MOUNT BROMO
Take a journey to the foggy mountain village, enjoy the golden sunrise, endless skies, and powerful crater.
THE VILLAGE IN THE CLOUDS
The journey to Mount Bromo can be considered one of the most beautiful trips in East Java. Enjoy the view of the green jungle and its towering rocks before reaching Cemoro Lawang Village. Lying at an elevation of 2,217 meters above sea level, this foggy mountain village offers strong vibes of traditional Javanese culture and beautiful vistas above the clouds. As the home to a small ethnic Tengger community, who mostly work as farmers, the hills of Cemoro Lawang are transformed into terrace farming where you can find potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes growing.
THE SACRED VOLCANO WHERE THE GOD LIVES
According to local legend, the people of Tengger are believed to be descendants of Majapahit Princes. They hold the sacred Mount Bromo in high regard as not only the home of their ancestors but also as the dwelling place of their God, Sang Hyang Widhi. Once a year, on the 14th day of the month of Kasada, the Tenggerese people conduct a holy ceremony at Luhur Poten Temple, situated at the foot of Mount Bromo. During this event, they pray for blessings and a peaceful life under the moonlight. The ritual concludes with the symbolic act of throwing offerings, such as crops, animals, jewelry, money, and other precious items, into the Crater of Bromo.
The origin of the Kasada Ceremony stems from the ancient tale of the childless King Joko Seger and Queen Roro Anteng. Desperate for a child, the couple prayed to Sang Hyang Widhi, who granted them not just one, but 25 children, under the condition that the youngest be sacrificed to the deity. Over time, King Joko Seger and Queen Roro Anteng reneged on their promise and fled to escape divine retribution. In response, the volcano rumbled ominously as God pursued them, ultimately claiming their youngest child by taking them into the crater. As soon as this sacrifice occurred, the volcano returned to silence.
EXTREMELY GORGEOUS POWERFUL VOLCANO
Every year, thousands of travelers from around the world come to witness the beauty of Mount Bromo. Riding antique 4x4 vehicles, everyone is prepared to traverse the Sea of Sand, renowned as the largest volcanic ash caldera on earth. Upon reaching Mount Penanjakan, the landscape transitions from a sky filled with millions of stars to a golden horizon as the sun gradually emerges. Simultaneously, all eyes are captivated by the picturesque sight of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru, standing side by side at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. This location is undeniably one of the most scenic destinations.
FAQ FOR MOUNT BROMO
Do you need more information about Mount Bromo? Here are the most frequently asked questions to help you.
1. Where is Mount Bromo?
Mount Bromo is situated within Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, located on the eastern side of Java Island, Indonesia. The nearest airport to reach this location is Juanda International Airport in Surabaya. Travelers starting their journey from Yogyakarta can take a train and stop at Gubeng Station in Surabaya. The journey takes approximately 4 hours from Yogyakarta to Surabaya by train.
2. How to get to Mount Bromo from the city?
There is no public transportation that goes directly to the Mount Bromo area. The nearest stops for most public transportation are Probolinggo and Tumpang. However, if you are traveling independently, I advise you to stop at larger cities such as Malang and Surabaya, as they offer more options for renting a car or a trail motorbike.
3. When is the best time to visit Mount Bromo?
The best time to visit Mount Bromo is during the dry season from April to October when the sky is clear. Mount Bromo is open all year round, unless there are specific dates mentioned below that Mount Bromo is closed for religious purposes:
Megeng Day : 12 December 2023 at 16:00 - 13 December 2023 at 16:00 & 9 January 2024 at 16:00 - 10 January 2024 at 16:00.
Silence Day : 11 March 2024 at 06:00 - 12 March 2024 at 06:00
Yadnya Kasada Day : 21 June 2024 - 22 June 2024
4. Is Mount Bromo worth a visit?
Every year, thousands of travelers from around the world come to witness this active volcano. Mount Bromo is considered a sacred mountain for the local Tengger community. As a result, it is not only surrounded by beautiful nature but also infused with the strong vibes of Hindu and ancient Javanese culture. This combination turns Mount Bromo into one of the most authentic destinations in Indonesia.
5. Is mount Bromo still active until today?
Yes, Mount Bromo is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. The last eruption occurred in 2019, causing tremors with an amplitude of up to 37 millimeters and lasting around seven minutes.
