! Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is sometimes closed due to activity from Mt. Semeru. Be sure to book your visit online at https://bookingsemeru.bromotenggersemeru.org/, or ask your accommodation for assistance—they’ll be happy to help. Always double-check the park’s status before setting out to avoid any surprises.!
Mt. Bromo
Written in Nov 2020
Be sure to visit Mt. Bromo in Central Java when traveling in Indonesia. It’s a truly unique adventure that takes you into the heart of nature! Standing at 2,329 meters, Mt. Bromo is an active volcano, renowned as one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations, especially celebrated for its magnificent sunrises.
While there, you won’t only be visiting Mt. Bromo itself, but exploring the larger Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. This area features a massive crater known as the “Savana” or “Sea of Sand,” where five volcanoes stand, including Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batok, Mt. Kursi, Mt. Watangan, and Mt. Widodaren, each reaching over 2,000 meters.
Weather in the mountains is always unpredictable. You’ll find both clear, sunny days and misty, cloudy ones, each adding its own beauty to the landscape. Clear skies bring incredible views, while rain and clouds create a dramatic, unforgettable atmosphere.
While there, you won’t only be visiting Mt. Bromo itself, but exploring the larger Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. This area features a massive crater known as the “Savana” or “Sea of Sand,” where five volcanoes stand, including Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batok, Mt. Kursi, Mt. Watangan, and Mt. Widodaren, each reaching over 2,000 meters.
Weather in the mountains is always unpredictable. You’ll find both clear, sunny days and misty, cloudy ones, each adding its own beauty to the landscape. Clear skies bring incredible views, while rain and clouds create a dramatic, unforgettable atmosphere.
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On a typical tour to the area you will visit:
1. Viewpoints on Mt. Penanjakan to look back into the huge caldera and towards Bromo (the most famous view you know from all the photographs)
2. Black sand Savana and “river” and Hindu temple inside the crater
3. Mount Bromo - from Savana climb up the stairs to the rim
4. Teletubbies hills - drive further down from the Savana to reach the green picturesque hills
1. viewpoints
There are several options for watching the sunrise or not only sunrise but enjoying the epic views during any time of the day.
King Kong Hill - highest point on Penanjakan Hill, gets very crowded
Penanjakan Hill - one main viewpoint for absolutely amazing sunrise view, plus many other along the way up on the hill worth to try if you prefer to enjoy the view by yourself, not surrounded by crowds
Bukit Cinta/Love hill - climb up the steep stairs, the space is little bit too small, I would avoid for the sunrise as it can get full and you may have some bushes in the view, we went in the afternoon and we were alone and enjoyed it
Seruni point - outside of the National Park - nice way up, stairs before reaching the top, the viewpoint area is also nice and well prepared for tourists, views of the whole caldera are amazing from here and you might even bump to a professional photographer who takes romantic "wedding" pictures of you and your other half :) If you walk little bit further up, you will be on your own.
King Kong Hill - highest point on Penanjakan Hill, gets very crowded
Penanjakan Hill - one main viewpoint for absolutely amazing sunrise view, plus many other along the way up on the hill worth to try if you prefer to enjoy the view by yourself, not surrounded by crowds
Bukit Cinta/Love hill - climb up the steep stairs, the space is little bit too small, I would avoid for the sunrise as it can get full and you may have some bushes in the view, we went in the afternoon and we were alone and enjoyed it
Seruni point - outside of the National Park - nice way up, stairs before reaching the top, the viewpoint area is also nice and well prepared for tourists, views of the whole caldera are amazing from here and you might even bump to a professional photographer who takes romantic "wedding" pictures of you and your other half :) If you walk little bit further up, you will be on your own.
2. Exploring the savana
After soaking in the incredible views from the top of the caldera, your adventure continues as you descend to the black sand Savana. The jeep will drop you off, giving you the chance to explore this expansive area on foot. The scenery is just as breathtaking from below as it is from above. Kids can enjoy running through the sand, playing near the lava-formed “river,” and marveling at the statues along its banks. Take your time to wander, snap memorable photos, and let the kids ride the horses brought by locals dressed in colorful sarongs to ward off the chill. Nearby, you’ll find a few warungs (small food stalls) at the parking area.
