A few months ago, we invested our Anniversary, hiking the famed Mount Bromo in Java, Indonesia. Ahead of this, we did our research and even considered working with a tour company to do an Adventure Review. After much thought, we decided to just do it ourselves without a tour. Why? Mainly because we noticed that the place where all of the tour groups take you is generally swarmed with tourists. We didn’t wish to explain the view with 100 odd tourists all awaiting their turn to have a photo. No, thank you!
So, with a little help from other websites and from Getting information from locals, we got a map and followed it until we reached the viewpoint which gave us unobliterated perspectives of this stunning sunrise over Mount Bromo. We actually climbed that point double, as we did it for sunrise and sunset the next day. The hike there was amazing both at night and during the day! So without further ado, here is how you can go through the sunrise at Mount Bromo with no tour.
From Probolinggo, catch a local bus to Cemoro Lang. A lot of individuals opt to remain in Probolinggo or other towns larger, but we actually loved CemoroLawang. Stunning scenery, chilly climate (which was a wonderful break), also very friendly locals. The local bus should only cost from IDR 25,000-30,000. The driver will stop in some local homestays and will state that adds up is only resorts. He generally has a commission with those areas. Don’t get down but wait until he attracts you to the very top.
Also, someone will try to sell you a parking fee while you’re on the bus. Those people have released “ticket receipts” and everything. Stand your ground and inform them that you will just purchase them later. Official park entrance prices can be bought later on. Prices change and weekends are more expensive.
After settling into your guesthouse, make plans to your sunrise rendezvous. The first step will Café Lava Guest home and receiving a copy of their map. Although it isn’t the best, you’re still able to see where to go clearly. Their team will gladly inform you just how to visit the perspective by foot.
In the map, you may reach a junction on the Street and instead of going left, take the path to the right. Follow this road to the very top, and you will see a collection of 3 viewpoints.
Personally, we stopped in the (first) view using a wooden oak railing. We had a seat to sit on and was using a total of 4 additional people as we saw the magnificent sunrise. The view from all three is relatively the same except naturally, there are far more tourists on the greater view factors.
When you get to the top, you’ve got people selling coffees to warm you up. Don’t forget to bring a hat, scarf, and a warm Jacket as it does get chilly! If you don’t have cold clothing, don’t worry, the Guest houses lease them out for cheap. Also, bring a head torch or regular flashlight to light the way.
