Conquering Mount Bromo: A Hiker's Guide to All You Need to Know

Mount Bromo is located in the eastern part of Java, Indonesia. The nearest major city is Surabaya, which can be reached by flights that take you to Juanda international airport. It is also commonly accessible from Malang.

From here, you can book one of many Mount Bromo tour packages. Mount Bromo is best done by booking a sunrise tour that takes you to Penanjakan to catch the first ray before heading to the crater.

1. You can also take the bus from these cities to Probolinggo and book a jeep to reach the mountain.
2. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a motorbike and ride through the scenic landscapes, but make sure to download Google maps in advance – the internet might not work in these rugged terrains.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October when the skies are clearer, and the chances of rain dampening your adventure are minimal.

Mount Bromo is a hit with both travellers and locals, so there is bound to be traffic to the peak. This is why most tour operators will pick you up from Surabaya or Malang around midnight. The journey takes around 2-3 hours by jeep; we also recommend booking a 2D/1N tour to Mount Bromo so you can unwind at Tretes before heading to the mountain.

@bethmcafee14 Never forget this #indonesia #mountbromo #bromo #malang #java #backpacking #volcano #nature #travel #hike ♬ moon song x sparks – miles

In addition to its spectacular views, Mount Bromo has all sorts of myths and legends, which are of great significance to the Tengger people, who believe this is where a prince sacrificed his life to save his family. Every year, during the Kasada festival, the community prays to the gods and drops offerings in the crater of Mount Bromo.

This is the best Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint in the region. From Kingkong Hill on Mount Penanjakan, you’ll have an epic panoramic view of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. A drive in your jeep early in the morning will take you to Kingkong Hill. You get down here and walk five minutes to a small tourist spot to get coffee, fried banana fritters and other essentials.

Located on the opposite side of Kingkong Hill, Seruni Viewpoint is another excellent option to watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo. The view from here is equally spectacular, and you might have a bit more space to move around and take pictures without the crowds.

Once you reach the viewpoint, find a cosy spot and prepare to be mesmerised. As the sun begins to rise, the colours of the sky change rapidly, casting a magical glow over the rugged terrain. It’s a sight so incredible that you’ll forget about the early morning wake-up call (almost)!

Remember to snap those pictures, but also take a moment to soak in the beauty of nature unfolding before your eyes.

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After the sunrise is done, we recommend hurrying down in your jeep from Mount Bromo to head to the most adventurous part of this trip – visiting the crater. You’ll be dropped at the Luhur Poten Hindu Temple, from where it’s a 10-minute walk across the Sea of Sand, a vast desert-like plain, to the stairs. You can also ride on a horse to cover this distance.

Tip: don’t forget your hat and mask so you don’t get sand in your mouth!

Next up is the Bromo Crater itself. To reach the crater rim, you’ll need to climb for 10 minutes. The reward at the top is a view of the smouldering crater and the sulphurous gases rising from within at short gaps – a truly otherworldly sight! Don’t worry, the volcano last erupted in 2019 and is now closely monitored, so it’s safe to visit.

@ausgeo Mount Bromo (Javanese: ꦒꦸꦤꦸꦁ ꦧꦿꦩ) sits at 2,329 meters (7,641 ft). This is an active somma volcano part of the Tengger mountains in East Java, Indonesia. Since 1767, more than 60 eruptions have been recorded, with the last being in 2016. Have you been here? 🤔🌋 🎥 @Canro Simarmata #ausgeo #volcanoeruption #volcano #indonesia #discoverearth #adventuretravel ♬ original sound – Australian Geographic

Holding onto the barrier, make your way around the rim of the crater to experience this stunning natural wonder. Few experiences come close to standing atop a volcano, so take it all in.

Safety first: as with any adventure, safety should be a priority. Listen to your guides and follow their instructions. Some areas might be off-limits due to volcanic activity, so it’s essential to respect the boundaries. And remember, while taking photos is fantastic, don’t get too close to the edge of the crater.

What to pack for the hike: remember to bring sturdy hiking shoes to conquer the rocky terrains. Dress in layers as temperatures can change rapidly, especially during sunrise. A warm sweater or jacket is a must for the chilly early morning hours.

Pro-tip: pack plenty of water to stay hydrated, and don’t forget the sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s fierce rays. A camera with extra memory cards and batteries is essential to capture those Insta-worthy moments.

Located just a short drive from Mount Bromo, Madakaripura Waterfall is a hidden gem that will take your breath away. This majestic waterfall cascades down a narrow canyon, surrounded by lush greenery, creating a magical atmosphere. You can combine a sunrise tour of Bromo with a day trip to Madakaripura Waterfall. If you are starting from Surabaya or Malang, you can opt for a combined Madakaripura and Mount Bromo tour that lasts two days. 

For the intrepid adventurers seeking a challenge, Mount Semeru, the highest volcano on Java, awaits. This active volcano is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and offers a challenging trek to its summit. The rewards include breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment like no other.

Though a bit further away from Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen is worth the trip. This active volcano is famous for its mesmerising blue fire phenomenon, caused by ignited sulfuric gas. A night hike to the summit rewards you with a surreal view of the blue flames dancing in the darkness – something you won’t forget. You can book a two-day Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater tour to spend the night in the Ijen area. But if you have more time, then we suggest booking a 3D/2N adventure tour that includes visits to Mount Bromo, the captivating Madakaripura Waterfall, and the mesmerising blue fire of Ijen Crater.

Also known as the ‘Thousand Waterfalls,’ Tumpak Sewu is located close to Mount Bromo. Here you can see many streams cascade down the cliffs, giving the appearance of a thousand waterfalls merging.

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Rainbow Village, locally known as Kampung Pelangi, is a hidden gem tucked away in the town of Malang in East Java. Every alley, house and stair is decorated with murals and art, making you feel like you’ve entered an open-air art gallery. This village was revamped through a government initiative that hoped to revive the area. We recommend interacting with the locals here to learn more about their customs and culture.

You can combine Tumpak Sewu Waterfall & Rainbow Village into a single tour that will show you the best of both nature and human ingenuity.

Pro tip: while the Bromo sunrise tour is very popular among visitors, we also suggest you catch a glimpse of the milky way from Mount Bromo. Look for a tour that will take you to the Sea of Sands for an up close and personal time with the night sky.