Mount Bromo: Experiencing East Java's Majestic Volcanic Landscape

Just a four-hour drive from Surabaya, the capital of East Java, lies Mount Bromo, part of the sprawling Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, which covers an impressive 800 square kilometers. While Mount Bromo might not be the largest volcano in Indonesia, its breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes make it a must-see. At 2,392 meters tall, Bromo isn’t the tallest mountain in the region, but it’s the incredible setting that truly captivates.

One of my favorite experiences at Mount Bromo was watching the sunrise from the viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan, perched 2,770 meters above sea level and about 2.5 hours from Malang. The early morning trek to this spot is well worth it. As the sun begins to rise, the scene that unfolds is nothing short of magical—Mount Bromo in the foreground, with the towering, smoking Mount Semeru in the distance. The stillness of the moment is broken only by the sound of cameras clicking, as everyone tries to capture the beauty of this unforgettable sight.

The eerie landscape of Mount Bromo is steeped in legend and myth, which adds to its mystique. For the Tengger people, this volcano is sacred. According to local lore, it was here that a brave prince sacrificed his life for his family—a story that’s commemorated annually during the Kasada festival. I even had the chance to participate in the tradition by purchasing an offering—vegetables, flowers, or coins—and throwing it into the crater to honor the gods, just as the locals do.

How I Got There

To reach Mount Bromo, I flew into Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, which is conveniently connected to cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Bali. From there, it was an easy decision to either book a travel package or drive along the Surabaya-Pasuruan-Wonokitri-Mt Bromo route—a journey that takes about 2-3 hours.

If you’re planning to catch the sunrise like I did, I recommend leaving Surabaya between 11:00 PM and midnight to ensure you arrive in time. Another option is to stay overnight at a hotel in Prigen or Tretes, which allows for a more relaxed morning. When I arrived, I opted for a pony ride across the Sea of Sand, which took me to the foot of the steep stairs leading up to the crater—an experience that completed my adventure at Mount Bromo.