5D4N Affordable family itinerary in the scenic highlands of Prigen, Batu and Bromo (safari, mountains and more)!
Written by Junanto Xu Co-written and edited by Beverley Lennon
We’re sure your bucket list is overflowing with amazing places to check out with kids but why not explore somewhere closer to home? Here’s a chance to introduce your family to the wonders of magnificent Indonesia! Head over to This post is made possible by Indonesia Tourism Board
From SingaporeFrom Malaysia (tap here to view)From Jakarta (tap here to view)
Direct Flight (From S$149 per pax for return flights) Take a flight from Changi Airport Singapore via Garuda Indonesia, Jetstar, Scoot, SilkAir or Singapore Airlines to Juanda International Airport Surabaya. Flight duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Direct Flight (From MYR452 per pax for return flights) Take a flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport via Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia or Citilink, to Juanda International Airport Surabaya. Flight duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes.
2. Train a. Executive: starts at Rp. 405,000 – Depart from Gambir Station (Central Jakarta), and arrive at Surabaya Gubeng Station Surabaya. Train ride duration: ~ 12 hours 30 minutes b. Economy: starts at Rp. 104,000 – Seats are cramped and not recommended. – Depart from Pasar Senen Station, and arrive at Surabaya Gubeng Station. Train ride duration: ~ 15 hours)
This story would not have been possible without the support of Indonesia Tourism Board. For more information, check out the official websites of Surabaya, Malang and Bromo.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Stay at a magical animal kingdom in the chilly highlands!
From the hustle and bustle of Surabaya, embark on a journey that takes you to the chilly highlands of Prigen. But before that, you’ll get your hands dirty with enormous crabs for lunch! Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay among wild animals! Upon check-in, it will not be long before you spot some long-necked or striped creatures.
Enjoy views of the landscape from your room balcony or get up close to the animals at feeding times!
We asked locals where to get fresh seafood and the one place that won over the poll was Kepiting Cak Gundul 1992. Sadly, they were close when we dropped by as it was Ramadan season but if you’re luckier than us, don’t miss on dropping by for their delicious crab that is drenched in their special homemade sauce!
We’ve heard a lot about their ‘Telur Besar’ (crab roe) or ‘Super Jumbo Crab’ that are always fresh with huge chunks of meat on the inside! Match these with a plate of rice and a glass of grass jelly milk, and you’re set for the rest of the road trip!
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Kepiting Cak Gundul
Price range:Crab from Rp. 25,000 – Rp. 37,000 (Approximately USD $1.77 – $2.60) per ounce Address: Jl. Raya Surabaya – Malang No.Km. 48, Petungasri, Pandaan, Pasuruan, East Java 67156 Contact: +62 343 639 989 Opening hours: Mon – Sun 11am – 11pm
At Baobab Safari Resort, you’re in a prime location to spot African wildlife! The resort lobby itself expands to the outdoor area where you’ll find the pool and the animal park – it is quite a spectacle; our eyes were glistening like real kids as we walked through what would be our ultimate “African Safari Lodge”.
While there are various room categories (all of them with unique safari feels) at the resort, you sure want to opt for their Premium Safari room to wake up overlooking the most exciting members of the animal kingdom!
Get your binoculars ready for an animal experience of a lifetime – from petting elongated beauties at your breakfast table to lounging poolside with striped species, feeding Simba’s best friends and more!
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Baobab Safari Resort
Rates: From Rp. 851,069 for Deluxe Hill View King Room (Approximately USD $60) Note: Kids under 10 years old are free from charge Address: Gunung Princi, Jatiarjo, Prigen, Pasuruan, East Java 67157 Contact: +62 343 674 3888 Website
Now you can meet the real Timon from The Lion King. What is life, my friends?
This has to be the cutest gang we’ve seen out of all members of the animal kingdom! They’ve got their own dedicated “cave” to hang out at and could peek out of their home once in a while to see what’s going on in the neighbourhood; you know, just for the fun of it!
We were comfortably sitting in the lobby when I saw little heads peeking out of a gigantic rock (which I thought was merely a decoration), and it turned out to be a whole extended meerkat family residing in there! These adorable creatures are extremely fast and cheeky and they might well only come at you to find food! They have a chill life and enjoy sunbathing too!
