Taste the charm of the archipelago – Mt. Bromo and Madakaripuwa waterfall edition 2
Taste the Charm of the Archipelago – Mt. Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall Edition 2: A Friendship Adventure
Friendship and nature combine to create an unforgettable story, a timeless theme of adventure and challenge. Exploring the vast Indonesian archipelago with friends is an experience that everyone should feel. Our journey to Mt. Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall was a testament to this, a trip filled with laughter, awe, and the realization that the greatest happiness is found on the journey, not just at the destination.
The Start of a Dream: Surabaya Bound
Our adventure began not in a remote jungle, but at a bustling train station. We, a group of five friends, met at the Bandung city station, our bags heavier than usual but our spirits light with anticipation. At 7:30 AM sharp, the whistle of the Executive Argo Wilis train sounded, and we were off, heading toward Gubeng Station in Surabaya.
The day was spent in a blur of shared stories, card games, and boisterous laughter. We ate a simple but delicious lunch together, savoring the taste of wrapped rice and potluck dishes, a meal made luxurious by the sheer joy of our togetherness. Outside, the scenery of hills, mountains, and sprawling green rice paddies provided a beautiful backdrop to our journey. It was a perfect reminder that the happiness of travel begins the moment you set foot on the path.
We arrived at Gubeng Surabaya Station exactly on schedule at 7:30 PM. As backpackers, we quickly got to work, brainstorming the most efficient and budget-friendly way to get to our next meeting point. We hailed a taxi, and as we drove through the city, we were captivated by the sight of Surabaya, the “city of heroes,” illuminated by streetlights. We chatted with the driver, sharing stories and getting to know each other, a brief but warm encounter that added a personal touch to our trip.
Mt. Bromo: The Sunrise Hunt
Our journey led us to the Jatim Expo in Surabaya, our next meeting point. The area was alive with people, a fittingly vibrant scene for the start of our grand tour. Here, we met our guide from Keliling Nusantara, Mas Putra, and the other travelers who would become our companions on this adventure. Despite our different backgrounds—from Jakarta, Bekasi, and Bandung—we instantly connected, united by our shared passion for travel.
From Surabaya, we were transported by minibus toward Probolinggo. Our journey continued late into the night until we reached a bustling stop at a Tengger village. The cold air prompted everyone to bundle up in thick jackets and gloves. We then switched to a Jeep, which our guide affectionately called “the tough old,” perfect for navigating the rugged terrain ahead. The drive was exhilarating, with sharp bends and a steep 60-degree incline that required the vehicle’s powerful off-road capabilities. As we climbed higher, the air grew colder and quieter, the only sounds being the occasional rustle of the forest and the roar of our engine. The dark, mystical atmosphere added a touch of magic to the journey.
We finally arrived at our destination, a spot called Penanjakan, a whopping 2,392 meters above sea level. The sky was still dark, but a faint reddish glow on the horizon signaled the coming sunrise. The peak was already crowded with fellow “sunrise hunters,” both local and international tourists, all eagerly waiting. We joined the crowd, our cameras ready, and watched in awe as the sky was painted with warm, orange hues. The sun rose, its warmth a welcome relief against the cold air. It was a truly magical moment, a testament to the beauty of God’s creation.
From Sea of Sands to Whispering Savanna
After witnessing the breathtaking sunrise, we hopped back into our trusty Jeep and headed to the Sea of Sands. The ride was a thrilling experience, with limited visibility as the wind whipped up sand particles, making it feel as though we were in the middle of a vast desert. As we drove, we passed towering sand grooves, a stunning result of ancient volcanic eruptions.
Our next challenge was climbing to the Bromo crater. We chose to ascend the steep sandy path rather than taking the crowded stairs, and though it was a difficult climb, we helped and encouraged each other every step of the way. Reaching the peak was our reward—the sight of the vast expanse of sand dunes surrounding the crater was an incredible view.
Next, we explored the hidden hills of the Savanna, also known as Teletubbies Hill. This tranquil spot, with its vast meadows and wild plants, felt like a scene from another world, as beautiful as any savanna in Africa. We also visited the famous Whispering Sand, a place where the wind carries sand grains, creating a sound that feels like a whisper. It’s a place that feels both romantic and mysterious.
A Cold Plunge at Madakaripura Waterfall
With our energy renewed after a simple and satisfying lunch at a local house in Tengger village, we set off for Madakaripura Waterfall. The journey to this hidden gem was an adventure in itself, with winding, narrow roads through deep valleys and ravines. The waterfall is said to have been a place of meditation for Gajah Mada, a legendary military leader.
Getting to the waterfall was not easy. We had to cross a river and navigate a path of slippery rocks and moss-covered cliffs. We held onto each other, helping one another over the difficult spots. The cold water was a refreshing shock, and our laughter and splashes echoed through the gorge. The cool mist from the waterfall washed away the Bromo dust, leaving us feeling completely rejuvenated.
A Fond Farewell in Surabaya
Our adventure concluded with a ride back to Surabaya, where we said our goodbyes to our guide and newfound friends. We spent our last few hours exploring the city, visiting the unique Submarine Museum, which is a real-life submarine, KRI Pasopati. We also visited Pasar Genteng, a traditional market where we bought typical Surabaya souvenirs. For our final meal, we tried the legendary Sate Klopo Ondomohen, a unique local dish of grilled meat with a special coconut sauce.
As we boarded our flight back to Bandung, we were filled with gratitude. We returned home not just with souvenirs, but with a treasure trove of memories and a timeless story of friendship, adventure, and the discovery of the charm of the Indonesian archipelago. Our trip to Mt. Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall was a journey of a lifetime, proving that a dream, when shared with friends, is always worth chasing.
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