East Java is known as one of the provinces with the most attractive tourist destinations in Indonesia. From beautiful beaches to stunning mountains, East Java offers travelers a wide variety of choices. Mount Bromo is one of the most famous and iconic destinations in this region, so you have to try visiting this beautiful place.
My Experience of Visiting Penanjakan Mount Bromo
Visiting Mount Bromo is an unforgettable experience, especially for nature and adventure lovers. I first visited Mount Bromo in 2011 with my friends from Backpacker Indonesia. Twenty of us agreed to travel together to East Java, and one of our destinations was Mount Bromo.
We took the train, which, regarding facilities, was not as good as it is now. This was my first experience taking a long distance train. Many passengers were still sleeping under the seats. The journey took around 18 hours from Jakarta to Gubeng Station in Surabaya. It was exhausting but delightful. While there, we rented a Hiace type van.
We arrived at the homestay at the last village of Mount Bromo around 10 p.m., and the air was cold. We prepared to rest because at 2 a.m., we planned to trek to Mount Bromo to see the sunrise immediately.
The air was so cold it penetrated to the bone. Even though I brought a warm jacket, I still felt cold, so eventually my friends and I rented jackets from the lodging. At that time, the lodging available was not as good and complete as it is now. We stayed at a homestay owned by a resident.
At 2 a.m., after only a few hours of sleep, we immediately prepared to head to Penanjakan to see the sunrise. It is said that Penanjakan is the best place to enjoy the sunrise. The road to this place was still sandy and rocky at that time. Fortunately, it was the dry season, so the ground was quite dry.
The trip to Penanjakan started very early in the morning, while it was still dark and the temperature was bone-chillingly cold. Many tourists, including us, decided to spend the night in the village of Cemoro Lawang to make it easier to get to Penanjakan. After a leisurely 3-3.5-hour trek, we finally arrived at Penanjakan. The atmosphere was quite lively with other tourists.
When the sunrise arrived, the sky gradated from orange to red to yellow, creating an extraordinary panorama that often becomes the backdrop for iconic photos. One of the most iconic moments is watching the sunrise at Penanjakan, a hill at about 2,770 meters. Visitors can see the spectacular view of the Bromo crater surrounded by the Sea of Sand and the majestic Mount Semeru in the background.
After enjoying the sunrise, visitors can descend to the Sea of Sand and walk or ride a horse to Mount Bromo's crater. Although the climb to the crater is quite challenging due to the sandy terrain, the sensation of seeing sulfur smoke billowing directly from the crater is very satisfying.
Tourists can also interact with the friendly Tengger people and learn about their culture, including the story of the annual Kasada ceremony.
Tips for Trekking to Mount Bromo's Penanjakan
Several things must be prepared before visiting Mount Bromo. This tourist attraction requires trekking, the weather is cold, and you must depart early in the morning to enjoy its beauty.
- Prepare warm clothes. The temperature in Bromo can be freezing, especially in the morning and at night, so bring a thick jacket.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The rocky and sandy terrain requires suitable footwear.
- Prepare documentation equipment. The views in Bromo are very Instagrammable, so don't forget to capture the moment.
- Bring a mask and sunglasses. Sulfur smoke from the crater can irritate your respiratory system, and there is dust along the route, especially towards the crater and around the whispering sands and savanna.
- Pay attention to safety. Follow the ranger's instructions and avoid getting too close to the crater.
Those are some tips you must pay attention to before visiting Mount Bromo.
Mount Bromo is not just an ordinary tourist destination but an amazing spiritual experience and natural adventure. With its rich history, unique Tengger culture, and extraordinary natural scenery, it is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the wonders of Indonesia's nature.
From the journey to witness the beauty of the sunrise to breathing in the fresh mountain air, Mount Bromo offers an unforgettable experience.
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