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Mount Bromo is a
convenient stop for travellers between Bali and
Surabaya, and the most popular of all of East Java's
travel destinations, this active 2,392-metre- (7,85
foot-) high volcano lies 112 kilometres (70 miles),
about three hours, southeast of Surabaya. Enclosed
by perpendicular walls 350 metres (1,150 feet) high,
Bromo's awesome 2,200-metre- (7,220-foot-) high
'sand sea' caldera has three mountains within it,
craters within one huge crater, the Bromo Semeru
Massif. There are also three small crater lakes
inside the larger crater, with waterfowl and
excellent hiking. The ideal time to visit is in the
dry season (April-November) when you have a better
chance of seeing a blood-red sunrise in the wet
season, you might as well sleep late and stroll
across the sand sea during the warmer part of the
day, after the heavy fog has blown away. The
temperature on top of Bromo is around 5oC
(40oF); in July, it could drop to 0oC
(32oF), so dress warmly. Three times a
year, the site is overrun by tourists in February
when an annual festival takes place, over Christmas,
and during July and August. So plan your visit for
another time if you don't like crowds. From Bromo's
peak are stunning views of active Gunung Semeru,
Java's highest mountain.
Although Bromo can still vent steam and ash, smoke
profusely and occasionally boom from the central
crater, lava has not been ejected in recent history.
Many local and foreign travellers make the trek for
the mystical experience of watching the sunrise from
the crest of the Bromo volcano. A pony ride from the
village of Ngadisari takes you over a sea of sand to
the foot of the volcano. Ascend the 50 steps to
reach the rim. On the vast expanse of sands formerly
a caldera, there are two volcanoes: the extinct
Batok, which is a perfect cone and Bromo. Volcanic
sulphur fumes and smoke still emanate from the
depths, and when the God of Bromo begins to rumble,
the surrounding population quickly bring their
offerings. The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is
held on the 14th day of Kasada, the twelfth month in
the Tenggerese calendar year. It is a dazzling event
where villagers from the surrounding areas bring
their humble offerings to the holy volcano. No
matter how much you have heard about it, you won't
be prepared for this unforgettable spectacle.
Mount Bromo may be reached via Malang and Surabaya.
From Surabaya's Joyoboyo Bus Station, take a bus or
minibus for two-and-a half to three hours to
Probolinggo (93 kilometres, or 58 miles). Leave
Surabaya early so that you can make it to Ngadisari,
below Bromo, the same day go to Ngadisari it is two
hours by minibus, leaving every hour or The turn off
to Ngadisari is four kilometres (2.5 miles) west of
in the main highway between Surabaya and Banyuwangi.
In April-November, this road is passable all the way
to Ngadisari. From Ngadisari to sing, walk or take a
horse. The ascent to the Bromo crater from Cemoro is
about two hours by foot or one-and-a-half hours on
horseback.
WHERE TO EAT
There are no tourist-quality restaurants outside
of the hotels; it is strongly recommended that you
arrange your food and drink for your trek at your
hotel.
WHERE TO STAY
One of the best places to stay is Cemoro Lawang
because it is situated at the crater rim, there are
four places to stay in the region and they are:
Hotel Raya Bromo is a slightly more upmarket place
than those listed above and is located 2km south of
Sukapura some 18Km from the crater rim at Cemoro
Lawang. |
