Bromo Volcano Adventure: My Unforgettable Journey and Top Tips

🌄Experiencing the perfect sunrise over Bromo isn’t an everyday occurrence! To maximize your chances, aim for the dry season (July to September is ideal). I visited in July both times, and the sunrises were absolutely breathtaking! ❗️❗️Be sure to steer clear of the rainy season 🌧️.

✈️Most travelers reach Surabaya by air or train, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Bromo.

🏨The accommodations typically arranged by travel agencies are quite basic, similar to a local guesthouse. For a more upscale experience, consider Jiwa Jawa or the newly opened ARTOTEL. My first stay was at Permai, which was simple but offered a stunning view of Bromo right from the doorstep. On a clear night, you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way alongside the volcano.

The second time, I stayed at Jiwa Jawa, where the comfort level was significantly higher, with plenty of hot water and a hearty breakfast to start the day.

🌋There are three main viewpoints for admiring the Bromo volcano group, each offering a different perspective: Love Hill, Kingkong Hill, and Penanjakan.

Love Hill, mostly frequented by locals, sits at a lower elevation, providing a less spectacular view compared to the other two.

Kingkong Hill, located halfway up the mountain, was my first choice for watching the sunrise. It’s a popular spot, bustling with visitors, and while the climb can be a bit challenging, the view of the town next to the volcano is truly enchanting. However, the famous tree that once stood here seems to have disappeared, making it less appealing now.

Penanjakan, the highest viewpoint, offers panoramic views, though I haven’t had the chance to visit it myself.

‼️Here’s the highlight: This time, my guide took me to Perahu Hill, nestled between Kingkong Hill and Penanjakan. The trail is relatively easy, and there are fewer crowds. The dead trees along the way make for a dramatic foreground, and the view of the volcano is perfectly centered. While you won’t get a great view of the town, this spot is fantastic for capturing the essence of Bromo! I highly recommend our guide—truly professional and dedicated! [Wow][Praise]

🚩Most tours depart from the hotel around 2 AM, with a thrilling jeep ride up the mountain. Upon arrival, you can warm up and grab a hot drink at a small shop near the viewpoint. Here, you can also rent down jackets and buy logo fleece hats (don’t forget to haggle). About an hour before sunrise, head to the viewpoint to await the magical moment.

After the sunrise, continue in the jeep to the foot of the volcano group for some iconic photos with the jeep and the volcano. Next, prepare to climb Bromo. There’s a section between the Bromo viewpoint and the parking lot that you can either walk (about 20-30 minutes) or ride a horse (around 10 minutes).

The price for horse riding has increased this year, from 200k round trip last year to 400k this year. Always pay after the ride, never upfront! Once at the base of Bromo, you’ll need to climb stairs to reach the crater viewpoint. Be cautious at the edge, as some areas lack guardrails.

After the exhilarating climb up the volcano, your Bromo adventure comes to a close, and you typically return to the comfort of your hotel by 10 AM.
Stay tuned for more captivating travel guides to Indonesia! 🌴✨