Why is Everyone Avoiding the Indonesian Volcano: Safety Concerns and Travel Tips

Before the trip, I stumbled upon numerous posts filled with warnings about Indonesia. Phrases like “I will never set foot there again,” “The roads are horrendous, and the stench of horse manure is overwhelming, with no safety measures in place,” “The accommodations are filthy and disorganized, the water is murky, and there are frequent water and power outages,” and “Anti-Chinese sentiment and overcharging tourists” flooded my screen.

These comments made me so anxious that I was on the verge of canceling my trip [石化R][石化R]. After conducting thorough research and packing a plethora of protective gear, I mustered the courage to embark on my journey, only to find that the most dramatic storms were brewing online [捂脸R].

The heavy winds and fog during the rainy season are inevitable. Before setting off, I braced myself for the possibility of being shrouded in clouds and fog, potentially missing out on the views [合十R]. But isn’t it exhilarating to be bold and chase what you desire?!

Thankfully, I was rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise at Bromo volcano, which made every challenge worthwhile ❗
The images simply cannot do justice to the awe-inspiring view that met my eyes 🙀🙀.
As the sky gradually brightened and the fog slowly dissipated, nature unveiled itself in all its glory. The fatigue and drowsiness from starting at 2 AM faded into insignificance [合十R].

🌋 Climbing Bromo wasn’t particularly strenuous. A jeep takes you to the base of the mountain, where you can opt for a horse or motorcycle ride, followed by a short staircase that leads you to the rumbling heart of the volcano.
🌋 However, Ijen proved to be the real physical challenge. The ascent to Ijen is mostly uphill.

Knowing my limits, I wisely chose to ride the “human Lamborghini” to conserve energy for the descent to witness the mesmerizing blue lake.
As long as you don’t insist on staying in the sulfur fumes for the perfect shot, sitting on the rocks nearby to enjoy the stunning blue lake won’t be too overwhelming.

[爆炸R] It’s true that the safety measures at Indonesian volcanoes are not as comprehensive as those in domestic scenic areas. The paths are often dirt, sand, or gravel, with narrow mountain trails and few guardrails. Isn’t it more meaningful to preserve the natural landscape? In the outdoors, it mainly depends on your own safety awareness and respect for nature. I really don’t understand why people complain about this [捂脸R].

[萌萌哒R] The locals are incredibly friendly and don’t deliberately make things difficult or overcharge. The cart drivers are all very simple and kind. Even when we were willing to walk a bit, they would enthusiastically invite us back into the cart (has the slacking culture not reached Indonesia yet, haha).

🏠 The accommodation conditions are comparable to the normal standards in China. The filter showerhead I brought remained clean after use, and I didn’t experience any water or power outages.

The temperature difference between the volcano and the city is indeed significant. At the summit, the cold wind makes your breath visible, while down in the city, it’s sweltering and stuffy even in a T-shirt 🥵. Make sure to dress warmly at the summit and don’t risk hypothermia just for a photo.

During my time in Indonesia, I felt fantastic, and upon returning home, I experienced no aftereffects such as fever, cold, sore throat, or diarrhea. Although the clouds obscured the blue fire and the highest volcano in Indonesia, the entire trip was incredibly delightful 🥰🥰.

I hope this experience can inspire confidence in those planning to visit the Indonesian volcanoes. Indonesia is far less intimidating than it might seem, and the locals are wonderfully friendly. When traveling, maintaining a positive attitude is key. Always respect nature, prioritize your safety, and avoid taking unnecessary risks just for a photo.

Indonesia is a safe destination, and the breathtaking sunrise over the volcanoes is absolutely worth it 🉑. Remember to carry a good mood with you wherever your adventures take you 🥰.