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3. Climb up to MT. Bromo
After exploring the Savana, take on the challenge of climbing up to the crater rim of Mt. Bromo! The steps are steep, narrow, and sandy, taking about 20 minutes to reach the top.
Once you’re on the rim, be very cautious—it’s only about a meter wide. While you can circle the entire crater, the railing is only present at the start, offering limited support. Looking down into the smoky, sulfur-scented crater is both mesmerizing and dizzying, making you feel closer to the raw power of the earth than ever before. Occasionally, thick smoke billows up, and you might even hear the sounds of small eruptions below.
During the pandemic, I was actually relieved that the rim was closed when visiting with kids! But ultimately, how much you explore depends on your courage!
Once you’re on the rim, be very cautious—it’s only about a meter wide. While you can circle the entire crater, the railing is only present at the start, offering limited support. Looking down into the smoky, sulfur-scented crater is both mesmerizing and dizzying, making you feel closer to the raw power of the earth than ever before. Occasionally, thick smoke billows up, and you might even hear the sounds of small eruptions below.
During the pandemic, I was actually relieved that the rim was closed when visiting with kids! But ultimately, how much you explore depends on your courage!
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4. TELETUBBIES HILLS
After exploring the black sand Savana, drive another 20 minutes to reach this surprisingly lush, green area, reminiscent of the children’s story that inspired its name! It’s a lovely spot for a scenic walk and photos. However, if you’re feeling tired, have seen plenty, or the weather isn’t ideal, you can skip it—you’ve already experienced the main highlights!
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Jeep Ride
Upon entering the National Park, you’ll need to hire a 4x4 jeep, as the roads aren’t suited for regular cars. Typically, the jeep will pick you up directly from your hotel.
The jeep ride is often either a trip highlight or something you’d gladly skip! On my first visit three years ago, there was a traffic jam of jeeps at 2 a.m. en route to Penanjakan Hill for sunrise, and I found myself exhausted by the pollution and the relentless bumps along the way.
When we visited again during the pandemic with kids, we had the entire area to ourselves. We had a great time, even with plastic curtains dividing us inside the vehicle. My husband was even allowed to drive the jeep for a while!
Fun fact: the Bromo area has the highest concentration of jeeps in one small region outside of the USA, with around 1,500 vintage 1970s and '80s jeeps in operation.
The jeep ride is often either a trip highlight or something you’d gladly skip! On my first visit three years ago, there was a traffic jam of jeeps at 2 a.m. en route to Penanjakan Hill for sunrise, and I found myself exhausted by the pollution and the relentless bumps along the way.
When we visited again during the pandemic with kids, we had the entire area to ourselves. We had a great time, even with plastic curtains dividing us inside the vehicle. My husband was even allowed to drive the jeep for a while!
Fun fact: the Bromo area has the highest concentration of jeeps in one small region outside of the USA, with around 1,500 vintage 1970s and '80s jeeps in operation.
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SUNRISE
You will be picked up at about 1-2 am from your hotel (depending on where you stay and depending on the time of the year, it usually gets busier in August ), or it can be 3 am at this time as the number of tourists decreased greatly.
The jeep will take you directly to the National Park to the viewpoints on Penanjakan hill to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise. You still need to walk to the top points, usually on a paved road or via easy stairs, along warungs which already serve hot tea, coffee or soup.
The views are spectacular. The sun is rising above the tops of all five mountains in the caldera sitting in the sea of sand with a panorama of Mt. Semeru (the highest volcano on Java) in the background. The clouds start slowly ascending, and the overall scenery nature creates is incredible.
Mind, that it can get extremely cold at the viewpoints at 5 am, and you might be surrounded by lots of people.
The situation is different in the current time, but still, you need to count the number of visitors going to see the spectacular show.
We and our friends with kids actually also visited the viewpoints at other time of the day (they left Jiwa Jawa hotel at 7am), and the view was still awesome, plus there were no other tourists. However, check the weather forecast, as it might get cloudy after 8am.
