Just Got Off Bromo Volcano: No Time to Waste on This Adventure 🌋

Thinking I was a seasoned mountain climber, I didn’t take the challenge seriously at all (just a bit of boasting). However, in the end, I found myself covered in dust. Here are some practical tips that could have made my experience much smoother:

1️⃣ Rent clothes at the summit; it gets incredibly cold. We managed to haggle down to 10,000 (about 5 RMB) per piece. The best part is, when you’re exhausted, you can plop down anywhere without worrying about getting your gear dirty.

2️⃣ Don’t forget to bring windproof sunglasses. They’re essential for both taking photos and protecting your eyes from the swirling dust. At the top, I could barely keep my eyes open due to the dust.

3️⃣ If you must wear contact lenses, opt for daily disposables. This way, you can toss them out as soon as you get back into the car, avoiding any discomfort.

4️⃣ Save yourself the trouble and skip the makeup. By the end, everyone looks like they’ve just returned from a mining expedition.

5️⃣ A wool hat is a must. You can pick one up at the summit for 20,000 (about 10 RMB). It’s a small investment for a lot of warmth.

6️⃣ Pack a pack of wet wipes for quick clean-ups. Using regular tissues to wipe your nose can be quite painful in the dry, dusty conditions.

7️⃣ There’s no need to carry heavy food. If you get hungry, there’s instant noodles (15,000 per cup) and coffee (10,000 per cup) available at the top. The lighter your load, the better.

8️⃣ Motorcycles are available for 50,000 (about 25 RMB) one way, but I found walking to be manageable and more rewarding. Alternatively, you can ride a horse to the crater for a unique experience.

9️⃣ It’s wise to buy a pair of 解放鞋 (liberation shoes) in advance. They offer great traction and you won’t feel bad about discarding them after the climb. I tossed mine away after descending.

Make sure to protect yourself from the wind, stay warm, and always be mindful of safety. Some areas are still quite slippery and dangerous.
But today’s sunrise was absolutely breathtaking!!!
I’ll share more details next time. For now, I’m off to get some well-deserved rest.