6. Is it safe to visit mount Bromo?
The national park regularly monitors Mount Bromo's activity. If there is dangerous volcanic activity, the park would be closed for safety reasons. Therefore, if the national park is open, it is absolutely safe to visit.
7. What time usually do travellers start to explore Mount Bromo?
If travelers stay in Cemoro Lawang Village, If travelers stay in Cemoro Lawang Village, they typically begin their journey to the Bromo viewpoint around 3:00 am. This village is renowned as the closest one to explore Mount Bromo. Conversely, if you stay in cities such as Malang or Surabaya, you'll need to commence your journey by 12:00 am. The drive from Malang or Surabaya to Cemoro Lawang Village takes approximately 3 hours.
8. Is Mount Bromo a family-friendly destination to visit?
Yes, Mount Bromo is a family-friendly destination, particularly suitable for families with children, as the hiking trail on Mount Bromo is relatively easy. The 4x4 driver will drop you off at the parking area in front of Luhur Poten Temple, and from there, it's a short hike to the rim of the crater. The hike covers approximately 2 kilometers and takes about 30 minutes from Luhur Poten Temple to the rim of Bromo's crater.
9. What do I have to prepare before going to Mount Bromo?
Early in the morning in the dry season (April to October), the temperature at Mount Bromo can reach 5 Celsius. Better for you to pack a light warm jacket. At noon, the temperature rises to 20 Celsius, at this time you need sunglasses and sunscreen. Even though the temperature is quite normal at noon, you are going to hike in an open area where the sun can be harsh on your skin. Bring enough cash also necessary as your debit card or credit card is not reliable in this location.
10. How much time is needed to explore Mount Bromo?
To explore Mount Bromo, staying overnight is recommended. Most travellers arrive at Bromo's viewpoint early morning around 00:00am to 03:00am. After the sun rises around 05:30am, the travellers go down to Sea of Sand by 4x4 to see the crater closer. Usually, the trip finished around 09:00am. At that time travellers go back to the hotel and have breakfast or continue to explore other destinations around.
11. Is it possible to see the sunrise from Bromo's rim of crater?
Yes, it is possible to see the sunrise from Bromo's rim of crater. But, most travellers prefer to see the sunrise from the viewpoint of Mount Penanjakan. It has an elevation around 2700 metres above sea level that gives everyone more dramatic landscape. From this altitude, you can see clearly not only Mount Bromo but the other mountains such as Mount Batok and Semeru Volcano which is known as the highest volcano in Java. The elevation of Mount Bromo itself is 2329 metres above sea level.
12. What other activities I can do in Mount Bromo area?
Other activities you can do at Mount Bromo area are riding a horse and camping. If these activities are not enough to pump up your adrenaline then try to rent a trail motorbike to explore Mount Bromo area.
13. Do I need a guide in Mount Bromo?
Mount Bromo lies in an open area called Sea of Sand. This is the wide savanna covered with volcanic ashes that make it easy to explore without a guide. Unless you want to go to a spot where it is more private or less crowded to enjoy the landscape or capture the milky way, then a guide is necessary.
14. Do you have any recommendations for destination I can visit after Mount Bromo?
After visiting Mount Bromo, travellers usually continue to explore the waterfall. There are two waterfalls nearby. If you choose Tumpang as your starting point then you have Pelangi Waterfall. If you choose Cemoro Lawang as your starting point then Madakaripura Waterfall is for you.
15. Is Pelangi Waterfall a family-friendly destination to visit?
Yes, Pelangi Waterfall is a family-friendly destination and easy to explore. You need to take a short walk for about 20 minutes to reach the waterfall from the parking area. The trail is a bit steep but relatively safe. There is a local guide who will help you to explore the waterfall.
16. Is it possible to swim at Pelangi Waterfall?
No, It is not possible to swim in this area but the landscape around the waterfall makes it worth a visit. Do not forget to bring a dry bag to keep your devices safe.
17. Is Madakaripura a family-friendly destination to visit?
Yes, Madakaripura is a family-friendly destination and easy to explore. Usually, your car driver will drop you at the parking area and continues your journey by motorbike taxi to reach Madakaripura's gate. After that, take a short walk for about 30 minutes to the waterfall. The trail is relatively flat and safe. There is a local guide who will help you to explore the waterfall.
18. Is it possible to swim at Madakaripura Waterfall?
Yes, it is possible to swim at Madakaripura Waterfall. Do not forget to bring a dry bag to keep your devices safe.
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