Witnessing Bromo Volcano’s Majesty: National Geographic Was Absolutely Right!

I have to say, the Bromo volcano in Indonesia is absolutely breathtaking! National Geographic certainly didn’t exaggerate its beauty.
Gazing at the volcano truly gives you a sense of being on a distant, mysterious planet. The land beneath our feet holds so many secrets waiting to be discovered!
I’ve put together a summary of my trip and am excited to share it with all of you. I hope it will be helpful, and I’m also including some stunning photos of the volcano. 😊

🌄 Itinerary:
📄 Visa
Indonesia offers a visa on arrival, which is quite convenient. Just make sure your passport is valid for more than six months. Once you land, you can get the visa for 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (about 35 USD) in cash.

✈️ Transportation
I started my journey from China, flying first to Kuala Lumpur for a two-day stopover, and then to Surabaya.

🚗 Getting to the Volcano
From the airport, I took a taxi to a hotel at the foot of Mount Bromo. I booked the hotel through Azgo and received some cash back, which was a nice bonus. For the taxi, I used a buy-one-get-one-free Grab coupon from Azgo—definitely a must-have app for budget travelers. Early in the morning, we set off from the hotel to the summit.

There was a bit of traffic, so it’s better to plan your visit during the off-season. After getting out of the car, there’s still a short walk to the top.

🎒 Essential Items:
👚 Warm Clothing: Bring a windbreaker, down jacket, hat, and gloves. The altitude of Mount Bromo is high, and the temperature at midnight can be extremely cold.
🥾 Hiking Shoes: The volcanic path is rugged, so wear comfortable, non-slip, and supportive hiking shoes.
🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight is essential for the midnight hike, though using your phone’s flashlight works in a pinch.

☔︎ Rain Gear: Indonesia has a tropical climate, which means it’s hot, humid, and prone to frequent rain. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella.
💊 First-Aid Kit: Pack some motion sickness medicine, as the car ride is long and the mountain roads are narrow with sharp turns.

✅ In summary, compared to places like Semporna Island, the Indonesia volcano trip is more of an adventure, perfect for thrill-seeking college students. You need to be ready for some hardship and fatigue, and be prepared to stay up late. It’s not the ideal destination for a relaxing vacation, but it’s an unforgettable experience for those who love a challenge.