7 Days Tour Itinerary To Explore Ijen Crater, Alas Purwo, Sukamade – Meru Betiri, Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall
Embark on the ultimate East Java adventure with this comprehensive 7-day tour itinerary to explore Ijen Crater, Alas Purwo, Sukamade – Meru Betiri, Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall. This carefully crafted journey is designed to take you to the very best of East Java’s natural wonders, from the raw power of its volcanoes to the serene beauty of its beaches and the vibrant life of its jungles.
Over seven unforgettable days, you will witness the otherworldly Blue Fire of Ijen Crater, discover the untouched wilderness of Alas Purwo National Park, participate in a heartwarming turtle conservation program at Sukamade Beach, and stand in awe of the legendary Mount Bromo sunrise. The adventure culminates with a visit to the mystical Madakaripura Waterfall. This tour is a perfect blend of challenging treks, wildlife encounters, and moments of profound natural beauty. It’s more than just a trip—it’s an epic exploration of East Java’s most treasured landscapes.
The Ultimate East Java Adventure: A Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Surabaya to Ijen Crater – The Journey Begins
Your epic journey kicks off with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Surabaya at 9 a.m. We’ll begin our scenic drive towards the foothills of Mount Ijen, heading to the quiet regency of Bondowoso. This approximately 6-hour drive will take you from the urban sprawl of Surabaya into the lush, mountainous landscapes of rural East Java.
Upon arrival at your hotel, nestled at the foot of Mount Ijen, you’ll check in and take a well-deserved break. If time permits in the afternoon, we will venture out to the nearby Belawan waterfall. This beautiful cascade, located close to your hotel, offers a tranquil setting to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh, cool mountain air before the night’s main event. Dinner will be served at the hotel, allowing you to refuel and get some rest before your midnight trek.
Day 2: The Ethereal Blue Fire of Ijen & Journey to Alas Purwo
The Ijen Crater tour is an experience unlike any other. At midnight, we will begin our drive to the Paltuding ranger post. From there, your thrilling 1.5-hour trek to the crater rim begins. The goal is to reach the crater in time to witness the extraordinary Blue Fire phenomenon—a mesmerizing, electric-blue flame that emerges from the ground, caused by ignited sulfuric gas. This spectacle can only be seen in the dark, as the morning sun makes it invisible.
During the climb, you’ll encounter the resilient local sulfur miners who carry heavy loads of sulfur up from the crater and down the mountain in bamboo baskets. Their incredible strength and tireless work are a testament to the human spirit and provide a humbling perspective on local life. As the sun rises, casting a beautiful glow over the turquoise crater lake, we’ll descend back to Paltuding for breakfast.
Around 9 a.m., we will leave the volcano behind and begin our 2-hour drive to the homestay near Alas Purwo National Park. This marks a shift from volcanic terrain to dense jungle wilderness. The accommodation here is a basic but clean and safe homestay provided by the local community. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a unique cultural experience by visiting a local orange farm, where you can pick and eat the fresh, sweet fruit to your heart’s content. Dinner, prepared by the local villagers, will be served at the homestay, giving you a taste of authentic local cuisine.
Day 3: Exploring Alas Purwo National Park – A Journey into the Wild
After an early breakfast, we will embark on a full-day exploration of Alas Purwo National Park, a place of untouched beauty and rich biodiversity. The tour begins at Bedul Beach, where a short boat ride across a small strait takes you to the heart of the national park.
Our 4WD vehicle will be waiting to take us to a series of incredible sites:
- Ngagelan Turtle Conservation: Learn about the vital conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles, and witness the baby turtles being cared for before their release.
- Pura Luhur Giri Salaka: Visit this ancient Hindu temple, a sacred site where local devotees come to worship, particularly during holy days.
- Pancur Beach and Istana Cave: Enjoy the stunning views from Pancur Beach before trekking 1 km to the “mystic” Istana Cave. This serene cave offers a moment of quiet reflection amidst the jungle.
- Plengkung Beach: Known as “G-Land,” this is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. Even if you don’t surf, watching the pros ride the powerful, barreling waves is a thrilling spectacle.
- Sadengan Savanna: This is the highlight for wildlife lovers. This natural savanna is home to wild animals like Javanese bulls, peacocks, deer, and wild pigs. It’s like being on an African safari, but in the heart of East Java.
After a packed day of exploration, we will return to the Bedul Beach area and then head back to your homestay for a well-deserved dinner and rest.