*Note: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting scratched as they love to dig. Digging is an innate instinctive action they use to create burrows, get food or create dust clouds to distract predators.
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Meerkat Feeding
Price:Rp. 100,000 (Approximately USD $7.08) for two people Time: Daily at 8.30am, 10.30am and 4.30pm
Although we wished we could have shared a table with the fellow animal tribe at dinnertime, the feast at Kilimanjaro Restaurant did not disappoint either. Since we were here during the Ramadan season, we were lucky to join and celebrate around an extensive buffet.
There was a large selection of local delicacies but I have to say that my favourites were the desserts – they were so tasty and colourful, and turned our table into a stunning rainbow! They also had an array of sambal selections which were as delicious as spicy!
On usual nights, the restaurant operates on an a-la-carte menu with Asian and Western dishes on offer. We’ve also heard that they occasionally have live bands at the restaurant and you can also book a romantic dinner by the pool.
What I like about the restaurant is that it isn’t confined to four walls – it’s a semi-open area overlooking the pool and animal park from afar. Personally, I found it quite kid-friendly too as they are free to run around.
If you’ve been to the Night Safari in Singapore before, you sure must have hated the long queue but rest assured, the night safari walk at Baobab Safari Resort is much more intimate than the ones at popular attractions.
And we know you might be thinking it will be too dark to see anything, but you’re absolutely wrong as the animals will be visible with the help of torchlights (just don’t flash right into their eyes!).
What’s different at nighttime is that you’ll get to see all kinds of nocturnal animals coming out to hunt for their food – snakes, spiders, bats are only a few of them. So no, it won’t be the same old animals that you’ve seen during the day! Plus, I personally think that walking in the dark knowing you’re surrounded by animals is quite an adrenaline-inducing experience! Isn’t it?!
Join other kids and families by the bonfire and get ready for an educational and entertaining animal story telling time! We were quite impressed to see how interactive the activity turned out to be as the staff really sets the ambience and kids were actually having fun and participating along! The staff dress up in animal costumes which makes it even more exciting.
However, the story telling activity is conducted in Bahasa Indonesia. But after all, kids often watch Peppa Pig in Russian on YouTube and still love it, right? 😉
Embark on an exciting safari adventure and take lunch with tigers!
Today is the day you get to fulfill one of your wildest childhood dreams – besides going on a very special breakfast date, you’ll also embark on an ultimate thrilling safari adventure in the comfort of your car! I personally really enjoyed the interactive experience as we drove through various parts of the safari park with free-roaming animals coming up to our window for their treats.
The park is enormous, with an aquatic area, a baby zoo and several shows taking place throughout the day. Ready for an unforgettable experience in beautiful natural settings? Hop on board now!
Besides waking up with close views of the surrounding wildlife, this morning, you’re welcome to share your breakfast table with Zahara, Zahari and Kamil – the three celebrity giraffes at Baobab Safari Resort!
It’s an experience like no other as the three long-necked creatures gently make way to your table, scoping out your breakfast and hoping for a snack. You will be provided with leaves and vegetables to feed them.
They got really greedy when we were there and were close enough to pet, I nearly got their whole tongue in my face! I’ve always wanted to head to the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya so this morning with the giraffes was a tad special and in fact a dream come true, as we got up close and personal with these impressive animals.
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Breakfast with giraffes
Price:From Rp. 300,000 for 2 pax (Approximately USD $21)
*Note: Breakfast with giraffes is available with prior booking from 7am-7.30am*
What better way to explore a safari than by driving through the animal kingdom yourself? Giving it a thought – I believe this is what made our trip there quite a remarkable experience. You’re in the comfort of your car with only your friends and family, so it makes it very intimate and enjoyable.
The safari is divided into different zones, where you can find animals from different continents. You’ll have zebras by your window when in the African zone, and you can feed the enormous bison in the American/European zone, and admire the elephants in Asia.
They also have a “carnivore” zone featuring animals that could gobble you up in a few seconds (for this zone, you’ll be required to close all windows and doors).
I thoroughly enjoyed the drive through as we also bought a few carrots to feed the animals along the way. It’s an ultimate throwback to childhood and I truly believe that the experience is fun for any age!
