Here is a highlight of our trip to Indonesia: DAY 5 with the ascent of BROMO volcano ! This day will be long because it will continue with the BROMO volcano trip to IJEN volcano. Many more kilometers!
Sunrise facing the Bromo volcano
Departure from the hotel around 4 am (whereas we had been told 3 am but that's how it is in Indonesia…). The hotel had ordered us a 00X4 (4 RP / person or about 250 Euros) to go see the sunrise over the BROMO Volcano. The rise of Mount Penanjakan begins at dawn, with a small path through vegetable plantations, ending in the jungle, before arriving at the observatory.
The arrival in 4X4 is surreal (see video below). Heavy 4X4 traffic at the top and hellish noise unfortunately reminds you that we are not the only ones who want to marvel at the Bromo volcano !
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.
Small disappointment: from the point of view, we do not see the sun rise behind the bromo. But we can see the bromo smoking, lit in 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 the 2 nights on 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 for a van with private driver + an English speaking guide from Java until the end of the stay in Bali. Total 8 days 2 RP or 500 € / day for 000 people or 36 € per day / person. Our guide was called Muhammad Firdaus, it is he who also organizes the private transport: fmuhammad993@yahoo.fr Phone +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