Category: video

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

I’ve long wanted to get to this famous vista.  It didn’t disappoint. 

Mount Bromo 2,329 meters (7,641 ft) is an active somma volcano and Hindu pilgrimage site in East Java, Indonesia.

The name Bromo comes from the Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation.

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Getting there is a wild ride.   Almost everyone signs up for a jeep tour.  Only these small Toyota Landcruiser Jeeps are allowed up the mountain.

I departed my hostel in Malang City at 12:45am.  It was a scary Mad Max ride over dirt tracks before reaching the viewpoint at 3:15am. 

They get you there so early in case of road problems.  And jeep breakdowns.  It happens. 

They also hope you’ll rent warm jackets and blankets.  Or buy some souvenirs.  

It’s well worth being there at very first light through dawn, in any case.  The volcano vista keeps changing.  Every photo a possible postcard. 

Here are just a few of the dozens I shot. 

It’s crowded!  Everyone scrambling for the best position.  

The adventurous bushwhack down the hillside looking for more unique framing. 

I’ll never forget Bromo. 

From here the jeep takes you down to the smouldering caldera for a crowded, dusty climb up stairs.  I was disappointed with this and the sea of sand beneath.  There are many better volcanoes to climb in Indonesia.

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DETAILS

Of a number of 1, 2, or 3 day options, I ended up doing the most popular ➙ Bromo Sunrise Tour. Very inexpensive at CAD $50 which includes entry fees.

Itinerary:

• 00:30: Prepare for pick-up from Malang hostel by 4×4 Jeep
• 01:00: Journey to Penanjakan (sunrise viewpoint by jeep).
• 03:30: Arrive at the viewpoint and wait for sunrise
• 05:00: Witness the magical sunrise from Penanjakan.
• 06:30: Drive down to the Bromo crater area.
• 07:00: Free time exploring the Bromo Crater.
• 08:30: Visit the Sand Sea area and the Savanna.
• 09:00: Begin the journey back to Malang.
• 11:30: Approximate arrival back at the hostel.