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Safari adventure at Taman Safari Prigen
Entrance fee:From Rp. 160,000 (Approximately USD $11) *Inclusive of Safari Adventure, Baby Zoo, Aquatic Land, 4 Animal Show, Dolphin Show, Temple of Terror* Address: Desa Jatiarjo RT.12/RW.06, Prigen, Pasuruan, Jawa Timur 67157, Indonesia Contact: +62 343 6743 000 / +62 811 3624 088 (Whatsapp) Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 8.30am – 4.30pm; Sat – Sun, 8.30am – 4.45pm
Sighting a tiger in a jungle is a dream for many, so when we heard we could have lunch with tigers surrounding us, I have to say that we were pretty excited! Relax, it isn’t much of a frightening experience but rather an impressive one. We were lucky enough to secure the best table that gave us unobstructed views of the tigers roaming around and roaring for food.
I was thrilled to get such up-close views of the carnivores; would we be their lunch? I hoped not. As we ordered some of the chef’s recommendations, the moment we’ve all been waiting for began — it was lunch time for the tigers too!
While none of us were food for the carnivores, we were, however, welcome to feed the tigers. It is an unusual experience to sign up for as we watched the tigers jumping in and out of their pond to catch their whole chickens!
Mind you, I was quite anxious when they got too close to the window, ferociously staring and probably thinking that we looked like an appetizing dessert! Besides, the food at the restaurant was delectable and beautifully plated! There’s plenty of options, ranging from Asian to Western dishes too.
Besides having to feed the penguins with bare hands (also means holding fish!), it’s one fun activity to take part in while at the safari. And hear me when I say that the penguins will do anything to get to their food — that also means stepping on you and even sliding into the pool. Let’s just assume that they’re quite impatient in nature, to say the least.
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Aquatic Land
Price for penguin feeding:Rp. 50,000 (Approximately USD $3.53)
We did not have high expectations when sitting down for the dog show at Taman Safari Prigen but I have to say that I was very much impressed; kudos to their team and furry friends for such a memorable show!
Though the storyline behind the show constantly changes, I was happy to see that it was an educational presentation. Rather than being a mere entertainment show, there was a deeper meaning and it was intended to educate kids about conservation and how it is important to fight for nature (fauna and flora).
We watched happily as orangutans, birds, cats and dogs did their show in all harmony; it was very well coordinated so I cannot imagine the amount of hard work putting this together. You’ll have pure moments of laughter and admiration for what those animals can do!
Now that you might be freezing in Batu – Indonesia’s Cameron Highlands; why not find comfort around a warm DIY BBQ to get your fix of smokey, tender and juicy meat (but also vegetables)! We found it fun an unusual to be reunited and grill our own items at Campfire Outdoor Cuisine. There’s also plenty of space for kids to run around!
TripCanvas’ Tips: Since you’ll be dining in an open space, you might want to apply some mosquito repellent!
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Campfire Outdoor Cuisine
Price Range:BBQ package for 4 people from Rp. 245,000 (Approximately USD $17.30) Address: Jl. Ir. Soekarno No. 300, Mojorejo, Junrejo, Batu City, East Java 65233 Contact: +62 859 3139 3926 (Whatsapp) Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 4pm – 12am (Mon closed)
Getting here at night means endless views of the nearby city lights on the horizon. Opt for their ‘Superior Room’ category and you’ll also get to enjoy equally stunning panoramas from your terrace! We absolutely loved our stay at Kusuma Agrowisata Resort which is located some 1000 metres above sea level. It felt fresh and refreshing to breath in the chilly air from the nearby mountains. What’s more; the resort is located in the compounds of an orchard filled with fresh fruits like apples, guavas, strawberries and so much more!
They also have cottages and suites for different occasions and group size!
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Kusuma Agrowisata Resort
Rates:From USD $55 for Superior Triple Room (Approximately Rp. 776,875) Address: Jalan Abdul Gani Atas, Ngaglik, Batu City, East Java 65311 Contact: +62 800 159 3333
Ever wondered about the pleasures of fruit picking? While you might be familiar with picking strawberries (ahem, Cameron Highlands), you’ll get to pick apples, guavas, dragon fruits and so much more while in Batu! You’ll also get to share fun moments with superheroes and dine with magical views!
Known as the country’s largest apple producer, one simply shouldn’t miss out on picking fresh apples from the trees at Kusuma Agrowisata while in Malang – they’re one of the pioneers of agrotourism in Indonesia and have opened their orchards to the public since the early 90’s.
