Spectacular Steaming Bromo

Mount Batok (2,470m) right in front with Mount Bromo (2,329m) on the left and Mount Semeru (3,676m) at the far end

After the mesmerizing view of sunrise on Penanjakan, we moved on to Bromo, an active volcano at 2,329 meters. Not the highest but rather the most well known of the Tengger massif. Our jeep rode across the vast sea of sand without a stop at the savannah as we had a separate tour of the savannah yesterday. It is worth separating the two trips (Bromo and Savannah) if you have the time.

We arrived at the base of Bromo and as expected, the horsemen came running for us even before our jeep stopped. With us, it was an easy game for them as the five of us had decided even before the journey started that we’re going to ride the horse until the base of the crater. We are conserving our energy for Ijen tomorrow and do not want to tire ourselves too early. We still have a long way to go.  According to our driver, the price range for the horse ride is between 80,000 to 125,000 Rupiah and it all depends on our bargaining power and the persuasiveness of the horsemen. 

The 250 steps up to the rim of the crater

It is a fairly easy ride of about 2.5 to 3 km to the crater’s base but the slopes can be difficult. I was trying my best to keep balanced when the horse ascended the steep uneven slopes.  It was a great relief once we reached the base of the crater, but that was not the end of it.  We need to climb 250 steps which will bring us to the rim of the crater bellowing smoke. It is a challenging climb but you can stop at the sides of the stairs (small rest area) to catch a breather and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea of sand. It feels good to be at the edge of the crater. To be able to peek into the mouth of the live volcanic crater and to hear the sizzling sound of the gas deep down the crater is a surreal experience!

Selling dried flowers to make a living

Worth climbing the steps 

The view from above

Ascending Bromo after viewing the crater

Sea of sand

Bromo puffing smoke and producing sizzling sounds

Lunar like landscape

The wind blew the smoke to the opposite direction where we were standing

The rim of the crater was packed with people

Colorful dried flowers for sale

Demonstrating his skill in flowers arrangement

The horses taking a rest 

The horsemen waiting for their clients at the base of Bromo

Morning has broken - Mount Penanjakan

Pak Ecok told us that he would knock our doors at 3.15 am but beaming with excitement we were all ready minutes before the knock. In the dark, the only street in Cemoro Lawang was packed with numerous jeeps making their way to the view point on Mt. Penanjakan 2,770m) to witness the first ray of morning lights. We got on the jeep and like a roller coaster our vehicle jolted into the dark narrow lane up the mountain. The 45 minutes ride landed on a slope about 800 meters from the peak of Penanjakan. People, motorcycles and jeeps jammed the narrow dirt lane, all competing to be at the highest point for the best view. Depending on how fit you are, the moderate walk would take you about 15 to 20 minutes. We decided to save our energy for the later Bromo climb, so we quickly hoped onto one of the many rental ojek (motorcycle) for 10,000 Rupiah (1USD). 

Grilled corns 

It was less than five minutes ride and after that there were few steps further up. The steps were filled with people and the enticing aroma of coffee and grilled corns from the many make shift stalls along the way filled the air. We had to resist the temptation as getting the best spot was the priority. My chocolate bar and mineral water would suffice at the moment. Hundreds of people filled the space on Mt. Penanjakan and we squeezed ourselves through the crowd, looking for a spot to get the best view of sunrise. In pitch black, I’ve the least idea, which part of the view point would give the best view. The temperature was less than 15 degrees Celsius I figured out and fortunately, the sky was clear and the weather was extremely fine. I climbed the steel fence to get my head above the crowd but there are others who climbed higher on the brick pillars. We were actually at the edge of the cliff!  

As the first light pierced through the sky at about 5.15 am, the crowd roared into cheers and countless flashes of camera lights twinkled as the spectators attempted to capture the first morning ray. Then, I realized I was actually at the other end of the viewpoint, much closer to the caldera.  Slowly the sky turned ochre, illuminating lights on the massive panoramic view of Mount Bartok, Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru at the far end.   Amazingly spectacular!

The view much closer to me