Explore Bromo and Ijen: Unforgettable Volcanic Adventures in Indonesia
One day, the adventurous spirit struck me, and I decided to embark on a thrilling journey to climb Mount Bromo in Indonesia. Without wasting any time, I booked a flight and turned to Xiaohongshu to find travel companions. To my delight, I quickly connected with four like-minded adventurers. Together, we arranged a 4-day, 3-night car rental for approximately 2,150,000 IDR, which was quite a bargain considering the more people, the lower the cost per person.
The package included everything except for lunch, dinner, and travel insurance.
Before setting off, I did some research on Xiaohongshu and learned that purchasing a phone card at Surabaya airport could be hit or miss. In most parts of Indonesia, excluding Bali, you need to visit a service center with your passport to register and buy a SIM card. Unable to get one in advance from China, I opted to take a taxi from the airport to a nearby Telkomsel service center. After securing my phone card, I made my way to the hotel on foot to check in.
Our itinerary was packed with excitement:
1️⃣ Start in the bustling city of Surabaya
2️⃣ Head to the majestic Mount Bromo
3️⃣ Explore the breathtaking Sewu Waterfall
4️⃣ Visit the awe-inspiring Ijen Crater
5️⃣ Conclude our adventure in Banyuwangi, where we could either take a boat to Bali or return to Surabaya City
This trip promised to be an unforgettable experience, filled with natural wonders and new friendships.
Precautions:
1️⃣: Despite Indonesia’s year-round summer, the areas around the two volcanoes can get quite chilly at night, especially if it rains. Make sure to pack a warm fleece liner or a softshell jacket. Avoid bringing expensive clothes or shoes, as Bromo is covered in black volcanic ash and Ijen has a strong sulfur smell.
2️⃣: On your final day, if you plan to head to Bali, have your driver drop you off at Banyuwangi Port. If you’re returning to Surabaya, the journey will take over 6 hours by car, so it’s best to discuss this with your driver before renting the vehicle. In our experience, three of us returned to Surabaya, while two got off at Banyuwangi Port to continue to Bali.
3️⃣: For Sewu Waterfall, it’s highly recommended to change into non-slip water shoes. The area features many wading routes, and some parts of the uphill and downhill paths are on steep waterfalls (ropes and simple railings will be available).
4️⃣: Don’t forget to bring a buff and trekking poles. A buff is essential for covering your mouth and nose to prevent inhaling volcanic ash at Bromo. While gas masks are provided for Ijen, a buff is more hygienic and comfortable. Trekking poles are optional but can be very helpful, as both volcano trails are steep and the Ijen trail can be particularly treacherous, so be extra cautious!
5️⃣: To witness the Ijen blue fire, you must depart at midnight (bring a headlamp) and arrive at the blue fire location before dawn (preferably before 4:30 AM), otherwise, you might miss it. The initial climb up a steep slope takes about an hour (you can opt for a human-powered cart to conserve energy).
Once you reach the top (where the famous tree stands), you’ll descend a cliff path without protection for about an hour to reach the sulfur lake where the blue fire is. The descent is extremely dangerous, so a headlamp and non-slip shoes are crucial, and you must stay alert! Also, bring a warm liner or raincoat, as early morning showers can occur, and it can get very cold, especially if you’re not continuously moving while using the human-powered cart.