In here, the air is fresh and crisp – you get to happily connect with nature and spend some fund good times outdoors and eat as many fruits as you want!
But since it wasn’t the season for apples when we visited, we were welcome to pick enormous juicy guavas instead. Depending on the harvesting season, you’ll also find oranges, dragon fruits, and strawberries. The best part about this place is that a single ticket will grant you access to an all-you-can-eat fruit day and unlimited fun for the kids at the on-site water park!
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Kusuma Agrowisata
Price:Single fruit picking from Rp. 25,000 (Approximately USD $1.77); All fruit picking from Rp. 105,000 (Approximately USD $7.42) Address: Jalan Abdul Gani Atas, Ngaglik, Batu City, East Java 65311 Contact: +62 800 159 3333 Opening hours: Mon – Sun 8am – 5pm
Hidden in the forest of Oro Oro Ombo is a unique cafe that has received much attention on social media – thanks to its intense Instagram bragging rights!
Once there, we had the choice to settle down in their garden area, pyramid glass house, or on the rooftop. We first decided to sit down in the pyramid glass house but it was very humid and stuffy so we decided to go on the rooftop area to enjoy a nice breeze and endless views of the garden and beyond.
There’s nothing much to rave about the food offerings and quality, they were rather basic but we also heard they have some Korean BBQ dishes. Other than that, we thoroughly enjoyed the views and atmosphere.
But the best part yet has to be their bunny house – they have tons of adorable fluffy balls hopping around and they’re super cuddly! Sitting across the cafe is a horse farm where you can witness majestic horses galloping in a vast field too.
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deKleine
Entrance fee:Rp. 10,000 (Approximately USD $0.70) Price range:Rp. 15,000 – Rp. 25,000 (Approximately USD $1 – $1.75) Address: Jalibar, Batu City, East Java 65311 Contact: +62 813 3333 2458; +62 822 4466 9938 Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 10pm; Sat – Sun 11am – 11pm
What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘museum’? If just like us you assume that all museums are boring; you’ll be surprised by Museum Angkut! We had so much fun here!
Known to be South East Asia’s largest transportation museum, this is where we had the chance to check out over 300 collections of modes of transport from all over the world!
Yes, that includes coming up close to a real 66 Ford Mustang, stepping into a real size Indonesian presidential plane (the best part, if you ask us!), standing next to a gigantic rocket replica and so much more!
At the end of the day, come and join in their incredible showtime! We thoroughly enjoyed their ‘Special Car and Costume Parade’ where superheroes made an epic entrance aboard a collection of antique cars to surprise us with a flash mob in an 80’s New York setting!
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Museum Angkut
Entrance fee:Rp. 100,000 (Approximately USD $7) Address: Jalan Sultan Agung 2, Ngaglik, Batu City, East Java, 65314 Contact: +62 341 595 007 Opening hours: Mon – Sun 12pm-8pm
There sure is a reason for this place’s name. Indeed, we did feel the 15°C temperature at the rooftop skylounge as it got quite chilly once the sun dropped, but the views are beyond amazing!
If you make it in time for the golden hour, you’ll also be able to spot on the last sights of the surrounding mountain ranges and vast plantations as the sky slowly gets swallowed by darkness, replacing the scenery with sparkling stars and city lights.
We could barely take in the cold so we opted to dine at the indoor area which also offers amazing views as it features floor-to-ceiling windows. While dishes are reasonably priced and tasty, we’d strongly recommend you to try their apple strudel and BBQ chicken wings! On our first visit, we also enjoyed a groovy live-band that set quite a nice ambience to the place!
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15 Celsius The Skylounge
Price range:Rp. 60,000 – Rp. 117,000 (Approximately USD $4.18 – $8.17) Address: Jalan Abdul Gani Atas, Ngaglik, Batu City, East Java 65311 Contact: +62 341 525 777/ +62 813 3005 5188 Opening hours: Mon – Sun 2pm-10pm
Packed with nostalgic childhood treats and trendy hipster stalls, Alun-Alun Batu is where you can find Batu’s unique version of Bangkok’s bustling night markets.
This is easily one of the best night markets we found in Indonesia – a place where you can immerse in the lively local nightlife and hunt for unique street food! Our greatest finds here are their delicious Telur Gulung (omelette skewer), crazy spicy Indomie, and jumbo crepes that were actually bigger than my face.
