Explore Bromo Tengger Semeru: Best Hiking Tips and Sunrise Views

Described by National Geographic as “the place in the world that most resembles the moon,” this breathtaking landscape is a must-see. Witness the sunrise over this otherworldly terrain, and you’ll feel like you’re on a distant, lonely planet.

Since there are no direct flights from Bali to Malang, your journey will begin with a flight to Surabaya airport, followed by a taxi ride to Malang. We highly recommend using Grab for this leg of the trip, as it offers transparent pricing and a reliable service. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, bringing you comfortably to your hotel. ⚠️ Avoid unlicensed taxis at the airport to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

I spent three enchanting days in Malang, staying at the TUGU Malang hotel, which I booked through Booking.com. The hotel, owned by an Indonesian Chinese, is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts, resembling a small museum. It houses a fascinating collection of items from both Indonesia and modern China, and the hotel provides free guided tours.

The on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu with 24-hour room service, and the majority of guests are international travelers, primarily from Europe, enjoying their vacations. Malang itself is a quaint, compact city, and the hotel is centrally located, though the immediate surroundings offer limited attractions.

Most visitors use Malang as a base to explore the nearby Bromo volcano and the stunning Sewu waterfall.

The Bromo volcano excursion was seamlessly arranged with the help of the hotel. Simply confirm the number of participants, time, and cost with the front desk a day in advance, and they will take care of the rest, including contacting the driver. Departure from the hotel is typically around 1-2 AM, and the jeep ride to the volcano takes nearly 3 hours.

From the parking area, it’s just a short 10-minute walk to the viewing point. The mountain climate can be quite chilly and windy, so it’s wise to bring a warm jacket. After the awe-inspiring sunrise, the tour includes two additional stops: one at the foot of the volcano and another where you can choose between horseback riding or hiking to see the crater up close.

The latter option can be very dusty, so wearing a mask is essential to avoid inhaling the fine particles. Our group only visited the first two points, returning to the hotel by 10-11 AM. A tip for the adventurous: the most challenging part of the trip is the long jeep ride. The vehicle can be particularly uncomfortable for taller individuals, as the back seat does not allow for sitting upright.

The entire round trip lasts 6-7 hours, so make sure to get plenty of rest the night before and be well-prepared for the adventure ahead.