Mt. Bromo
Malang, Indonesia
Even amid the Ring of Fire, even on an island alive with volcanoes, Mt. Bromo is special. The centerpiece of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, this gaping maw of a crater sits framed by soaring volcanic peaks amid a sea of sand. The vistas can be magical at sunrise, with local Tengger horsemen riding to the Hindu temple at its base.
The basics
There’s a significant charge to enter Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, but there's rarely a need to buy advance tickets. Most Mt. Bromo tours leave Surabaya or Malang in the middle of the night to watch the sunrise and take a 4WD tour of the Sand Sea; most include a hike—sometimes to the crater rim—and a temple visit. Travelers also come from Bali on multi-day tours to see Mt. Bromo, Ijen Crater, Borobudur, Yogyakarta, and waterfalls.
Things to know before you go
Mt. Bromo is a great choice for photographers, hikers, and anyone interested in Indonesian culture.
Temperatures at the viewpoints can be cold by Indonesian standards, especially before sunrise. Bring socks, long pants, a warm, long-sleeved top, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes to protect against sand and grit while hiking.
Parents should think carefully about a Mt. Bromo visit. The early start can play havoc with sleep schedules, and sulfur fumes can make it hard to breathe.
Mt. Bromo and the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park are not wheelchair accessible or stroller-friendly.
How to get there
Mt. Bromo sits in East Java’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The closest train station is Probolinggo, and minibusses run from the city to Cemoro Lawang, the park’s main accommodation center. However, many would-be guides swarm new visitors upon arrival, making it hard for independent travelers to find the minibusses and instead directing them to overpriced tourist shuttles. Instead, many opt to visit overnight from Malang, about a 2-hour drive away, or Surabaya, about a 3-hour drive away.
When to get there
Sunrise is the most popular time for visiting Mt. Bromo, with spectacular views as the mist clears and cooler hiking temperatures. Plan your visit for midweek and avoid major Indonesian holidays such as Eid al-Fitr to beat the worst of the crowds. The national park generally closes for several days for the local Tengger people’s Kasada festival, typically in June, July, or August. Plan ahead when visiting around this time.
Mt. Bromo’s Tengger people
While most Hindus left Java for Bali in the 16th century, the Tengger people around Mt. Bromo still maintain this ancient religion and make offerings to their sacred volcano each year at the Kasada festival. You can see their faith in action at the Luhur Poten Temple at the foot of Mt. Bromo, and you may also find yourself joining a horseman for a ride up to the Mt. Bromo crater rim.
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