Discover the mesmerizing wonders of The Bromo and Kawah Ijen

Java, Indonesia, offers an adventurous paradise for travelers seeking diverse activities amidst its unique natural landscapes. Whether hiking, visiting waterfalls, or climbing active volcanoes, Java provides ample opportunities for exploration. While both Bromo and Kawah Ijen are accessible destinations, the key to a successful trip lies in your physical fitness, as reaching these mountain peaks often involves covering several kilometers of terrain.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo, an active somma volcano situated in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Indonesia, is revered as the “Breath of God” due to its ongoing volcanic activity, allowing tourists to ascend to its crater. To fully experience Bromo, we recommend staying overnight in Semoro Lawang village, the closest accommodation to the volcano. Local jeep services are available to transport you into the park.

Most excursions typically begin around 03:00 AM. to reach Mount Penanjakan, a renowned sunrise viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru in the backdrop. Vehicles descend to a parking area below the mountain line, from where you trek through volcanic ash fields for approximately 40-50 minutes. The terrain becomes increasingly steep, but if you prefer, local horses can be hired to ease the journey to the base of the mountain.

Continuing on foot, you encounter the steepest section, where a staircase of approximately 240 steps leads up to the crater rim. Here, visitors can witness the continuous emission of smoke from the crater. After conquering the summit, take time to explore the surrounding mountains and viewpoints or relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from your accommodations in the village before continuing your journey to Kawah Ijen.

Kawah Ijen

Kawah Ijen, also known as Ijen, is a volcanic mountain range in Indonesia with its activity status monitored closely by the Indonesian Centre of Vulcanology and Geology Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM). Visitors to Kawah Ijen seek to witness its unique attractions: the “Blue flames” caused by burning sulfur and the turquoise sulfur lakes within its crater. These phenomena must be observed at different times, adding to the allure of visiting Kawah Ijen.

To experience the blue flames, visitors embark on a challenging nighttime hike. The journey begins with a 3-kilometer trek from the starting point to the rest area, taking approximately 2 hours. From there, it’s another kilometer hike to reach the location where the blue flames can be observed. After witnessing this extraordinary sight, visitors typically return to the original trail and continue for another kilometer to reach the viewpoint overlooking the turquoise sulfur lake in the morning. In total, exploring both the blue flames and the sulfur lake involves covering approximately 10 kilometers on foot. Despite the strenuous hike, the breathtaking views and unique natural phenomena make the journey to Kawah Ijen a truly memorable experience.

Tips

• Getting There: The most convenient way to reach Bromo is by flying to Jakarta or Bali airports in Indonesia, or Kuala Lumpur Airport in Malaysia, followed by a flight to Surabaya Airport. From Surabaya, it’s a 3-hour drive to the village of Cemoro Lawang. Alternatively, you can take a 13-hour train journey from Jakarta to Probolinggo station, which is approximately 90 minutes away from Semoro Lawang village. From Bromo, you can continue to Kawah Ijen, which is about 200 kilometers away.
• Best Time to Visit: Bromo and Kawah Ijen can be visited year-round, but the recommended period is between April and October. From November to March, there is heavy rainfall, which can hinder outdoor activities.
• Climate: Both Bromo and Kawah Ijen are situated over 2,000 meters above sea level. While daytime temperatures can be warm, nights are significantly colder, averaging from 5 to10 degrees Celsius. It’s advisable to bring a sweater or jacket to stay warm during chilly evenings.

Let’s explore the Bromo and Kawah Ijen. Fly to Indonesia with Thai Airways!