Exploring Mount Bromo Independently: A DIY Guide
Heading to Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia's most famous volcanoes in Eastern Java, without a tour might seem like a challenge, but with some planning, it's absolutely doable!
While public transport in Indonesia isn't as straightforward as some neighboring countries, skipping the tour will give you the freedom to experience the beauty of Mount Bromo on your own terms. Mount Bromo serves as a perfect stopover before or after visiting the Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
If you're eager to catch the sunrise at the famed 'viewpoint,' be certain to rise early. Arriving late the night before, as I did, may leave you frustrated as the two-hour trek to the top might be impossible to complete in time.
But don't worry! I soon discovered that perhaps this unplanned route might work out better than anticipated. As the sun started to creep out, lighting up the mist and clouds below me, I realized I had managed to avoid the hordes of tourists that would have been at the summit with the organized tours.
The Bromo Sunrise View
Unwilling to join the early-morning hike to the top of Mount Penanjakan, I opted to catch a few extra Z's at 2:30 a.m. By 4 a.m., I reluctantly accepted that I would miss the sunrise trek. However, wandering as far as I could before the sun appeared, I found myself at the first viewpoint among just a handful of spectators – a far cry from the crowded reports I had heard. Needless to say, I was more than satisfied with the photographs and sunrise I captured, avoiding the photo-taking battle that usually takes place at the summit-like viewpoints.
The Sea of Sand
To reach the crater and peer into it, you'll need to cross the 'sea of sand.' You can trek back down the mountain, grab a local bike, or, like I did, pay 80k IDR for a motorbike driver to whizz you across the sand in under an hour. Although a ticket to enter is rumored to be about 300k IDR on weekends, I somehow managed to skip it during my visit. Keep in mind that this attraction isn't the most organized, so don't expect any orderly queues for ticket offices.
The ride across the sand on a motorbike is a thrilling adventure, but you can also follow the path used by local horsemen on foot if you prefer. Climbing up to the crater's summit, you'll be breathless – not from the physical effort, but from the stinky, sulphurous air.
Getting There
Traveling to Mount Bromo on a budget is a breeze thanks to Java's affordable and easy-to-navigate train network. Simply book your tickets online through platforms like tiket.com or KAI Access and catch a train from Yogyakarta or Surabaya to Probolinggo, the closest major town to Mount Bromo. Once in Probolonggo, local minibuses and taxis will take you to Cemoro Lawang, the base village near Mount Bromo.
Returning home is just as simple; grab a local minibus or shared buses that can take you as far as Bali, usually departing around 9:30 a.m. from the top of the hill near the main hotels. Just be mindful that it might be cutting it fine for the 11:00 a.m. train transfer.
In Cemoro Lawang, you'll need to pay the 10k IDR village entrance fee, the same as when I visited Dieng Plateau in Central Java.
Getting Around
Once you arrive in Cemoro Lawang, getting around is a breeze since there's little to no infrastructure. You can enjoy leisurely walks through the fields and explore the small plots around, but your primary focus should be on Mount Bromo. A one-night visit should be sufficient.
Cemoro Lawang offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to pricier hotels. Online booking may not be widespread in rural Indonesia, but Hotels.com is a good choice due to its loyalty program. If it's not peak season, you should be able to find something upon arrival, but remember that this is an early-to-bed town.
Want a tour?
If you'd prefer to avoid the hassle, local operators in big cities can arrange tours for you. Viator offers an overnight trip from Surabaya, but be prepared to pay a premium, as the price may seem a bit steep.
Remember, don't participate in animal tourism, especially when it involves the miserable horses used to transport tourists across the sea of sand.
If you're also interested in visiting Ijen, the famous sulphur mine and Blue Fire, check out Liesbeth's guide on visiting Ijen with or without a tour. Most travelers pick one or the other, but both are unique and well worth your time.
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Embarking on an adventure-travel experience, my journey to Mount Bromo's sea of sand provided not only a thrilling ride on a motorbike but also a chance to avoid the crowded summit-like viewpoints, offering a unique lifestyle perspective on exploring this Indonesian gem independently.
Experiencing the unorganized yet captivating allure of Mount Bromo, I was able to personally travel, making the effort to navigate through the easy-to-manage train system of Java and explore the quaint village of Cemoro Lawang on a budget.
