a motorcycle.

20:00-24:00 – Check-in at the cozy Bromo Sputra View Hotel (130K/night) and explore the village. Enjoy a hearty meal at one of the local restaurants, and don’t forget to browse the stalls selling stylish hats. Bring around 20K for photo opportunities the next day.

🔴Day 3
3:30-4:30 – Rise early and get ready for an unforgettable sunrise experience.
4:30-6:30 – Head out by motorbike or pre-arranged jeep to witness the breathtaking sunrise🌅. The vehicle will take you to the first viewpoint, from where you’ll hike for about 15 minutes to the second viewpoint. For the more adventurous, beyond the second viewpoint, you’ll find undeveloped mountain paths without safety measures.

It’s dusty and challenging, but the views are unparalleled, and you’ll have fewer people and more photo opportunities. Find your perfect spot and capture the moment.
6:30-8:00 – After the awe-inspiring sunrise, return to the first viewpoint and prepare for a trip to the crater🌋. Negotiate the price with your motorbike or jeep driver to ensure it includes everything, including the crater entrance ticket🎫.

They will take you on a route that bypasses the ticket requirement. If you’re on a motorcycle, check out Xiaohongshu for tips on avoiding the crater entrance fee.

🔴Packing List
In September, Bromo is not particularly cold, especially when hiking, as it can get quite warm🥵. A three-in-one jacket should suffice.
Bring a mask to protect yourself from the volcanic ash, which is prevalent whether you’re watching the sunrise or visiting the crater. The last thing you want is a background sound of coughing in your photos.

For those with long hair, pack a hairdryer, as most hotels in Indonesia do not provide one. The chilly temperatures in Bromo make air drying uncomfortable, so a hairdryer is a must-have.