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Alun-Alun Batu Night Market
Price range:Rp. 5,000 – Rp. 50,000 (Approximately USD $0.35 – $3.50) Address: Jl. Diponegoro, Sisir, Batu City, East Java 65314 Opening hours: Mon – Sun 6pm-10pm
Step in the real Jurassic Park and stay among the clouds!
What better way to make the kids happy than checking out an immense theme park? Embark on exciting adventures with dinosaurs, celebrities and more before enjoying your stay up above the clouds in Bromo!
Take a magical ride through the Dinosaur eras at Jatim Park 3! Though not particularly long, this ride introduced us to different species of dinosaurs in the various eras! We personally think that this activity would entertain young kids, but note that the presentation at the beginning is in Bahasa Indonesia (the local language).
For the next attraction at the Legend Stars Park, you might want to change into something fancy as we are going to meet some superstars! From Hollywood top actors to world-renowned politicians and activists, we were lucky enough to meet some of our celebrity crushes and pose next to them. If you’ve been to a ‘Madame Tussauds” wax museum; you know what we’re talking about!
Their newest addition in the world tour is the ‘Diagon Alley’, where we got to dress like Harry Potter and friends to battle Voldemort!! Being real Harry Potter fans, we found it to be so much fun!
We also recommend you to check out their Fun Tech and Infinity World to play with futuristic technologies! And if like us, you like a good scream, their zombie house is here to freak you out!
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Jawa Timur Park 3
Entrance:Rp. 75,000 (Approximately USD $5.23) on Mon – Thu; Rp. 100,000 (Approximately USD $7) on Fri – Sun. For ticket packages, click here. Address: Jl. Ir. Soekarno No.144, Beji, Junrejo, Batu City, East Java 65236 Phone: +62 341 510 3030; +62 344 510 3033 Opening hours: Mon – Sun 11am-6pm Map of Jatim Park 3
Lunch at Jatim Park 3 is a relatively easy affair! With so many options to choose from – ranging from Japanese and Korean cuisine, fast food chains to authentic Indonesian restaurants, you will never run out of choice!
We personally tried one of the Indonesia restaurants here – ‘Warung Mbok Sri’ and enjoyed their fresh Gurame dishes – both deep fried and sour soup version were real killers!
Reaching Plataran Bromo is pretty much like discovering what heaven on top of a hill looks like. It is a comfortable option for when you’re around to visit Mount Bromo and if you ask us, we’d choose to stay here a million times!
It’s nothing quite like you’ll imagine here; it is like a sanctuary, a retreat high up in the skies amongst clouds and mist. For our stay, we were set in two gorgeous and welcoming rooms – the Deluxe Family Room and the Deluxe Attic Room. Both rooms accommodate a total of three persons and offered us sublime misty views of the nearby agricultural plantations.
Besides, they also have an ultimate family retreat option – their Private Pool Family Villa that can accommodate up to 10 persons! To add, Plataran Bromo’s location atop the highlands offers beautiful sunset views dotted with a show of clouds, if you are lucky like us (they have a viewpoint by the villa for sunset!).
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Plataran Bromo
Rates:From USD $209 for Family Deluxe (Approximately Rp. 2,950,000). Address: Tosari, Wonopolo, Ngadiwono, Tosari, Pasuruan, East Java 67177 Contact: +62 812 1666 9292
Tea time is complimentary for all guests at Plataran Bromo. As from 4pm, you get to indulge in hot cups of tea or coffee, along with a selection of delectable treats – most of which were traditional Indonesian snacks!
After an evening nap in your comfortable rooms, why not head down to Teras Bromo and indulge in Indo-Asian comfort food? The restaurant is playful and offers both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the nearby local plantation.
We dropped by here for lunch but they’re also open for dinner and serve delicious dishes that are really, really, ridiculously packed with flavours!
My all-time favourite is their “Sego Goreng Bukit Cinta” which is fried rice with seafood, pickles, skewer and sunny side up egg. All ingredients come directly from the nearby local farms and fresh juices served are only based on what’s in season.
🍽Other option: If you fancy a Western menu for tonight, you can drop byLangit Bromowithin the hotel itself!
Catch an epic sunrise at Mount Bromo and take breakfast with fairies!
