Bromo Mountain Climbing: Discover the Joy and Adventure of Hiking Bromo
It might just be the coldest spot in all of Indonesia!
Who would have imagined that a trip to Indonesia would necessitate packing a down jacket?! But Bromo quickly brings you back to reality. Yes, Indonesia has its share of mountainous regions and areas with surprisingly low temperatures. (Don’t be misled by the picturesque photos on social media; they are for reference only.
You still need to prepare warm clothing, a light down jacket, or a regular thickness cotton coat. Think of the temperature as similar to late autumn or early winter in the northern regions.)
From Jakarta, hop on a Garuda Airlines flight, and in just an hour and a half, you’ll land at Surabaya Airport. It’s highly recommended to book a pick-up service in advance, as the drive from the airport to Bromo takes another two hours!!! 😱😱😱
If possible, try to arrive during daylight so you can savor the stunning scenery along the way.
We arrived late in the day, and by the time we reached the Bromo mountains, it was already pitch black. The winding mountain roads were shrouded in darkness, and we couldn’t see a thing. However, when we returned the next day, we were greeted by breathtaking mountain views, reminiscent of a small Switzerland in Southeast Asia!
Only then did we realize what we had missed!
When you reach the Bromo mountains, if it’s still early, you can enjoy a picnic. But make sure to bring your own food and equipment, as the infrastructure here is virtually non-existent. The locals don’t seem too interested in commercial ventures. If this were a coastal area in China, you’d find hot spring hotels, resorts, and camping bases everywhere. But given that you need to get up early the next morning to climb the mountain, it’s best to rest early.
The next morning, (and by “early,” we mean 3 AM 🕒), you need to rise and shine. It’s not because the distance is far, but because after Bromo graced the cover of Lonely Planet and was dubbed “the place on Earth most like the moon,” it became a must-see destination (of course, social media platforms also played a role in this 😒). So, heading to the viewing platform to catch the sunrise means 3 AM is not too early, and by 4 AM, it’s already bustling with people.
The Chinese enthusiasm for sunrises is something that baffles many from other countries. This includes, but is not limited to, domestic spots like Mount Tai and Mount Hua, where the general public has carried this traditional virtue overseas. Once the local guide learns of your nationality, they will smile knowingly and take you straight to the “social media check-in spot” ~ the sunrise viewing platform.
Is it pretty? It is, but I had originally imagined a red sun rising from the mountain pass… When I asked the guide, he looked at me with the eyes of someone sizing up a naive tourist who just walked into a horror movie and told me, okay, I was thinking too much.
After watching the sunrise, before 7 AM, head to the foot of Mount Bromo.
Hot tip! Volcanoes typically erupt every five years, so during this dormant period, the landscape has transformed. Lush vegetation now covers the once barren terrain, making it less reminiscent of a lunar surface. As you ascend the stone steps to the crater, which takes about 12 minutes, the air thickens with the pungent aroma of sulfur and steam. Take a moment to savor the unique atmosphere, and if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a horseback ride down the mountain to conserve your energy.
Route: Start in Jakarta, then head to Surabaya, and finally make your way to Bromo accommodation. From there, visit the sunrise viewing platform, followed by a trek to the foot of Mount Bromo. Afterward, enjoy a hearty hotel breakfast and take some time to clean off any volcanic ash.
Tips: Be prepared for heavy traffic in the early morning as jeeps make their way up the mountain. Additionally, bring a sturdy pair of shoes that can handle the volcanic ash along the trail.
