Mount Bromo & Madakaripura Waterfall: An East Java Adventure
Mount Bromo, located within the vast Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, is a geological masterpiece spanning four regencies in East Java: Probolinggo, Malang, Pasuruan, and Lumajang. To reach this iconic volcano, you can travel overland to Cemoro Lawang, from where you can rent a Hardtop jeep to explore the sea of sand and the majestic crater.
Bromo is famous for its stunning sunrise. Tourists typically climb to the top early in the morning to witness the magnificent moment when the sun rises between the mountains and the active crater. The best place to catch this view is from the Penanjakan viewpoint. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rainbow stretching across the sea of sand, framed by the surrounding cliffs as you descend the mountain. In addition to the sunrise, you can also take in views of Mount Batok, Mount Semeru, the wide caldera, the “Teletubbies Hill,” and the Pura Poten, a temple at the center of the sand sea used for Tengger religious ceremonies.
The Culture and Spirit of the Tengger People
The Bromo highlands are home to the Tengger people, who are Hindu adherents. Once a year, on the 14th night of the Kasada month, they hold the annual Yadnya Kasada ceremony to ask Sang Hyang Widi Wasa (God) for safety and blessings. During this event, Tengger villagers gather at the rim of the Bromo crater, carrying offerings to throw into the volcano. This ceremony is a captivating cultural spectacle that attracts many tourists eager to witness and photograph the unique ritual.
If you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the daily life of the Tengger people, you can rent a house in the villages of Cemoro Lawang and Ngadisari.
Madakaripura: A Legendary Waterfall
Not far from Bromo’s slopes lies the historic Madakaripura Waterfall, the legendary meditation site of Majapahit’s prime minister, Gajah Mada. The waterfall is a scenic 45-minute drive from the Bromo area. From the main gate, a 15-minute walk leads you to the waterfall itself. It is widely considered one of the highest waterfalls in East Java, if not all of Indonesia.
I highly recommend wearing mountaineering boots, as the area is wet and slippery. As you approach, you’ll see a lush green landscape with moss covering the cliff walls, nourished by the constant spray of water from the falls. The spectacular views of the great waterfall and its rock formations are a feast for the eyes. On a sunny day, you may even be treated to the sight of a beautiful rainbow arching between the cliffs.
Fishing (22 Trips)
Hiking (28 Trips)
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