Here's a highlight of our trip to Indonesia: DAY 5 with the ascent of Mount Bromo ! It's going to be a long day as it continues with the journey from Mount Bromo to Mount Ijen . Many more kilometers to cover!
Sunrise facing the Bromo volcano
We left the hotel around 4:00 AM (even though we had been told 3:250 AM, but that's how it is in Indonesia...). The hotel had booked a 4x4 for us (000 IDR per person, or about 17 Euros) to go see the sunrise over Mount Bromo. The ascent of Mount Penanjakan began at dawn, along a small path through vegetable plantations, ending in the jungle, before arriving at the observatory.
The arrival by 4x4 is surreal (see video below). Heavy 4x4 traffic at the summit and a deafening noise unfortunately remind you that we're not the only ones who want to marvel at Mount Bromo!
When we arrive there we are seized by the cold. Indeed, we are at altitude and it is 5am !!!
So bring a good fleece and something to snack on because the wait is a bit long on an empty stomach.
A slight disappointment: from the viewpoint, you can't see the sun rise behind Mount Bromo . But you can clearly see Mount Bromo smoking, illuminated by beautiful colors ranging from purple to orange.
Ascent to the crater of the Bromo volcano
After sunrise, we left in 4X4 towards the volcano and we crossed the valley of volcanic sand on foot. Note that you have the possibility of renting a horse for IDR 150.000 / person round trip or about 10 Euros.
At the top, on the crater, one is struck by the vision of this infernal mouth from which escapes with an impressive noise a thick white-yellow cloud with a strong smell of sulfur. Allow around 1 hour: the ridge trail is easy but there are a lot of people. Arrived at the top, one can also contemplate the extraordinary panorama on the caldera and the other volcanoes.
Route from Bromo volcano to Kawa Ijen (Banyuwangi)
Departure by mini-bus for Banyuwangi which constitutes the most practical stopover to discover the Crater of the IJEN volcano the next day.
10h00 drive: it is still very long and tiring but it is the price to pay to access the most noble and majestic volcanoes in Indonesia! These exceptional places deserve ...
Where to sleep cheap in Banyuwangi?
For my two nights in Banyuwangi , I chose the Guest House DIDU'S HOMESTAY BED AND BREAKFAST (see booking link: https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/didu-39-s-homestay-bed-amp-breakfast.fr.html ).
Be careful, once again, we had a lot of trouble finding the address… without GPS.
Fortunately on arrival, the welcome was wonderful and warm. We discover a Zen place in a peaceful setting with the impression of being in the middle of a tropical garden. The bungalows are superbly decorated. Possibility to have a massage: 1 hour for 50 RP or 000 Euros. You can ask Maya to book the excursion to Ijen volcano or to prepare a packed breakfast for the next day at 3,5:4 am.
Price paid: 16 Euros per night with a delicious breakfast included!
Find out more by going to DAY 6:
Hello,
How much does this driver and private transport formula cost? This summer, I am going to Java with 3 other people and we intend to see the Bromo and the Kawah Ijen… Is the day? To the number of people?
Thank you for your answer.
Agnès
We had negotiated a package deal for a van with a private driver and a French-speaking guide from Java until the end of our stay in Bali. The total cost for 8 days was 2,500,000 IDR, or €175 per day for 5 people, which works out to €36 per person per day . Our guide was Muhammad Firdaus, who also arranged the private transportation: fmuhammad993@yahoo.fr Tel +62 85 72 59 2 37 37
Hello!
We are on a very similar route to yours and we ask the same question on the dodja-bromo then bromo-ijen route, which agency / contact did you go to to book the bus and how much did it cost per person?
Thank you for your answer and for these good advice!
Hello Tiphanie,
We had a van with a private driver. We had taken a package including several trips + a French speaking guide until the end of the stay in Bali. Here are his contact details, he is the one who will organize the private transport or perhaps give you advice: Muhammad Firdaus: fmuhammad993@yahoo.fr Phone +62 85 72 59 2 37 37