Mount Bromo, The Exotic Giant Caldera

It is said that Mount Bromo is the mascot of East Java. Your visit to this province would not be complete without setting foot on this province would not be complete without setting foot on this giant desert. Part of Bromo Tengger Semeru national Park, this mountain houses a wondrous 5,250 hectare desert, which rests 2,392 meters above sea level.

Named after Brahma, one of the Hindu gods, Mount Bromo is still an active volcano. Even though there are larger volcanoes in Indonesia, this one in particular is surrounded by spectacular and dramatic scenery. The extraordinary beauty is known to leave visitors awestruck.

Tourist flock to the viewpoint atop Mount Penanjakan, 2,770 meters above sea level, to witness the famous Mount Bromo sunrise. The view is indescribable. The visitors stand ready, waiting to capture the moment on their cameras as it rises before their eyes. From this distance, you  can also see façade of Mount Semeru, puffing out smokes as the sun begins its ascent.

The scenery isn’t all that Mount Bromo has to offer, though. The history and culture of the local Tengger tribe are uniquely  engaging as well. This tribe believes that Mount Bromo was the site at which a prince once sacrificed his life for his family. Once a year later, people of Tengger hold a festival called Yadnya Kasada or Kasodo, during which they bring forth vegetable, chicken and money, and throw them into volcanic crater as an offering to their gods.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers 800sq. km this area. This park is the largest volcano in East Java Province. It’s an otherworldly experience to see the smoke billowing up from Mount Semeru, another active volcano in the area, situated 3,676 meters above sea level.

The park’s caldera is also the biggest on the island of Java, with a vast expanse of barren desert stretching as wide as 10 sq. km. within this sea of sand are seven eruptive centers on two crossing tracks from east to west, and northeast to northwest. Mount Bromo emerged from the latter track, and to this day is still an active volcano that can erupt at any time, threatening to the lives of the local people.

The sandy area of tengger has been conserved since 1919. It is believed to be the only volcanic conservation area in Indonesia, and even the world, that has coastal sand at 2,000 meters above sea level. There are several mountains within the Bromo caldera, including: Mount Watangan (2,661 m above sea level), Mount Batok (2,470 m above sea level), Mount Kursi (2,581 m above sea level), and Mount Widadaren (2,650 m above sea level).

From Surabaya, there are four available routes through which to reach bromo tengger Semeru National Park. You can depart from Malang, Pasuruan, tongas-Probolinggo, or Lumajang.

DO’S & DON’TS

• The temperature on Mount Bromo is quite chilly, so bring a jacket, gloves, and a hat, or any other sort of head covering. After the sunrise, however, the weather can shift quite rapidly into a warmer temperature.
• The path from Pananjakan to the Sea of Sand is quite steep, so it is strongly recommended that you don’t drive a 4-wheel-drive to this area. You can, however, ride a horse, go on foot, or rent 1 4-wheel-drive-capable vehicle from a tour guide as alternate means of transportation.
• When you are renting or purchasing something, remember to haggle!
• The sun rises between 5:00 and 6:00 in the morning, assuming the sky is clear, so leave early. For example, if you are staying in Malang, you should depart by 3:00 at the latest.
• The best time to see the sunrise is between April and October.
• Don’t forget to pack some food when you hike up to see the sunrise.