Mount Bromo
Hands down the highlight of our time in Indonesia and the most breathtaking landscape we have ever seen. If this isn't at the top of your bucket list it should be.
We're not kidding. Whenever anybody asks us about the highlight of our travels, or the best place we've been, Mount Bromo is the first thing that comes to mind. Everything about this place is magical and we can totally understand why this area is considered a sacred site for the local Tenggerese people.
Most people start their journey to Mount Bromo from the small town of Cemoro Lawang, perched high on the hill overlooking the sea of sand. The easiest way to get to Cemoro Lawang is by taking a train to Probolinggo and then taking a taxi from there. You'll likely be bombarded with offers to take a Jeep tour, and many companies will make it seem like this is the only option to get the full Bromo experience. As budget backpackers, we can definitely confirm this is not the case.
Instead of taking a Jeep up the mountain to the famous sunrise spot, we opted to walk, and ended up overtaking most of the Jeeps anyway, as they all get stuck in traffic jams! We watched the sunrise from King Kong hill. Most people stop at the concrete viewpoint before the hill, but if you want a more private, secluded spot to enjoy the view, there is a wild, grassy path that takes you a little bit higher up - just don't forget to bring warm clothes and gloves as it can get COLD!
Once the sun is up, head back down the trail and back into the town of Cemoro Lawang. Here's where the biggest hack comes in!... There is a hotel called Cemara Indah hotel located in the town. If you follow the path along the right side of the hotel (don't go up the driveway, it's more like an alley), there will be a path that connects to a horse riding trail that leads directly down to the sea of sand. Take this path to bypass the ticket entrance. You're welcome.
Cross the sea of sand and climb the stairs up to Mount Bromo to peer inside the volcano. This is truely breathtaking.
PRO TIP: Check the weather forecast in the days before coming here. If there's fog, you won't see anything.
For more tips and tricks - check out our YouTube video... this one is one of our faves!!