After the sunrise, you can still visit other viewpoints and then go down to the Savana where you can hike to the rim of the crater of Bromo.
The jeep will take you directly to the National Park to the viewpoints on Penanjakan hill to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise. You still need to walk to the top points, usually on a paved road or via easy stairs, along warungs which already serve hot tea, coffee or soup.
The views are spectacular. The sun is rising above the tops of all five mountains in the caldera sitting in the sea of sand with a panorama of Mt. Semeru (the highest volcano on Java) in the background. The clouds start slowly ascending, and the overall scenery nature creates is incredible.
Mind, that it can get extremely cold at the viewpoints at 5 am, and you might be surrounded by lots of people.
The situation is different in the current time, but still, you need to count the number of visitors going to see the spectacular show.
We and our friends with kids actually also visited the viewpoints at other time of the day (they left Jiwa Jawa hotel at 7am), and the view was still awesome, plus there were no other tourists. However, check the weather forecast, as it might get cloudy after 8am.
After the sunrise, you can still visit other viewpoints and then go down to the Savana where you can hike to the rim of the crater of Bromo.
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Bromo on motorbikes
Here’s a tip for motorbike enthusiasts and adventurous dads! Some of our friends and family flew into Malang, rented motorbikes there, and explored the entire area on two wheels. With a local guide leading the way, they enjoyed the freedom of the open road, discovering hidden paths and avoiding the crowds for a truly unique experience.
Recommended motorbike rental : www.sawojajaradventure.com
Tel.: 087859001844
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2hPyNwiqgiYr3vLJ9
Recommended motorbike rental : www.sawojajaradventure.com
Tel.: 087859001844
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2hPyNwiqgiYr3vLJ9
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Is it safe to visit Mt. Bromo?
It is safe to visit Mount Bromo, but depending on the level of activity, sometimes the Bureau of Meteorology issues warnings about visiting. Always double check when planning the trip.
www.bmkg.go.id/
Best time to visit:
The National Park is open all year-round. The best time to visit is definitely during the dry season, April to October. We had some rain at the end of October but the kids loved it and enjoyed the cool weather so much! They kept saying to everyone that it was snowing - it was actually just drizzling but the raindrops were huge :). Other time in April few years ago we also had clouds and it was raining black! We still enjoyed. My husband visited twice in March and August, and both times, he was lucky to experience sunny weather and a blue sky.
Temperature:
The temperature early in the morning can get as low as 5-10 degrees Celsius. If the weather is not especially pleasant, you might be cold even in the afternoon.
Bring layers of warm clothes and you can always remove them. Long pants and jackets and even a beanie could be useful while waiting for the sunrise. (In Indonesia you can get those surprisingly easily in any outlet store as many young Indonesians like to hike and they need to be ready for the cool weather in the mountains.) Always pack a raincoat.
Also, after the sunrise, it becomes quite hot again so do not forget to bring sunscreen and a hat.
How to get there:
By plane:
Fly to Malang, arrange a car to pick you up.
If you fly to Malang, you might want to consider to stay the night and visit the legendary hotel Tugu, have breakfast or lunch here, walk around the Malang square and visit the new attractions of Jodiapan and Kampung Tridi villages, famous for their street arts.
From Malang, the car will take you directly to the National Park. It will take you about 2,5hrs through beautiful landscapes where you can admire the farming on the steep hills.
This is a very nice smaller road to the Bromo area, which might not suit someone who feels sick in the car as it is quite a curvy road.
Fly to Surabaya, arrange the car in advance to wait for you and then continue by car directly to Probolingo and further to your hotel in Ceromo Lawang, which will take again about 2,5hrs.
By car:
Take the highway to Surabaya and then continue to Probolingo, the entrance town to the Bromo area.
The whole journey takes about 10hrs from Jakarta but you can split the trip in half, drive 5hrs to Semarang or Mesastilla resort in Central Java and then continue another 5hrs to Probolingo.
