Mount Bromo Sunrise
Where Is Bromo?
Mount Bromo is an active volcanic crater in East Java, Indonesia. It forms part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, which features a stunning array of five remarkable volcanoes, including Bromo itself, with the highest peak on Java, Semeru, emitting smoke in the distance.
Positioned between the cities of Malang, Surabaya, and Probolinggo, Mount Bromo is accessible to any of these locations.
How To Visit Mount Bromo Sunrise
Best Tour Package For Mount Bromo Sunrise
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Where To Stay
Staying At Bromo
Best Things To Do At Mount Bromo Sunrise
• Mount Bromo Sunrise
• Mount Bromo Sunrise Volcanoes Viewpoint
The north side of the caldera offers the best spots for capturing those iconic shots of the volcano cluster.
Key viewpoints include Seruni Point, King Kong Hill, Bukit Perahu, Bukit Cinta, and the highest point, Penanjakan. You can find their map coordinates through the provided links.
In reality, the differences between these viewpoints are minimal. The multiple options exist mainly to disperse the large crowds that visit Bromo, especially on weekends.
Don’t stress over which viewpoint to choose—they’re all spectacular. Just take in the stunning scenery! Early morning is the ideal time for photography, as you’ll capture beautiful shadows and atmospheric fog around the caldera’s base
• The Sea of Sand
Following the sunrise, head to the ‘Sea of Sand’ at the base of the caldera, known locally as Lautan Pasir, which translates to the same in Bahasa Indonesia.
This striking landscape is an essential stop on your way to the Bromo crater. You can navigate through the sea of sand by jeep, horseback, or motorbike.
It’s an excellent spot for photography, with the dramatic ridges of Mount Woodburn serving as a picturesque backdrop.
• Mount Bromo Crater Hike
One highlight of visiting Mount Bromo Sunrise is the hike to the rim of its smoking crater.
The trek from the Sea of Sand to the crater’s edge typically takes about an hour, though you can shorten this by taking a horse ride for part of the way.
The final stretch involves a brief but steep climb up a concrete staircase. It’s manageable for most people, including children.
Exercise caution at the top, as there is limited safety railing, and sulfur fumes can be strong and difficult to breathe on windy days. While you won’t see red lava, you’ll get a close view of the active volcano’s smoking crater.
Is The Volcano Safe?
Mount Bromo Sunrise is considered safe for visitors, but it’s wise to check the current volcanic activity status before planning your trip. This is because parts of the park may be closed if there are any recent eruptions or heightened activity.
The volcano experienced eruptions in 2010, 2015, and 2019. While such events rarely result in injuries, they can lead to restricted access, such as the closure of the crater hike. In a 2004 eruption, two tourists tragically lost their lives because of flying rocks.
Today, the area is carefully monitored with underground earthquake detectors to predict major volcanic activity. With no reported injuries in nearly two decades and close to one million visitors annually, the safety record of Mount Bromo Sunrise is relatively strong.
Entrance Fee
- Weekdays: 220k IDR (~ USD 15) per person per day
- Weekends: 320k IDR (~ USD 21) per person per day
These are the current entrance fees for Mount Bromo Sunrise as of 2024.
Although the cost is relatively high by Indonesian standards, it would be more economical if the tickets were valid for a longer period, such as three days, to offer better value for money.
Weather / Climate — How Cold Is It?
Despite being in Indonesia, the temperature at Mount Bromo Sunrise can be quite cool before sunrise because of its altitude of 2,329 meters (7,641 feet), with sunrise viewpoints even higher.
The Penanjakan viewpoint, for instance, stands at 2,770 meters (9,088 feet), which is exceptionally high for Indonesia.
Temperatures can drop below 7°C (45°F), not accounting for the wind chill, which can make it feel even colder. The weather can be windy at the mountain peaks, and the dry season is cooler than the rainy season.
Fortunately, the temperature warms up quickly after sunrise, and the sun at this elevation is quite intense.
If you felt too cold while waiting for sunrise, you can rent a jacket either from your hotel or from one of the many local shops near the sunrise’s viewpoints.
Is Mount Bromo Open / Closed?
Yes, Mount Bromo is open to tourists as of 2024! I will update this guide if there are any changes.
The mountain is seldom closed to visitors, with closures typically only occurring temporarily for special ceremonies, unusual volcanic activity, or for other safety reasons.
Mount Bromo Sunrise will have brief closures for the following events:
- Wulan Kapitu (January 9-10, 2024)
- Silent Day (March 11-12, 2024)
- Yadnya Kasada (July 6-7, 2024)
- Wulan Kapitu (December dates TBA, 2024)
For the latest status updates on Mount Bromo and other Indonesian volcanoes, you can visit Magma Indonesia.
Enjoy your travels!
More Things To See Near Bromo
East Java offers a variety of attractions beyond Mount Bromo. You can explore the stunning Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and several other beautiful waterfalls near Malang and Probolinggo.
After visiting Bromo, many travelers continue to Kawah Ijen, renowned for its striking crater lake on the eastern side of Java.
For the adventurous, climbing Mount Semeru, Java’s highest peak, is also an option. It’s the volcano you see erupting in the distance behind Bromo.
For additional ideas on exploring Central and East Java, check out my 1-Week Java itinerary!
Mount Bromo vs. Kaweah Ijen: Which Is Better?
Choosing between Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen can be challenging, as both offer unique experiences.
Mount Bromo boasts a more dramatic landscape, featuring a smoking volcanic crater and easier hiking compared to Ijen. It’s also closer to a major airport, Surabaya, though it requires a longer drive from the city.
Conversely, Kaweah Ijen is home to the world’s largest acid lake, known for its striking turquoise color, and offers the chance to witness the ‘blue fire’ phenomenon if you visit at night. Ijen is also more accessible from Bali and closer to a town, Banyuwangi.
Ultimately, choosing between Mount Bromo and Kaweah Ijen depends on your preferences. I favor Bromo, but others might have different opinions. If possible, try to visit both when exploring East Java!
