7 Awesome Things to Do in Bromo, Indonesia

Embraced by dropping temperature with a panoramic view of greenery up to the mountains, we are traveling to the highlands of East Java, Indonesia. Bromo Mountain, also known as Gunung Bromo, is an active cone visited both by local and foreign visitors for its striking scenery and up-close encounter of crater activities. Navigate your way to adventure as we give you the list of awesome things to do in Bromo, Indonesia!

1. Stay in Jiwa Jawa Resort

Why is it one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia?

Before hitting the steep mountain slopes of Bromo, relax into the mountain ambiance, of a gentle breeze from the surrounding trees, blessed land of greenery and a sight of brick-red tiled roofs of the typical home in Indonesia. A cup of coffee to keep you warm from the fresh, crisp air. Display of interesting art gallery can be found in the dining area, impressive photography of the mountain and its surroundings. End the night with a freshly poured glass of wine and have a good sleep as the preparation for tomorrow’s mountain adventure in Bromo. Serene and relaxing place, that’s what Jiwa Jawa Resort is, a certified best place to visit in Bromo, Indonesia!

Jiwa Jawa Resort (formerly Java Banana Lodge Bromo) is located in Jalan Raya Bromo, Wonotoro, Sukapura, Probolinggo, East Java 67254, Indonesia with Phone number +62 21 751 0338 or email them at [email protected]

2. Extreme Jeep ride experience up to the mountain

Why is it one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia?

As early as half past two in the morning, everyone’s geared up for the first part of our Bromo adventure. Only seeing the fog-type cloud of dust, I am fully awake and in awe as we drive our way to the top. Can’t barely see the path we were going through, watching carefully how our driver steers the wheel and gets nervous whenever he looks out of the window to check our trail. As he navigates the track, I am anxiously thinking of the mountain ledge! But that’s what adventure is all about, getting pumped up by the thrill and getting a feel of excitement in the unknown. This is certainly one of the best things to do in Bromo!

Relieved as we reached the stopping place, I thanked the driver for bringing us safe. Chanced to speak with him for a moment, I found out that he’s in the profession for many years. Hence, I shouldn’t worry at all. For jeep rental and tours, you may reach Jeep Bromo Tour and Guide Private Car through email: [email protected] or numbers 085 236 292 600 or 081 252 939 007

3. A walk to the sunrise viewpoint of Mount Bromo

Why is it one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia?

Bromo is a top-rated spot not only for foreign but also for locals. It’s a great bonding place for friends and family. Hence, a large number of people can be seen even right before the sun rises. Traffic jam all the way up, 4WD Jeeps parked in the mountain road. Tourists have to continue their adventure through walking up to the steep road of the mountain or rent for another motorcycle ride if comfort and convenience are your top priority.

You will gasp for more air as you continue your way up to the sunrise viewpoint, but you will surely be fine as you reach the destination. There are some stop points where you can buy a cup of coffee or hot noodles, and there are bonfires as well along the way. This experience is one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia. A bit tiring but worth the trip!

4. Witness the sunrise on Mount Bromo

Why is it one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia?

More than two thousand meters above sea level and you get to experience cold atmosphere from the sunrise viewpoint of Bromo. Mount Semeru can be seen afar,  blasting combination of colors in the sky, of bright pink and fiery orange over the horizon. Everyone’s cheering as the sun rises, marking that a new day has begun.

Sitting at the stairways, hands cold and thinking of a better way to find a good spot before the sun rises, I decided to stay at the facade of the viewpoint, watching passersby as they find the way to their perfect spot.  Too much crowd for that day, our two AM wake up call was not enough to get you in front of the viewpoint (a bit hazy too). Minutes passed by and I managed to find a small space with the locals. Trying my luck to get even a small peek of the sun, I only see heads, lots of people’s heads (my height is a disadvantage) but looking up in the sky, you can still see how the dark bluish black colors turn into a fine striking morning colors. Still, it’s a great experience, especially the journey going at the top. The number of the crowd can barely tell how Bromo sunrise makes it to our list of best things to do in Bromo. Just remember that for your visit, best time to see the sunrise is during on holidays and weekdays (We went there Sunday, family day, so lots of people)

5. Coffee Break after the sunrise experience

Why is it one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia?

Temperature is ranging from three to twenty degrees Celsius, gloves on and a cup of coffee in your hand. Simple yet perfect way to the get warm on the cold morning of the highland. A little chitchat and laughter as people kill time before heading into their next stop. Rows of little shops at the sunrise viewpoint selling grilled corns, hot spicy noodles, hot tea, banana fritters and other variety of snacks and drinks. Fighting the chill has never been easy long as your hands and tummy gets a little warm, which is why a coffee break on a cold Sunday morning is one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia.

6. Horse Ride in the Sea of Sand

Why is it one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia?

After all the walking and shivering, we are now moving to a more surreal adventure, horse riding in the desert of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Our 4WD jeepneys drove us to our next stop. On arrival, a string of horses welcomed us. I was assisted by a man named Pikot and gave me a ride on his brownish black handsome horse, Jalun. Together, we traveled the vast sea of sand of Tengger, local name Laut Pasir. It’s a very dusty ride so make sure to get your mask on. Going up to the crater, horse ride is only optional since you can also reach it by foot. But the whole experience of taking the steep volcanic sandy path going up to the crater and riding at the back of a mighty horse,  splendid moment! That is why horse ride in the desert of Tengger is one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia.

7. Up close with Bromo Crater

Why is it one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia?

After our journey through the sea of sand, we reached the point of our destination, the base of Mount Bromo. A sneak peeks of volcanic activity as you look up, a dramatic sight of striking white smoke formation over the bright blue sky. I left Jalun and Pikot for a while to take a closer look at the crater activity. The horse cannot walk through the narrow stairs going up to the volcano crater. Small stores selling a variety of goods like food and souvenirs can be found along the way. From the base point, you’ll get a sight of the Tenggerese Hindu temple, the Pura Luhur Poten.

It’s a free cardio workout as you take the steep stairs going up to the crater. But there are resting areas along the way where you can sit for few secs, letting yourself to catch some air. The closer you get to the top, the more sulfur fumes can be smelled (so don’t forget to bring your mask or a handkerchief). A combination of charm and menace, face to face with this massive picture of a scalding cloud of smoke from the dark depths of the crater. Pictures are allowed but are cautious with every step; it’s no joke if you’re accidentally being pushed to the crater! But no doubt, a close encounter with this earthly wonder is one of the best things to do in Bromo, Indonesia!

You can also read what Inma of A World To Travel experience of Bromo, Indonesia.

Special thanks to Wonderful Indonesia, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia and the whole Indonesian staff for having us in this International Bloggers Trip – Indonesia’s Top Bucket Destinations 2015.

Sharing with you this wonderful news from #WonderfulIndonesia, giving you the chance to visit Komodo Island for free! For further details on this exciting contest, please visit the INATopBucketList Wonderful Indonesia Competition For further info about Wonderful Indonesia, please check the Indonesia Tourism information.

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