Your last day in East Java is going to be epic! Set your alarm at 3 am because you will have to get to the viewpoint at the break of dawn. But bear in mind – it’ll all be worth it! Even breakfast will be exceptional for this last day!
Note: No private cars are allowed in the national park area. You will need to park and take a jeep to the various spots. Alternatively, we recommend you to opt for a few organised tours (like the one from Plataran Bromo, which even includes a picnic breakfast). Besides tour operators, your hotel might arrange tours to Mount Bromo too!
As at 2019, the entrance fees for Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park are as follows (this entrance fee also includes access to the viewpoints and savannah):
If you don’t mind the crowd or waking up super early to secure the best VIP seat, don’t miss out on this sunrise viewpoint! With Plataran Bromo being conveniently located 40 minutes away from the viewpoint, we reached there early enough so we sat down for an hour to grab a hot coffee at a small stall (it felt so comforting because it was really cold up there!).
In fact, it was so cold that some of us had to rent thick overcoats (you can get one at Rp.20,000). Unfortunately, we were not there when it was snowing! Sunrise at Penanjakan Peak was at 6.30am but we secured the best spots as early as 5am! Yes, that’s what you do for front row seats and for the best views!
Hear me, it will be a painful wait with the cold breeze. I was finding all possible ways to hide away from the cold and time felt like it was going so slow until the sky started to change colour, bursting out gold on lavender melting into saffron.
We were quite lucky as we visited during Ramadan (low season) and it was a weekday so there wasn’t much of a crowd as compared to our first visit in 2018 which was overwhelming due to the weekend horde.
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💡Hate the crowd? Here are other viewpoint options:
Option 2: Come and spot the giant movie monster! – King Kong Hill Address: Area Pegunungan, Wonokitri, Tosari, Pasuruan, East Java 67177 (Coordinates here)
Option 3: Get romantically closer (to Mount Bromo) – Love Hill Address: Area Pegunungan, Wonokitri, Tosari, Pasuruan, East Java 67177 (Coordinates here)
Organized tours options:
Plataran Bromo: For more info, tap to expand!
Jeep and Driver (Including gasoline, excluding entrance ticket) Rates:From Rp. 750,000 per jeep (maximum 5 pax) (Approximately USD$53) Tengger Caldera Wonders (Including 1x Bromo Savannah Picnic Breakfast, Jeep excursion to Penanjakan Sunrise Viewpoint and Bromo Crater)*Exclusively for in-house guests only. Rates:From Rp. 1,500,000 per couple (Approximately USD$105)
Throw in an elephant or two, a zebra and a giraffe and you would be transported to Africa without having to leave Indonesia!
Surely, we did not spot the Big 5, it does not get that wild here, but the scenery at Savannah Bromo is one we are not ready to forget! An expansive grassland scattered with shrubs and isolated trees, guarded by endless mountain ranges – this is where we had the pleasure to enjoy a picnic breakfast, lie down and breathe in fresh air!
The savannah is also home to Teletubbies Hills which (depending on time and season) can get crowded with photography enthusiasts.
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Savannah Bromo
Address: Sariwani, Sukapura, Krajan, Ngadirejo, Sukapura, Probolinggo, Jawa Timur 67254 (Coordinates here)
Last mission of the day: Conquering 200+ steps to reach the Bromo Caldera and stand at the edge of this fiery active volcano! At this point, you will get to see the majestic volcano spew out sulfur smoke – lethal and glorious at the same time (We highly recommend you to wear a mask to protect you from the smoke)! Once on top, you’ll also get to relish on stunning views of the national park and sand dunes lying ahead.
TripCanvas’ Tips: We’d recommend you to look out for your kids and make sure your family members are fit enough to reach the top and handle the sulphur smoke. The set of stairs also gets you tired – it might be more appropriate for kids above 10 years old.
TripCanvas’ Tips: We visited during Ramadan and thoroughly enjoyed as there was no crowd and no horses as compared to the peak seasons!
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Bromo Caldera
Address: Area Gn. Bromo, Podokoyo, Tosari, Pasuruan, East Java (Coordinates here)
I’ve always had a thing for breakfast dates and I could absolutely picture myself with my special one at Jiva Devi Nursery. To say the least, the set-up and atmosphere is magical!
