Explore Indonesia’s Bromo Volcano: Ultimate 1-Day Tour Guide Experience

✈️ Departure: Chengdu Tianfu Airport ➡️ Juanda International Airport T2, Surabaya, with a connecting flight via Kuala Lumpur International Airport. (This is an international connecting flight, and the transfer can be quite tiring, so it’s highly recommended to rest for one night in Kuala Lumpur.)

1⃣️ Catch the breathtaking sunrise at Mount Bromo at 4:30 AM 🌅
2⃣️ Explore the mesmerizing Bromo crater at 8:30 AM 🌋
① 🛍️ Essential items to pack: Wet wipes, tissues, bottled water, and some Indonesian Rupiah cash.
② 👚 What to wear: N95 mask (dust is abundant, so bring 2 as backup), wind goggles (strong winds and dust can irritate your eyes, but they are optional), a windbreaker, long pants (temperatures at the summit hover around 15 degrees, and it gets chilly with strong winds during the wait), and old sneakers or cheap rubber shoes (the area is very dusty, and you might want to discard them after the trip).

🚶🏻 Detailed Itinerary:
③ 🌄 The sunrise at Bromo in August typically occurs between 4:30-5:00 AM. Aim to reach the top of Penanjakan Mountain before 4:30 AM to secure the best spot for viewing the sunrise.
④ 🚙 A jeep will take you close to the top of Penanjakan Mountain, opposite Mount Bromo. From there, it’s a 15-25 minute walk to the Penanjakan viewpoint or directly to the summit.

The summit, a small platform and the highest point, offers a stunning panoramic view. Expect fewer crowds and a slightly challenging path.
⑤ Prepare to be awed by the starry sky, the break of dawn, the glorious sunrise, a sea of clouds, and the majestic volcano—a truly unforgettable experience!
⑥ 🖐🏻 Between 6:00-6:30 AM, head back to where the jeep is parked and descend the mountain to visit the Bromo crater.

If you leave by 6:30 AM, expect some congestion. Taking quick photos can help you beat the crowd. The traffic jam can last 40-60 minutes, and the drive to the foot of Mount Bromo takes another 40 minutes, arriving around 8:30 AM.
⑦ 🚶‍♂️ Begin your ascent up Mount Bromo at 8:30 AM. It’s a 15-minute flat walk from the parking lot to the base, followed by a 15-minute climb to the halfway point, which can be strenuous.

Horse rides are available for a fee, ranging from 150-300k, and bargaining is possible. From the halfway point, the climb up the stairs is easier and shorter, taking about 5 minutes to reach the crater. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking!!!
⑧ 🔜 You should finish around 10:00 AM and return to your hotel for some well-deserved rest.

If your accommodation is far, you may need to start your journey as early as 1 or 2 AM, so plan for some afternoon relaxation after the adventure.

🔴 Independent Travel & Group Tour:
We opted for a one-day group tour, though there are also three-day options that include the stunning Sewu Waterfall and the mesmerizing Ijen Volcano. However, the thought of early morning wake-ups every day was a bit daunting, so we decided to focus on Bromo. We found a guide team through Little Red Book, which cost 700 RMB per person, covering transportation and accommodation from airport pickup to drop-off at the Gili Islands pier.

Unfortunately, the experience was rather underwhelming and not particularly cost-effective. For a more budget-friendly and personalized adventure, it’s recommended to plan your own public transportation and choose your accommodations. Joining a tour is just more convenient, but it might not be as rewarding.

🔴 Precautions:
1️⃣ The final stretch to the top of Penanjakan Mountain is notoriously slippery and steep. Be extra cautious when climbing, especially in the dark. Once you reach the summit, the viewpoint is actually located slightly below and to the left.

2️⃣ It gets quite chilly at the summit, so it’s best to time your ascent to arrive just before sunrise. A short distance below the summit, you’ll find several small shops where you can warm up with a cup of coffee or a bowl of instant noodles. These shops also offer clothing rentals and restroom facilities.

3️⃣ At this attraction, restroom usage requires cash payment. Each visit costs 5,000 IDR, so make sure to have some small bills handy.