It is safe to visit Mount Bromo, but depending on the level of activity, sometimes the Bureau of Meteorology issues warnings about visiting. Always double check when planning the trip.
www.bmkg.go.id/
Best time to visit:
The National Park is open all year-round. The best time to visit is definitely during the dry season, April to October. We had some rain at the end of October but the kids loved it and enjoyed the cool weather so much! They kept saying to everyone that it was snowing - it was actually just drizzling but the raindrops were huge :). Other time in April few years ago we also had clouds and it was raining black! We still enjoyed. My husband visited twice in March and August, and both times, he was lucky to experience sunny weather and a blue sky.
Temperature:
The temperature early in the morning can get as low as 5-10 degrees Celsius. If the weather is not especially pleasant, you might be cold even in the afternoon.
Bring layers of warm clothes and you can always remove them. Long pants and jackets and even a beanie could be useful while waiting for the sunrise. (In Indonesia you can get those surprisingly easily in any outlet store as many young Indonesians like to hike and they need to be ready for the cool weather in the mountains.) Always pack a raincoat.
Also, after the sunrise, it becomes quite hot again so do not forget to bring sunscreen and a hat.
How to get there:
By plane:
Fly to Malang, arrange a car to pick you up.
If you fly to Malang, you might want to consider to stay the night and visit the legendary hotel Tugu, have breakfast or lunch here, walk around the Malang square and visit the new attractions of Jodiapan and Kampung Tridi villages, famous for their street arts.
From Malang, the car will take you directly to the National Park. It will take you about 2,5hrs through beautiful landscapes where you can admire the farming on the steep hills.
This is a very nice smaller road to the Bromo area, which might not suit someone who feels sick in the car as it is quite a curvy road.
Fly to Surabaya, arrange the car in advance to wait for you and then continue by car directly to Probolingo and further to your hotel in Ceromo Lawang, which will take again about 2,5hrs.
By car:
Take the highway to Surabaya and then continue to Probolingo, the entrance town to the Bromo area.
The whole journey takes about 10hrs from Jakarta but you can split the trip in half, drive 5hrs to Semarang or Mesastilla resort in Central Java and then continue another 5hrs to Probolingo.
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Where to stay:
Better to stay in a hotel in a nearby village of Cemoro Lawang, close to the entrance to the National Park. The village itself is very pretty and it almost gives you feelings like you are in the Himalayas :) The majority of people living here are Hindu.
You can walk all the way down from the National Park to the hotel through the villages and have some nice views of the local houses and mountains and farmlands in the background. Almost everyone passing by will be offering you a lift not quite understanding that you are actually enjoying walking :-)
Bromo Terrace - cozy small bungalows with awesome views and delicious huge breakfast, pleasant staff, great service
www.bromoterrace.com/
Jiwa Jawa - bigger, very nice hotel with green grounds and beautiful views, bit more pricey, slower service (just order your dinner in advance!)
www.jiwajawa.com/
You can do some nice and easy walks through the farm lands around both hotels. That would take you about up to 2hrs.
Better to stay in a hotel in a nearby village of Cemoro Lawang, close to the entrance to the National Park. The village itself is very pretty and it almost gives you feelings like you are in the Himalayas :) The majority of people living here are Hindu.
You can walk all the way down from the National Park to the hotel through the villages and have some nice views of the local houses and mountains and farmlands in the background. Almost everyone passing by will be offering you a lift not quite understanding that you are actually enjoying walking :-)
Bromo Terrace - cozy small bungalows with awesome views and delicious huge breakfast, pleasant staff, great service
www.bromoterrace.com/
Jiwa Jawa - bigger, very nice hotel with green grounds and beautiful views, bit more pricey, slower service (just order your dinner in advance!)
www.jiwajawa.com/
You can do some nice and easy walks through the farm lands around both hotels. That would take you about up to 2hrs.
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What to bring:
Snacks, water bottles, raincoats, warm clothes, good shoes, shoes for change if yours get wet or very dirty from the black sand, sunscreen, hat.
Snacks, water bottles, raincoats, warm clothes, good shoes, shoes for change if yours get wet or very dirty from the black sand, sunscreen, hat.
PANDEMIC TIME
This is a good time to visit Mount Bromo bearing in mind all the necessary safety procedures. There are only very few tourists, you have the entire area almost for yourselves, which is very pleasant compared with the crowds in the past.