Stepping into the glasshouse, you’re surrounded with beautiful flowers and lush greenery, along with the soothing sounds of a man-made stream filled with eclectic Koi fish, complemented with the morning chirping birds in the background and fluffy rabbits on the outside!
I think that breakfast at Jiva Devi is as close as it gets to stepping into a fairytale – the place is so special and beautiful that it looks like every little girl’s dream. It reminded me of the times I used to set a tea party in my garden when I was a child.
The spread is also quite extensive (pastries, fried rice, fruits, cookies, freshly baked cakes and so much more!), and the experience very intimate, perfect if you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy your first meal of the day.
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Breakfast at Jiva Devi Nursery
Price:From Rp. 500,000 for 2 persons (Approximately USD $35)
Booking yourself a massage at the spa is already a wonderfully indulging experience after conquering Mount Bromo, but spending that time in a room with great views takes it to another level.
That’s exactly what you’re in for when you sign up for a body treatment at Padma Spa. You might possibly doze off while the expert therapists work their magic hands on your sore body but with such panoramic views of the great outdoors, we bet it will be hard to keep your eyes firmly shut.
We had a quick half-body massage which was soothing and relaxing; however the hotel only offers couple treatment rooms so make sure you’re comfortable with whoever you decide to share the room with!
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Padma Spa
Price range:From Rp. 400,000 for 1-hour full body massage (Approximately USD $28)
Now that you’ve happily conquered Mount Bromo and enjoyed stunning attractions around, it is time to head back to the city before catching your flight back home the next day. We decided to stay over the night and opted for a beautiful apartment with stunning city views! We stayed at Ciputra World and loved it as it was conveniently linked to the mall, with plenty of dining options!
If you wish to visit the natural attractions around Malang like Mount Bromo or the surrounding waterfalls, we recommend you to come during the dry season which falls between June to October. Throughout the wet season (December – April), it will be gloomy on most days and terrains at natural attractions can get very slippery.
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We were there during the Ramadan season and thoroughly enjoyed visiting around with no crowd!
Getting around
Renting a car without a driver/ with driver
During our trip to East Java, we rented a private car and decided to self-drive as we’re quite familiar with the roads in Indonesia. We were happy with the services received from ‘Yes rent car ‘and the vehicle was in a very good condition too.
If you’re not confident about driving in Indonesia, opt for their car rental services with driver provided and enjoy a worry-free trip in the highlands!
Without driver: For more info, tap to expand!
Yes Rent Car
Price:Self-drive car from Rp. 300,000 per day (Calya, Approximately USD $21). Address: Jl. Rungkut Mejoyo Utara VIII, Kec. Rungkut, Surabaya City Contact: +62 812 1708 8450 (Whatsapp) Please book at least 1 day in advance to ensure car availability.
Price:Car with driver from Rp. 400,000 per day (Avanza, Approximately USD $28) Address: Jl. Mayjend Sungkono IV No 121, Kedungkandang, Malang City Contact: +62 813 5347 0333
Note: It is important to apply for an international driving license (in the country where your driving license was issued) prior to your road trip in Indonesia. Procedures are usually simple and just require some paperwork and a few processing days (depending on your country).
Travel Budget- Estimated Cost Breakdown
Do note that the breakdown below is based on estimated costs. Actual costs may vary slightly.
Flight cost: Travelling from Singapore: SGD $149/ USD $110 per pax (USD $440 for 4 pax) Travelling from Malaysia: MYR 452 / USD $109 per pax (USD $436 for 4 pax)
Activities (4 pax): Approximately USD $329 (calculated based on activities listed, not inclusive of shopping)
Car rental (4 pax): Approximately USD $140 (for private car with driver for 5 days)
Total costs for food (4 pax): Approximately USD $185
Total costs for hotel (4 pax): Approximately USD $379
Estimated Total for 4 pax from Singapore (Flight+Activities+Transport+Food+Hotel): ~ USD $1,473 (~USD $368/ SGD $499 per pax) Estimated Total for 4 pax from Malaysia (Flight+Activities+Transport+Food+Hotel): USD $1,469 (~USD $367/ RM 1,519 per pax)
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Junanto Xu: Aspiring travel photographer who loves to make his friends laugh and explore the unseen side of a city. He dreams of unravelling untold stories and leaving footprints all over the world.
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