Affordable Bromo Independent Travel: Discover the Best $100+ Itinerary Tips

Listen to this advice! You should definitely stay in the volcano village, which is just 2 kilometers from the first viewing point, Seruni Point. It’s a short 7-minute ride by motorcycle or jeep. There’s no need to rush, and you don’t have to leave at midnight like those staying in the city or with a tour group. I personally tested it, and waking up at 4:30 AM to head up the mountain is absolutely perfect!

1️⃣ Probolinggo → Cemara Lawang Village, per person 80k (37 RMB) 1h
Transportation near the Probolinggo train station is monopolized, so you can’t use Grab or Gojek. The mini bus costs 50k per person but only departs when full. We opted for a taxi, which was originally 350k, but we negotiated it down to 240k.

2️⃣ Entry fee to the village 35k (16 RMB)
There are tips on Xiaohongshu for bypassing the toll, but since the fee is minimal, we paid for convenience.

3️⃣ Accommodation in the volcano village, per person 86 RMB
Accommodations in the village range from one to two hundred, but the conditions are average, so be prepared. Avoid booking halfway up the mountain; it’s inconvenient for meals and early morning ascents. Choose a place closer to the top for ease.

4️⃣ To Seruni Point 40k (18 RMB) 7 minutes
Wake up around 4:30 AM and set off. Along the way, there are plenty of people offering rides. The motorcycle ride was initially 80k, but we bargained it down to 40k. After parking at the first viewing point, it’s a 10-minute climb to Seruni Point. The path is cemented, making it an easy walk.

There aren’t many people, mostly locals and European and American tourists. The sunrise here is breathtaking, and there’s no need to go to the second, more crowded spot.

5️⃣ To King Kong Hill 🆓 Free, about 1 hour
This is the second viewing point, popular with jeeps and tour groups. The slope is steep and requires some climbing, but the journey is dotted with scenic spots.

6️⃣ Motorcycle back to the volcano village 40k (18 RMB)
When traveling independently, you can be flexible with your schedule. After the large groups disperse, you can linger a bit longer, and the descent will be smooth without traffic. Motorcycles are readily available, and you can return to your accommodation, sleep until noon, and then leave, avoiding the hassle of a tour group.

Route 2: After watching the sunrise, you can head to the Bromo crater. We weren’t interested, so we skipped it. If you decide to take a motorcycle, make sure to agree on a route that doesn’t include the entrance fee!

⚠️ Important Notes!
⭐ A pair of non-slip shoes is essential, as the volcanic ash can make slopes slippery and tiring. On my first day, I wore AJs to climb Ijen and ended up falling and ruining my shoes. For Bromo, I switched to hiking shoes.
⭐ The temperature difference on the mountain is significant, and it gets really cold in the early morning, so layer up.
Total cost: 37 + 16 + 86 + 18 + 18 = 175 RMB, not tiring and allows for off-peak travel.