You need to register and pay online to be able to enter the National Park. Unfortunately you can only register for visiting one of the points. I suggest you register for one of the viewpoints on Penanjakan hill. Do not worry as for some extra payment you will be able to visit the rest of the area, too.
Check out the website and follow the instructions: https://bookingsemeru.bromotenggersemeru.org/
This is a good time to visit Mount Bromo bearing in mind all the necessary safety procedures. There are only very few tourists, you have the entire area almost for yourselves, which is very pleasant compared with the crowds in the past.
You need to register and pay online to be able to enter the National Park. Unfortunately you can only register for visiting one of the points. I suggest you register for one of the viewpoints on Penanjakan hill. Do not worry as for some extra payment you will be able to visit the rest of the area, too.
Check out the website and follow the instructions: https://bookingsemeru.bromotenggersemeru.org/
HOW TO DO THE TRIP
Option 1:
On Friday afternoon fly to Surabaya, get picked up by the car (find recommended driver and car on Trip Advisor) and go directly to Probolingo and to your hotel in Cemoro Lawang.
Saturday morning either get picked up by the jeep (the hotel will arrange that for you upon agreement) and either go for sunrise or have your early breakfast and go at around 6-7am to still catch the beautiful views of the mountains. Stop at a few other viewpoints before getting down to the Savana.
Enjoy the full day at the National Park and stay the second night in your hotel.
On Sunday morning either enjoy the walks around the farm lands close to your hotel or go back to the Seruni viewpoint which is just outside the National Park but the views are the same amazing.
Option 2:
On Saturday morning fly to Surabaya, continue by car to Probolingo and Cemoro Lawang. Have lunch in your hotel, get picked up by jeep (ideally 1pm at the latest) and enjoy the rest of the day at the Penanjankan hill viewpoints and at Savana.
On Sunday morning go to enjoy the morning view from Seruni point outside the National Park or enjoy a walk around farm lands close to your hotel. You might be able to do both if you wake up early :)
Have a late breakfast and leave for Surabaya and Jakarta.
Option 3:
On Friday afternoon fly to Malang, stay a night here. Enjoy the morning walks around the city and then continue directly to the National Park viewpoints and Savana.
On Sunday morning either go back to the National Park for the sunrise or enjoy the morning view from Seruni point outside of the National Park or walk around the farm lands. Have a late breakfast and leave for Malang and Jakarta.
Of course there might be any other option you come up with or based on what your friends recommend, depending on your number of days available and plan that suits your needs.
On Friday afternoon fly to Surabaya, get picked up by the car (find recommended driver and car on Trip Advisor) and go directly to Probolingo and to your hotel in Cemoro Lawang.
Saturday morning either get picked up by the jeep (the hotel will arrange that for you upon agreement) and either go for sunrise or have your early breakfast and go at around 6-7am to still catch the beautiful views of the mountains. Stop at a few other viewpoints before getting down to the Savana.
Enjoy the full day at the National Park and stay the second night in your hotel.
On Sunday morning either enjoy the walks around the farm lands close to your hotel or go back to the Seruni viewpoint which is just outside the National Park but the views are the same amazing.
Option 2:
On Saturday morning fly to Surabaya, continue by car to Probolingo and Cemoro Lawang. Have lunch in your hotel, get picked up by jeep (ideally 1pm at the latest) and enjoy the rest of the day at the Penanjankan hill viewpoints and at Savana.
On Sunday morning go to enjoy the morning view from Seruni point outside the National Park or enjoy a walk around farm lands close to your hotel. You might be able to do both if you wake up early :)
Have a late breakfast and leave for Surabaya and Jakarta.
Option 3:
On Friday afternoon fly to Malang, stay a night here. Enjoy the morning walks around the city and then continue directly to the National Park viewpoints and Savana.
On Sunday morning either go back to the National Park for the sunrise or enjoy the morning view from Seruni point outside of the National Park or walk around the farm lands. Have a late breakfast and leave for Malang and Jakarta.
Of course there might be any other option you come up with or based on what your friends recommend, depending on your number of days available and plan that suits your needs.