The volcano Mount Bromo is one of the most well-known and iconic volcanoes in Indonesia and a must-see attraction when traveling through Java. Many people wake up in the middle of the night to witness the phenomenal sunrise over the surreal landscape of the active volcanoes. Afterward, you speed across the dusty volcanic terrain in a brightly colored 4×4 toward the crater rim. At the crater rim of Mount Bromo, you can see and hear the insides of the Earth bubbling away. In this article, you’ll find all the tips on how to visit the Bromo volcano and what to keep in mind.
What Makes Mount Bromo So Special?
The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, located in East Java, is known for its spectacular volcanic landscape that includes various active volcanoes. Mount Bromo, at 2,329 meters (7,673 feet), is not the highest volcano in the area, but it is the most famous and iconic. The Bromo volcano sits in the middle of a vast sea of sand called the Sea of Sand, which consists of volcanic ash and rock. The volcano regularly spews smoke and sulfur fumes from its crater. This steaming crater, along with the quiet sea of sand and the imposing mountains, gives the landscape an almost extraterrestrial appearance. Especially during sunrise, when the colors of the rising sun illuminate the surroundings, it creates a mystical atmosphere.
Compared to other active volcanoes around the world, Mount Bromo is very easy to climb. You can get close to the crater by jeep, making it only a short walk of about 45 minutes to reach the crater rim. This makes it a popular destination among travelers. So put on a sweater and grab your camera because you won’t want to miss this landscape!
Watching the Sunrise Over Mount Bromo
Seeing the sun rise over Bromo Tengger Semaru National Park will be one of the most extraordinary views you’ll encounter on your journey through Indonesia. You do have to get up early, but it’s absolutely worth it. Very early in the morning, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in a jeep. As you enter the national park, you first drive a ways in the dark along wide sandy roads where jeeps pass each other left and right. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the viewpoint. If you think there will be few people at this hour of the day, you are mistaken. Fortunately, the national park is well equipped for the large number of visitors, and there are also many stalls where you can grab something to eat, drink, or use the restroom. They often have a small fire going where you can warm up if you’re feeling cold.
Starting around 4:00 AM, everyone slowly starts to make their way from the stalls for a short walk to the actual viewpoint. Upon arrival, it is still completely dark. The sun rises around 5:30 AM, and about half an hour beforehand, the sky begins to change color, but you want to secure a good spot. Because once this spectacle begins and the first rays of sunshine illuminate Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semaru, it’s a magical sight you absolutely don’t want to miss.
The Different Viewpoints for Watching the Sunrise at Mount Bromo
There are several viewpoints where you can enjoy a stunning view of Mount Bromo during sunrise. When you book a tour, your guide usually knows which viewpoint is best to visit that day. Conditions can vary depending on the weather or crowds. The first three viewpoints are close together, so the view is quite similar. It will be busy everywhere, but you can usually find a spot to enjoy the view well.
- Penanjakan Hill – This is the most popular viewpoint because it is the highest and thus offers the best view of Bromo. This attracts many visitors, so it can get very crowded. If you want to secure a good spot here, you need to arrive extra early.
- King Kong Hill – This viewpoint is slightly lower but offers the same beautiful view and is somewhat less crowded. It’s a popular choice for those who want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy a great view.
- Seruni Point – The viewpoint Seruni Point is even lower and can get quite busy. This point is often visited by hikers (people without a tour) or when it’s more crowded at the top of the mountain.
- Bukit Cinta – This is a smaller, lesser-known viewpoint. It offers a different perspective on Mount Bromo and is a good option if you want to avoid the majority of the crowds. However, the view from this spot is somewhat hidden behind Mount Batok, the neighboring volcano.
Climbing Mount Bromo
After witnessing the sunrise, it’s time to get a closer look at Mount Bromo. Everyone gets back in their jeep and drives down the road into the park. This is a busy time, so expect to be stuck in traffic for a bit. Once you arrive on the sea of sand, it feels like a sort of Dakar race with jeeps and motorcycles racing through all the sand, all heading toward the foot of Mount Bromo. The jeeps park at a distance from the volcano, from where it’s still about a 45-minute walk to the crater rim. You first have to walk through a dusty sea of sand. Horses are used to take tourists up, but you definitely want to avoid using them. These horses are poorly treated, so you don’t want to encourage that.
