Sahur In Bromo, the very rare activity

The moment you lay eyes on Mount Bromo, you’ll understand why it’s one of Indonesia’s most iconic natural landmarks. This majestic somma volcano, standing at an elevation of 2,329 meters (7,641 ft), is an active crater surrounded by a vast, lunar-like plain of volcanic sand. It’s an essential part of the larger Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, a protected area spanning four regencies in East Java: Probolinggo, Malang, Pasuruan, and Lumajang. While its powerful, smoky crater is a sight to behold, the real magic of Mount Bromo lies in the sunrise views, the unique landscapes, and the vibrant local culture that has thrived in its shadow for centuries.

The Ultimate Mount Bromo Sunrise Experience

For most visitors, the main event is the legendary Mount Bromo sunrise. The journey often begins in the early hours of the morning, long before the sun even hints at its presence. Travelers typically start from Cemoro Lawang, the most common gateway village, and hire a private jeep to navigate the dark, winding roads. This early start is crucial to reach the designated sunrise viewpoints, which offer a panoramic perspective of the entire volcanic caldera.

The most popular viewpoint is Penanjakan, a hill that provides a breathtaking panorama of the entire landscape. As you wait in the chilly pre-dawn air, you’ll join a crowd of fellow adventurers, all eager to witness the spectacle. The sky slowly changes from a deep, velvety black to a soft indigo, then to a brilliant spectrum of orange, gold, and pink. As the sun peeks over the horizon, its light slowly illuminates the entire scene, revealing Mount Bromo, its inactive neighbor Mount Batok, and the distant, towering peak of Mount Semeru, all shrouded in a thick mist. It’s a moment of profound beauty that makes the early wake-up call completely worthwhile. On a lucky day, as you descend from the viewpoint, a vibrant rainbow might appear over the “Sea of Sand,” adding another layer of wonder to the already magical landscape.

Exploring the Iconic Landmarks of Mount Bromo

After the sunrise, your jeep will descend into the “Sea of Sand,” the expansive volcanic plain at the base of the mountains. This surreal, desolate landscape feels like stepping onto another planet. Here, you can get up close and personal with the volcano itself. You can either take a short horseback ride or walk the final stretch to the foot of Mount Bromo, where a long flight of concrete stairs awaits. Climbing these stairs leads you directly to the crater rim, allowing you to peer into the active, smoky caldera. The scent of sulfur is strong, a powerful reminder of the volcano’s raw energy.

Beyond the crater, the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park is home to several other must-see sights:

• Whispering Sands (Pasir Berbisik): This area is a vast, open expanse of fine volcanic sand. The name comes from the soft, whispering sound the wind makes as it blows across the dunes. It’s a quiet, reflective spot that offers a stark contrast to the dynamic volcanic activity.
• Teletubbies Hill (Savana): Located on the other side of the caldera, this lush, green savanna with rolling hills feels a world away from the volcanic desert. The landscape is reminiscent of the hills from the children’s show “Teletubbies,” giving it its playful nickname. It’s a perfect spot for photography and a peaceful walk.
• Poten Temple (Pura Luhur Poten): Situated in the middle of the “Sea of Sand,” this Hindu temple is a holy place for the local Tenggerese community. It’s a key site for their annual religious ceremonies, particularly the Yadnya Kasada ceremony, where they pray and offer sacrifices to the gods. The temple’s simple, striking architecture set against the vast, empty backdrop is a beautiful sight.

Journeying to the Majestic Madakaripura Waterfall

Not far from the slopes of Mount Bromo lies another natural wonder: the magnificent Madakaripura Waterfall. This historical site is believed to have been the meditation grounds of Gajah Mada, a legendary prime minister of the Majapahit Empire. The journey to the waterfall takes about 45 minutes by car from the Bromo area, followed by a scenic 20-minute walk from the main gate.

As you approach the waterfall, you’ll be surrounded by towering, moss-covered cliffs. The spray from the cascading water creates a cool mist that nourishes the vibrant green moss, turning the rock walls into a living tapestry. It’s a wet and often slippery walk, so it’s highly recommended to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear.

Madakaripura is often hailed as one of the highest waterfalls in East Java, and perhaps even in all of Indonesia. The main waterfall, plunging into a circular cavern, is a truly breathtaking sight, a secluded oasis of natural beauty. The powerful rush of water and the lush, green surroundings make it a perfect finale to a trip centered around Mount Bromo’s rugged, arid landscapes.

A Sample Itinerary: Your Adventure Awaits

For a comprehensive experience, here is a typical two-day itinerary that combines both Mount Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall.

Day 1:

• 10:00 PM – 02:00 AM: Begin your journey from a major city like Surabaya to the Bromo area.
• 02:00 AM – 03:00 AM: Arrive at the Bromo area. If you’re on a tour, you might have a pre-dawn meal here.
• 03:00 AM – 04:00 AM: Hop into a jeep (a “Hardtop”) for the ride up to the sunrise viewpoint at Penanjakan.
• 04:00 AM – 06:30 AM: Enjoy the spectacular Mount Bromo sunrise from Penanjakan.

Day 2:

• 06:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Explore the main Mount Bromo caldera. Your jeep tour will take you to the crater, Whispering Sands, and Teletubbies Hill.
• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Travel from Mount Bromo to Madakaripura Waterfall.
• 11:00 AM – 02:00 PM: Explore and enjoy the majestic Madakaripura Waterfall.
• 02:00 PM – Heading Back to Surabaya
• 06:00 PM – Breakfast and Silaturahim
• 07:00 PM: Begin the journey back to your city of origin, filled with memories of an incredible adventure.