Day 4: Meru Betiri National Park – A Meeting with Turtles
Today, we’ll journey to Meru Betiri National Park, a trip that takes about 3-4 hours over rocky, hilly roads and requires us to cross several rivers by car—an adventure in itself. Along the way, we’ll make two memorable stops. First, we’ll visit the rustic Rajegwesi fisherman village to see local life in action. Next, we’ll visit the stunning Green Bay, a secluded beach with clear, emerald waters perfect for a quick dip or a photo opportunity.
Upon arrival at Sukamade Beach, a guest house managed by the National Park awaits. Late lunch will be served, followed by some time to relax and prepare for the evening’s main event. After dinner, guided by a park ranger, we’ll head to the beach in search of nesting turtles. This magical experience can last late into the night, depending on the turtles’ movements. Witnessing a giant sea turtle laying its eggs under the moonlight is a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Day 5: Sukamade Turtle Release & Journey to Bromo
Your day begins with a special and memorable activity: releasing baby turtles, or “hatchlings,” into the ocean. These tiny creatures have been incubated for 40-50 days and are now ready to begin their journey in the wild. As you watch them scurry toward the waves, you’ll be participating in a crucial conservation effort. This touching moment is a powerful reminder of nature’s fragility and resilience.
After the release, we’ll return to the guest house for breakfast and check-out. We’ll then begin the longest leg of our journey—the approximately 7-hour drive to Mount Bromo. You’ll arrive in Bromo in the evening, around 8-9 p.m., just in time to check into your hotel at the base of the volcano for a good night’s rest before another unforgettable early morning.
Day 6: The Iconic Bromo Sunrise & Madakaripura Waterfall
The Bromo tour begins before dawn. At 2 a.m., a 4WD vehicle (a “Hardtop”) will pick you up from your hotel. The first destination is Mount Penanjakan, the best vantage point for watching the spectacular Bromo sunrise. From here, you’ll witness a breathtaking panorama of the volcanic landscape, with the layered peaks of Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru emerging from the “sea of clouds” as the sun paints the sky in vibrant colors.
After sunrise, we will descend to the Sea of Sands to begin the trek to the Bromo Crater. The 1-hour walk to the crater rim is an easy ascent, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it—you’ll look directly into the smoking crater, feeling the raw, powerful energy of the volcano. Following the crater trek, we’ll explore the vast caldera, visiting the beautiful green Savanna of Bromo (popularly known as “Teletubbies Hill”) and the desolate, but photogenic, Whispering Sands.
We’ll finish our Bromo exploration around 10 a.m. and return to the hotel for a well-deserved lunch. At noon, we’ll drive for about 40 minutes to the majestic Madakaripura Waterfall. Legend says this stunning waterfall was the final meditation spot of Gajah Mada, the great prime minister of the 14th-century Majapahit Empire. The walk to the waterfall is an adventure itself, following the riverbed and sometimes wading through shallow streams. The sight of five waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs is absolutely breathtaking.
After enjoying the falls, we’ll begin our 3-hour drive back to Surabaya, arriving around 7 p.m. You will be transferred to your hotel in the city for your final night.
Day 7: Farewell Surabaya
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel at 8 a.m. and transfer you to Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya, where your incredible 7-day East Java tour comes to an end.
Tour Facilities & Important Information
This 7-day tour itinerary is meticulously planned to provide you with a seamless and all-inclusive experience. The price covers all ground transportation, professional tour guides, 17 meals, and all entrance fees and admissions to the sites, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
A special note about accommodation: While the hotels in Ijen, Bromo, and Surabaya are standard, clean, and safe, the lodging in Alas Purwo National Park and Meru Betiri National Park is a basic guesthouse and homestay. This “back-to-basics” approach is intentional, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in these remote, untouched environments and experience a truly authentic stay.
Provided Tour Facilities:
- Professional tour guide for the entire program.
- All transportation (private car) throughout the tour.
- Meals (17x) included.
- Mineral water provided daily.
- 1 night stay at a standard hotel in Ijen.
- 2 nights stay at a homestay near Alas Purwo National Park.
- 1 night stay at a guesthouse in Meru Betiri National Park.
- 1 night stay at a standard hotel in Bromo.
- 1 night stay at a standard hotel in Surabaya.
- 4WD vehicles for exploration in Alas Purwo, Meru Betiri, and Bromo.
- All entrance fees and admission tickets.
- Rangers for guidance in Sukamade and Madakaripura.
- Toll and parking fees.
Ready to embark on this adventure of a lifetime?
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