Before arriving, I hadn’t come across any warnings about the challenges of Bromo; all I saw were stunning photos. [Observing in the dark]
We set off from the hotel at 12:30, and the road to Bromo is incredibly winding. If you’re prone to motion sickness, make sure to take some medication beforehand.
Upon reaching the jeep assembly point, we had to wait for our vehicle to start the ascent. The journey up the mountain is still quite long and twisty. As we neared the summit, we encountered a traffic jam, and I was so drowsy that I had to force myself to sleep.
At the rest stop, using the restroom costs 5,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
It’s a good idea to limit your water intake since you’ll be waiting for the sunrise at the top. The rest stop offers food, souvenirs, fridge magnets, and even clothing rentals.
The final stretch to the top takes about 10 minutes, but the volcanic ash can ruin a pair of pants and shoes, and it’s quite slippery.
Bringing a hiking stick is highly recommended.
The sunrise is breathtaking, appearing right next to Bromo. You can enjoy the sunrise first and then explore the volcano.
The descent is very congested as everyone leaves at the same time. Once down, you can snap some photos with the jeep and then head to climb the Bromo volcano.
For getting to Bromo, the path isn’t too difficult to walk. If you’re feeling tired, you might consider riding a 
. Our driver helped us negotiate the price to 275,000 IDR per person, which is around 130 RMB for a round trip.
About the guide: Navigating the roads of Surabaya can be a daunting task. The streets are narrow, and drivers tend to be quite aggressive, with motorcycles zipping in and out of traffic. I strongly advise against renting a car on your own. Instead, I opted for a comprehensive tour package that included airfare, a knowledgeable guide, hotel accommodations, entrance fees, and even boat tickets.
All I had to worry about was my meals. Everything else was meticulously arranged, allowing me to relax and enjoy the experience. The guide was incredibly friendly and made me feel safe throughout my three-day stay in Surabaya. [Wow R]
About clothing: To make the most of your photos and stay warm, I recommend bringing bright-colored windbreakers paired with inner down or fleece jackets. The early morning wait for the sunrise can be bitterly cold, so it’s essential to dress warmly.
About shoes: I invested in a pair of non-slip shoes that were not only comfortable and soft but also stylish, all for just 80 RMB. These shoes were perfect for my adventures at Bromo and Ijen. Initially, I planned to discard them after the trip, but their comfort and good looks convinced me to bring them back home.
It’s also a good idea to pack a mask, as volcanic ash can be quite prevalent in the area.
About currency exchange: I highly recommend exchanging your money for Indonesian Rupiah before you arrive. Bringing USD or RMB can be very inconvenient, and the exchange rates in Surabaya can be unfavorable. Additionally, very few places accept Visa cards, and there have been reports of card fraud. It’s much better to handle your currency exchange in advance to avoid any issues while traveling.
The local cuisine in Surabaya didn’t quite meet my expectations, and I found it difficult to enjoy. I ended up relying on instant noodles for most of my meals. During my three days in Surabaya, Sewu, Bromo, and Ijen required very early starts, leaving no time for proper meals on the go. I would suggest bringing plenty of sausages and energy bars from your home country. The sausages available in Surabaya are not particularly tasty and often need to be frozen.
The motion sickness tip is so true! Those winding roads are no joke. But totally worth it for the views—have you tried hiking down via the stairs?