Bao Bao, the quintessential planner of the group, has always been the one meticulously organizing every detail for their trips 🤔— but even this mastermind couldn’t foresee the unexpected twist that awaited them at Mount Bromo…
📌 Essential Information:
– **Weather**: The rainy season stretches from November to April, a time when Mother Nature can play tricks on even the best-laid plans. For optimal experiences—especially if you’re hoping to witness the breathtaking sea of clouds—it’s recommended to visit during the dry season from April to October.
During these months, volcanic activity tends to be calmer, making for a safer and more awe-inspiring adventure.
– **Visa**: A visa on arrival is available, requiring 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah in cash.
– **Pre-Trip Essentials**: Pack warm clothing (the mornings can be chilly!), non-slip hiking shoes for those uneven trails, masks for protection, and either a Visa card or sufficient cash for convenience.
📒 Itinerary Planning
Referencing Figure 2, which maps out the routes to the three main attractions, we ultimately decided to focus solely on Bromo after careful consideration. Here’s why:
1. The distances between the attractions are vast, particularly for Ijen Volcano. Whether returning via Surabaya Airport or ferrying over to Bali, the journey demands over seven hours of driving—a grueling endeavor.
2. Both Sewu and Ijen involve lengthy hikes through challenging terrain, with round-trip times averaging 2–3 hours for Sewu and 3–4 hours for Ijen. These treks aren’t for the faint-hearted.
3. The sulfuric conditions at Ijen pose significant risks, and personally, I feel Sewu could be substituted with something equally stunning—like Guizhou.
After weighing all these factors, we opted for a compact yet unforgettable 3-day, 2-night trip exclusively to Bromo.
❤️ Top Pick for Your Stay
You have the option of staying at a hotel in the town below the mountain or opting for one nestled on the mountain itself. The journey from the town to the viewpoint takes around two hours. We chose the Bromo Plataran Hotel, located on the mountain—see Figures 6 and 7.
👍 Prime Location: Just a 20-minute drive from the hotel to the breathtaking viewpoint! Nestled in a forested area teeming with vibrant flowers, this hotel boasts the most picturesque surroundings in the region. It’s exceptionally secure, offering a serene escape into nature’s embrace—a true oxygen bar amid lush greenery.
👍 Outstanding Service: The front desk goes above and beyond, providing car rental and guided tour services for an affordable rate of just $250 per person per day. Whether you’re exploring the sunrise or trekking through the volcanic landscapes, their team ensures your experience is seamless.
👍 Gourmet Delights: The dinner bar serves up a diverse menu with flavors to suit every palate. While the dishes are slightly pricier than average, the quality and presentation make it worth the splurge.
👎 A Minor Drawback: Breakfast is served al fresco, but beware—the outdoor setup attracts flies, which can be bothersome. For a more pleasant start to your morning, consider packing some snacks from home.
Stay tuned for more tips and pitfalls in our next post!