The final stretch to the crater rim consists of a staircase of 250 steps, which you will likely have to climb at a slow pace due to the crowds. Once at the top, you can walk a bit along the crater rim and see and hear the crater bubbling away. A unique experience!
Depending on your tour, after visiting the crater, you may have the option to drive a bit through the sea of sand to the savanna. This area is usually beautifully green and in bloom from December to May. As the dry season begins in April, the heathland becomes a bit grayer. If you have the time, it’s nice to stop by here before you start your journey back.
Is Climbing Mount Bromo Accessible for Everyone?
Since you can get very close to the crater by jeep, the walk to the crater rim is relatively short. It’s about a half-hour walk slightly uphill through the sand, followed by the stairs. Anyone who is reasonably fit can manage this route.
Visiting Mount Bromo with or without a Tour?
Most people visit Mount Bromo on a tour, as this is by far the easiest way to go. This way, you travel in a colorful jeep with a driver and guide, either in a group or privately. Although the back seats can be a bit cramped, it’s a fun experience. I personally chose a private tour so that I had all the time I needed to enjoy the beautiful spots and take great photos, but group tours are significantly cheaper. With a shared tour, you will be more bound to their schedule, but generally, you will have enough time everywhere.
If you’d prefer to visit Mount Bromo without a tour, an alternative is to walk the route yourself or ride a scooter. Just be aware that the sea of sand is incredibly difficult to navigate, as you can easily slip, fall, or get stuck. I saw many people struggling and pushing their scooters forward because they couldn’t get through otherwise. Therefore, the best alternative to a tour is to hike from the village of Cemoro Lawang. Using the Maps.me app, you can see how the roads lead to the viewpoints and within the national park.
Where Can You Book the Tour?
You can book a tour to Mount Bromo from many places in East Java. A popular option is to take a combination tour that includes Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen, and possibly the Tumpak Sewu waterfalls. This three- to five-day tour often starts in Surabaya or Malang and ends in Bali. Accommodations and transportation are included, allowing you to visit the highlights of East Java in just a few days. If you prefer to take your time or want to book your own transportation and accommodations, you can easily travel to one of the bases below and book a tour to Mount Bromo on-site. You don’t need to arrange this in advance, and you can book either at your accommodation or at one of the many travel agencies you’ll find everywhere.
The Base for Mount Bromo
You can visit Mount Bromo from several places.
- Cemoro Lawang – This is the town located on the northeast side of the national park. Since you stay nearby, you can get up as late as possible for the sunrise.
- Gubukklakah – If away from the crowds is your thing, then this is the best choice. This small mountain village is a lesser-known base. Like Cemoro Lawang, it is located on the edge of the national park but on the southeast side. The big advantage is that very few people drive into the national park from this side, so you can experience the first part without the hundreds of other jeeps in the park. It’s also not far to travel from Malang, the large city you’re likely coming from. Additionally, you’ll find beautiful accommodations in nature and can visit lesser-known waterfalls like Air Terjun Sumber Pitu and Coban Trisula Waterfall. In the next section, we’ll recommend two nice places to stay in Gubukklakah.
- Probolingo – This is a somewhat larger town close to Mount Bromo. It’s a convenient place to stay if you’re relying on public transportation and prefer not to travel by taxi.
- Malang – This large city is the farthest from the four and is still 1.5 to 2 hours drive to the national park. If you plan to continue your journey in East Java, Malang is not a practical base. However, combination tours often start from here.
Away from the Crowds: Stay in Nature at Gubukklakah
If you want to take your time and book your own accommodations, the following two small-scale accommodations are recommended as a base for Bromo. Both are located in the mountains near Gubukklakah, as mentioned above. At Maison Manendra, the welcoming Rani & Oussama will host you in their beautiful accommodation. From the lovely rooftop terrace, you overlook the mountains, and the area is great for hiking. They will help you organize the Bromo tour upon your arrival and can recommend more beautiful spots in the area. At Mountain Ecolodge, you’ll stay in the middle of nowhere with the hospitable Mary, who will do everything she can to make you feel at home. From your room, you can enjoy spectacular views. Be sure to take a walk down to the river and ask what hiking routes they recommend in the area.
Tip: Both accommodations have only a few rooms, so if you want to stay here, it’s advisable to book early.
 Maison Manendra |
 Mountain Ecolodge |
