Mount Bromo

Dangerous, beautiful and rugged landscape

Mount Bromo on the island of Java is by far the most famous of the volcanoes in Indonesia. It’s 2.392 metres high, so it’s not the highest, but it is the most beautiful. And you climb it.

The world-famous Mount Bromo is one of five volcanoes in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Do note that the Bromo, as it’s lovingly called, is not the highest with its 2.392 metres, but it is the most accessible and most well-know.

The five volcanoes in this part of Indonesia are in the middle of a sand plain that is known as the ‘Sea of Sand’. There are many options for hikes here to explore the area.

Zonsopgang op de Bromo vulkaan

Sunrise at Mount Bromo.

It’s been a popular spot for many years to watch the sun rise from Mount Bromo. So be aware that you won’t be the only one doing this tour. It can get especially busy in July and August, but even the weekends can be busy with locals attempting the climb.

Alternative: Sunset on the Mount Bromo

Sunset on the Mount Bromo is a good alternative.

A good option is to watch the sun set instead, which will also offer great photos, but there will be less people. This is also a good moment for taking photos.

Alternative 2: During the day

You can also opt to climb up during the day the explore around the crater, where you’ll see dangers gasses come up from the bottom.

But it can be warm or even hot. And for photos this is definitely not the best tour.

Climbing Mount Bromo

There are many tourists in July and August. This certainly also applies to the weekend when many locals hike up. Look for an excursion that uses a different vantage point. This is only to miss the many other tourists at the best time of the day.

On most tours you will be picked up from your accommodation in the middle of the night. This is somewhere between three and four o'clock. You will be taken to Penanjakan mountain. You have to walk up yourself by a fairly steep path. But if you are fit this is not a problem.

When the sun rises above the horizon you will be taken to the next point. And you can explore the lunar landscape yourself. Take your time for this. When the sun rises it gets more beautiful by the minute.

Climb Mount Bromo yourself

It is possible to climb Mount Bromo yourself.

You can also climb the Bromo volcano yourself. Most hikers leave from Cemoro Lawang. You then walk up in about 45 minutes. The advantage is that you will not encounter most tourists. After arriving at Cemoro Lawang, ask what the best route is to go up.

Best time for Mount Bromo

The best time is the dry season. It starts in April and ends in October. But you can do this excursion all year round. And if you go in the rainy season it is more quiet with tourist. just be sure you have a good raincoat with you. And good walking shoes.