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Climb Active Mount Bromo of Indonesia
Published by Dayle Parker, Writer
Country: Indonesia 
The Experience
To climb to the top of an active volcano and peer inside its crater might seem like something best left to daredevil types, but scores of ordinary visitors have done just that at Mount Bromo in Indonesia. Situated on a vast plain in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Mount Bromo is both one of the island's most active and most frequently visited volcanoes, known for its stunning scenery. And to witness Bromo’s volcanic landscape at its most magnificent, a climb at sunrise is an unforgettable experience.
There are a few ways to appreciate dawn over Bromo, but it’s up for debate which vista yields the most breathtaking views. At 2,392 metres, Mount Bromo isn’t Java’s tallest mountain. Nearby Mount Semeru, at 3,676m wins that title. Many opt to watch the sun rise from Mount Penanjakan, which at 2,770m, reveals excellent views of three of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park’s most well-known peaks rising from the early-morning mist: Semeru, Bromo, and Batok. And it’s definitely the easiest route to capture the views, as Mount Penanjakan’s paved road allows jeeps and tour buses to make the climb. But still, others prefer to take the more challenging trek up Mount Bromo’s slopes by foot, and the reward is the incredible views of the brightening earth from atop the crater rim.
The town of Cemoro Lawang provides the best starting point for the hike up Mount Bromo. From there, it’s a 3km journey in chilly temperatures beginning at least an hour before sunrise in order to catch the sun’s first rays from the volcano’s peak. Trekkers convene along the trail, venturing down a steep road in the darkness to a flat plain of grey volcanic sand: the aptly named Sea of Sand. As Bromo’s peak grows closer and the path steepens, enterprising locals greet the weary, offering rides on sturdy-looking ponies to help them conquer the initial rocky incline. The scent of sulphur drifts about with the wind as the trail winds upward between boulders, finally meeting a steep set of steps built into the side of the mountain to the summit. At the top of the steps, the magnificent view from Mount Bromo’s summit makes it all worth the effort. Below, clouds sit on the valley floor, concealing the footprint trails of the sunrise trekkers. The sky brightens and the sun’s first rays reach out from behind the peaks in the east. The shadows shift around the caldera, casting a changing rainbow of pastel colours on the unworldly moonscape around Bromo.
Looking into Bromo’s massive 700-metre-wide crater, the views aren’t any less impressive. A narrow path circles the crater’s rim, from where plumes of sulphur gas billow continuously from chasms deep in the crater floor; or at times of greater activity, expel dark grey volcanic smoke and ash. Mt. Bromo’s eruptions have been recorded many times over the past few centuries, and the mountain isn’t slowing down anytime soon. After several years of dormancy, Bromo began spewing volcanic ash over the landscape once again in November 2010, forcing visitors to stay at a safer distance for the ensuing months until the mountain returned to its slumber. But no matter where you choose to take your views from, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park provides a magical vantage point to witness the forces of nature at work.
There are a few ways to appreciate dawn over Bromo, but it’s up for debate which vista yields the most breathtaking views. At 2,392 metres, Mount Bromo isn’t Java’s tallest mountain. Nearby Mount Semeru, at 3,676m wins that title. Many opt to watch the sun rise from Mount Penanjakan, which at 2,770m, reveals excellent views of three of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park’s most well-known peaks rising from the early-morning mist: Semeru, Bromo, and Batok. And it’s definitely the easiest route to capture the views, as Mount Penanjakan’s paved road allows jeeps and tour buses to make the climb. But still, others prefer to take the more challenging trek up Mount Bromo’s slopes by foot, and the reward is the incredible views of the brightening earth from atop the crater rim.
The town of Cemoro Lawang provides the best starting point for the hike up Mount Bromo. From there, it’s a 3km journey in chilly temperatures beginning at least an hour before sunrise in order to catch the sun’s first rays from the volcano’s peak. Trekkers convene along the trail, venturing down a steep road in the darkness to a flat plain of grey volcanic sand: the aptly named Sea of Sand. As Bromo’s peak grows closer and the path steepens, enterprising locals greet the weary, offering rides on sturdy-looking ponies to help them conquer the initial rocky incline. The scent of sulphur drifts about with the wind as the trail winds upward between boulders, finally meeting a steep set of steps built into the side of the mountain to the summit. At the top of the steps, the magnificent view from Mount Bromo’s summit makes it all worth the effort. Below, clouds sit on the valley floor, concealing the footprint trails of the sunrise trekkers. The sky brightens and the sun’s first rays reach out from behind the peaks in the east. The shadows shift around the caldera, casting a changing rainbow of pastel colours on the unworldly moonscape around Bromo.
Looking into Bromo’s massive 700-metre-wide crater, the views aren’t any less impressive. A narrow path circles the crater’s rim, from where plumes of sulphur gas billow continuously from chasms deep in the crater floor; or at times of greater activity, expel dark grey volcanic smoke and ash. Mt. Bromo’s eruptions have been recorded many times over the past few centuries, and the mountain isn’t slowing down anytime soon. After several years of dormancy, Bromo began spewing volcanic ash over the landscape once again in November 2010, forcing visitors to stay at a safer distance for the ensuing months until the mountain returned to its slumber. But no matter where you choose to take your views from, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park provides a magical vantage point to witness the forces of nature at work.
When to Go to Mount Bromo
The best time of year to visit Mount Bromo is during the dry season between April and November, for a clear view of the peaks. Sunrise is the most popular time to view the volcanic landscape.
As Bromo is an active volcano, ensure you stay up to date on the current level of volcanic activity by checking with local authorities before making the trip.
As Bromo is an active volcano, ensure you stay up to date on the current level of volcanic activity by checking with local authorities before making the trip.
Odds n' Ends
Mount Bromo is located on the eastern side of the island of Java, approximately three hours by bus from Surabaya: the closest major city and airport. To make the sunrise climb up the volcano, most visitors find accommodation in nearby Cemoro Lawang (the closest base camp), or Ngadisari (a town about 6km northeast of Mount Bromo). Warm clothing is essential as the temperature can drop to between zero and five degrees Celsius at night.
Places to Stay Nearby
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Located in lush of Prigen highland, Royal Senyiur Boutique Hotel offer you spectacular mountain view and the best panoramic city view.With modern classic designed and ... 21 miles away
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Discover all that Pasuruan has to offer with Bromo Cottages Hotel as a base.The Bromo Cottages Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in ... 21 miles away
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Books and DVDs
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