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Mount Bromo is a
convenient stop for travellers between Bali and Surabaya, and the most
popular of all of East Java's travel destinations, this active
2,392-metre- (7,85 foot-) high volcano lies 112 kilometres (70 miles),
about three hours, southeast of Surabaya. Enclosed by perpendicular
walls 350 metres (1,150 feet) high, Bromo's awesome 2,200-metre-
(7,220-foot-) high 'sand sea' caldera has three mountains within it,
craters within one huge crater, the Bromo Semeru Massif. There are
also three small crater lakes inside the larger crater, with waterfowl
and excellent hiking. The ideal time to visit is in the dry season
(April-November) when you have a better chance of seeing a blood-red
sunrise in the wet season, you might as well sleep late and stroll
across the sand sea during the warmer part of the day, after the heavy
fog has blown away. The temperature on top of Bromo is around 5°C
(40°F); in July, it could drop to 0°C (32°F), so dress warmly. Three
times a year, the site is overrun by tourists in February when an
annual festival takes place, over Christmas, and during July and
August. So plan your visit for another time if you don't like crowds.
From Bromo's peak are stunning views of active Gunung Semeru, Java's
highest mountain.
Although Bromo can still vent steam and ash, smoke profusely and
occasionally boom from the central crater, lava has not been ejected
in recent history. Many local and foreign travellers make the trek for
the mystical experience of watching the sunrise from the crest of the
Bromo volcano. A pony ride from the village of Ngadisari takes you
over a sea of sand to the foot of the volcano. Ascend the 50 steps to
reach the rim. On the vast expanse of sands formerly a caldera, there
are two volcanoes: the extinct Batok, which is a perfect cone and
Bromo. Volcanic sulphur fumes and smoke still emanate from the depths,
and when the God of Bromo begins to rumble, the surrounding population
quickly bring their offerings. The annual offering ceremony of Kasada
is held on the 14th day of Kasada, the twelfth month in the Tenggerese
calendar year. It is a dazzling event where villagers from the
surrounding areas bring their humble offerings to the holy volcano. No
matter how much you have heard about it, you won't be prepared for
this unforgettable spectacle.
Mount Bromo may be reached via Malang and Surabaya. From Surabaya's
Joyoboyo Bus Station, take a bus or minibus for two-and-a half to
three hours to Probolinggo (93 kilometres, or 58 miles). Leave
Surabaya early so that you can make it to Ngadisari, below Bromo, the
same day go to Ngadisari it is two hours by minibus, leaving every
hour or The turn off to Ngadisari is four kilometres (2.5 miles) west
of in the main highway between Surabaya and Banyuwangi. In
April-November, this road is passable all the way to Ngadisari. From
Ngadisari to sing, walk or take a horse. The ascent to the Bromo
crater from Cemoro is about two hours by foot or one-and-a-half hours
on horseback.
WHERE TO EAT
There are no tourist-quality restaurants outside of the hotels; it
is strongly recommended that you arrange your food and drink for your
trek at your hotel.
WHERE TO STAY
One of the best places to stay is Cemoro Lawang because it is
situated at the crater rim, there are four places to stay in the
region and they are:
Hotel Raya Bromo is a slightly more upmarket place than those listed
above and is located 2km south of Sukapura some 18Km from the crater
rim at Cemoro Lawang.
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