Bromo Volcano Group Tour: Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary Guide
If you, like me, are planning to take the train to Surabaya and stay for a few days without wanting to rush around too much, I highly recommend joining a one-day tour. I booked mine in advance through the Mafengwo website for 550 RMB. While it’s not the cheapest option, the convenience is worth it. If you don’t have WhatsApp, you can connect with them via WeChat.
They set up a group chat that includes the driver, ensuring a safer and more organized experience, with someone always monitoring the itinerary. It’s worth noting that similar tours on KLOOK also cost over 500 RMB per person. For those interested in exploring Mount Bromo and Ijen, a two-day tour is available, which includes one night’s accommodation, and is said to be priced at less than 900 RMB.
Itinerary:
– At 10 PM, the driver will pick you up from your hotel in the city. Around 10:40 PM, two more passengers will be picked up from Juanda Airport. By midnight, the minivan, which can seat seven, will collect two more travelers in Malang, bringing the total to five.
– At 3 AM, you’ll arrive at the volcano town and switch to a rugged jeep for the next part of the adventure.
Mount Bromo, often described as resembling the surface of Mars, offers a breathtaking sunrise. This active volcano continuously spews lava throughout the year. At 4 AM, you’ll reach the base of the viewing platform, where a steep mountain path awaits. Equip yourself with a flashlight or headlamp and stay cautious.
The viewing platform is bitterly cold, with temperatures dropping to single digits, so bundle up in a down jacket or windbreaker. Blankets and cushions are available for rent, but they come at a premium. As you wait for the sunrise, there might be a tinge of anxiety, especially if you’ve heard that others didn’t see much on their recent visits.
After an hour of anticipation, the sky begins to lighten, only to reveal a thick fog, causing initial disappointment. Just as you’re about to descend, a sudden exclamation of “Wow, incredible!” echoes through the air. The fog gradually lifts, unveiling the Martian-like landscape. The sight is so moving it nearly brings tears to your eyes, making the 550 RMB ticket price absolutely worth it.
After capturing numerous photos, around 6 AM, the jeep will take you to the foot of the volcano, a journey that takes about half an hour. The path is covered in volcanic ash and becomes extremely muddy after rain. Though the climb is not considered difficult, a persistent horse owner may offer you a ride to the steps.
Initially, you might ignore him, but the challenging terrain might make you reconsider. If you don’t have sturdy shoes, riding a horse is a wise choice. After negotiating, you agree on 120k (about 60 RMB) for a round trip. The steps themselves are also quite steep and exhausting to climb. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the crater, which spans 800 meters from north to south.
Even with a mask, the pungent sulfur smell is hard to ignore. The rumbling sound and thick smoke create a truly awe-inspiring experience. By 7 AM, you’ll ride the horse back to the jeep parking lot. The driver will then take you to a scenic spot for some memorable photos with the volcano in the background.
At 7:30 AM, you’ll return to the minivan for a hearty breakfast, included in the tour fee. At 8 AM, the journey back begins. When you reach Malang, the other four passengers will be dropped off at Padang Bai port, where they will continue to Bali by boat. You’ll switch to a car, with no additional cost.
The driver will take photos as proof during pickups and drop-offs, ensuring a safe and secure experience.
As the clock struck noon, I made my way back to the cozy hotel nestled near Gubeng Station in Surabaya, marking the end of a memorable journey.
