BROMO, an active vulcanoe

Mount Bromo rises up along with Mount Batok from a caldera, stretching more than ten kilometers accross, a giant crater, caused a million years ago by a massive explosion. Surrounded by green cliffs, the caldera is located in over 2000 meters. Those who travel up Bromo are advices to bring warm clothing, therefore. The atmosphere is unreal, and the magnificent landscape of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park works in their bareness, with the shapes of the crater cone and the huge clouds of sulfur like being on the moon. While Mount Bromo is a midsized peak that counts through its beauty, travelers will see Mount Semerung in the background, which is Java's highest peak with 3676m, and as one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia always throwing a shadow of vulcanic clouds over the scene.

Following a story from the end of the 15th Century princess Roro Anteng of the Majapahit empire and her husband Joko Seger started a separate principality. They named it Tengger, according to the final syllables of their names. The principality prospered, but for the ruling couple it was not possible to have offspring. So they climbed in their desperation to Mount Bromo to pray to the gods, they may assist them. This they promised to help, under the condition that the sacrifice her last child sacrifice to the gods. They had 24 children and when the 25th and last child was born, Kesuma Roro Anteng refused to sacrifice her child as promised. The gods then threatened the principality with fire and brimstone, until she finally sacrificed the child. After it was thrown into the crater, the voice of the child told child told the locals to hold an annual celebration on the volcano. This festival is now called Kassada and is still held today. It consists mainly of an evening procession to the summit, where animals, fruit and rice are getting sacrificed.

The Bromo area counts to the main attractions not only in Java, but over whole Indonesia. The area provides several tour opportunities in this unique landscape, as described below. However, if you travel to Mount Bromo it might not be easy to find a hotel, so it is stronlgy advised to book a hotel in advance. Therefore see our hotel information and contact details.

• Starting at Cemoro Lawang it is a one hour walk to the slopes of Mount Bromo and then 253 stairs up to the edge of the crater. You should start at 4:30 AM in order to enjoy the sunrise at the top of Mount Bromo. It is also possible to hire a jeep (Rp. 300,000) or to go by horse (Rp. 60,000). Bargain hard, or pay twice as much.
• A very popular view point and one of Bromo′s attractions is Penanjakan. Most photos from the Bromo scenery are taken from this place. You can travel to Penanjakan by jeep, for about Rp. 300,000. The best time to visit is again very realy in the morning, an to enjoy the sunrise above Mount Bromo. A steady hike from Bromo to Batok and then around the rim to Penanjakan will take about three hours and the last ascent of about 500 metres is very steep indeed but truly worthwhile.
• The Poten is a Tenggerese Hindu temple that is located directly in the sea of sand close to Mount Bromo. Not possible to miss it. There is something quite magical about this place and the frugality of its decoration and austere design seems very appropriate for the location.
• Hardcore mountaineers might climb Mount Semeru. A permit must obtained in advance at the PHKA post (phone: +62 341 491828). However, Semeru is one of Java's most active vulcanoes, which killed 250 people in 1981. So be prepared that the mountain might be closed for climbers because of the current eruption status.

The most common approach to the Bromo area is via Probolinggo. To travel to Probolinggo from Surabaya, take a Damri shuttle bus from the Juanda International Airport in Surabaya to the Bungurasih bus terminal (also called Purabaya) in the city. Then take an express Patas air-conditioned bus for the 2 to 3 hour journey from Surabaya to Probolinggo (about Rp 25,000). From Probolinggo, it's 28km to Sukapura, then another 7km to Ngadisari and then 36km to Cemoro Lawang. Minibuses serve the complete route.

• Global Adventure Indonesia offers complete packages, including arrival from Surabaya.
• With Real Adventures you get the complete Bromo package.
• Bromotours offers a wide array of different tour packages.