4D3N Scenic adventure itinerary from Surabaya to Mount Bromo: Things to do, where to stay and how to reach this active volcano!

Written by Beverley Lennon

All photos are taken by the TripCanvas team unless otherwise stated.

We sure all know that Indonesia is home to several dynamic volcanoes, as after all, it is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire!

One of the most visited volcanoes in the country is Mount Bromo, it is not only stunningly located in a “Sea of Sand” but it is also pretty easy to reach – no hiking required, a walk up a series of stairs will lead you to the summit.

Having been to Mount Bromo back in 2018, I was overly excited to head there again a year later. For those who know me, I love to say that the views at Mount Bromo are one of the most beautiful I have seen throughout my lifetime so I’d most probably miss my best friend’s wedding (jokes!) only for another trip to this iconic active volcano!

Truth be told, my first time at Mount Bromo was quite deceiving – I could not make it to the top of the crater due to the sulphur, dust from running horses, scorching hot sun and overwhelming crowd, but this time we visited during Ramadan (fasting) season and it was an absolute breeze, I made it to the top! I conquered the volcano!!

So perhaps if you’re also looking at exploring the volcanoes around Indonesia, I’d personally say that Mount Bromo is a good option to begin with, and along the way, you can explore a hidden waterfall, stay among the clouds and easily reach the fiery volcano!

Read More:

5D4N Adventurous road trip itinerary to Surabaya, Mount Bromo, and Kawah Ijen under $250

Overview

Ready for an exciting adventure?

This itinerary will take you to uncover not only Mount Bromo Crater but also the lesser-known natural wonders in and around. Starting with a magical Amazonian-looking waterfall, you will venture to some of the most impressive natural wonders in the region. We’ve also included the best spots to dine and stay at so you can be sure to enjoy a comfortable trip.

Getting to Surabaya

Itinerary

Day 1

Sleep to endless city views from your stay!

Day 1 Route

Day 2

Let the adventure begin as you explore a mystical Amazonian-like waterfall!

Day 2 Route

Day 3

Tick off sunrise at Mount Bromo from your adventure bucket list!

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):

Domestic visitors
Weekday: Rp. 27,500 (Approximately USD$1.93)
Weekend: Rp. 32,500 (Approximately USD$2.28)

International visitors
Weekday: Rp. 217,500 (Approximately USD$15.30)
Weekend: Rp. 317,500 (Approximately USD$22.30)

Secure the best spot at this iconic viewpoint – Penanjakan Peak (2 hours)

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). 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.

Also, try to find the little path before the staircases (right beside the outdoor prayer room) and take in the panoramic views of Mount Bromo fuming and Mount Semeru also puffing in the background! We still can’t get over how magical that morning glow looked like over these two majestic volcanoes, especially after the crowd had left. I always tell people that this is one of the most beautiful sceneries I have seen in the whole world!

Photo via TripCanvas

💡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

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)

Website

Sacred Bromo

(Including Bromo Caldera, Sacred Temple Poten, Widodaren Sacred Fountain, Widodaren Peak, Bromo Savanna Sunset)
Rates: From Rp. 1,500,000 per couple (Approximately USD$105)

Website

Duta Bromo Tour

Jeep Tour
Rates: From Rp. 550,000 per jeep (Approximately USD$39)
Contact: +62 343 443579 / +62 813 3323 0888 (Whatsapp)

Website

Bromo Executive

Bromo Midnight Tour
Rates: From Rp. 350,900 per person (Approximately USD$25)
Contact: +62 822 9981 6630

Website

Discover Indonesia’s very own little Africa! – Bromo Savannah (1 hour)

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!

There is nothing better to do at the savannah than to laze on a mat, enjoy some refreshing drinks and take in the spectacular scenery and morning sun rays (remember to apply lots of sunscreen!). Within a few minutes, we were surrounded by other jeeps and even a Bakso seller, so come here as early as you can (right after sunrise at the hill).

The savannah is also home to Teletubbies Hills which (depending on time and season) can get crowded with photography enthusiasts.

More info (tap to expand)

Savannah Bromo

Address: Sariwani, Sukapura, Krajan, Ngadirejo, Sukapura, Probolinggo, Jawa Timur 67254 (Coordinates here)

Mask on, come and conquer the active volcano! – Bromo Caldera (1 hour)

Now, the time has come to tick off one of your bucket list items! From the jeep parking area, you will be required to walk through the sand dunes for a good 15 minutes before reaching the set of stairs that lead to the top of the crater.

If luck is on your side and you’re visiting at the right season (we recommend to come during Ramadan), the walk up will be pretty easy, as long as you don’t rush it and take breaks in between. During peak season, it is a whole different scene as the area is packed to the brim with adventurous travellers and horses, which makes it less enjoyable.

Once on top of the crater, you’ll be able to relish on the beautiful surrounding views and be thrilled with the thick fumes puffing out (be sure to wear your mask and drink water!). You can also take a walk around certain areas of the crater and sometimes you can even hear the volcano roar!

TripCanvas Tip: Remember to bring along a mask as the sulphur fumes at the caldera and dust can be pretty choking!

Photo via TripCanvas

More info (tap to expand)

Bromo Caldera

Address: Area Gn. Bromo, Podokoyo, Tosari, Pasuruan, East Java (Coordinates here)

Go on a whimsical breakfast date with fairies at Jiva Devi Nursery (1 hour)

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.

Photo via TripCanvas

More info (tap to expand)

Breakfast at Jiva Devi Nursery

Price: From Rp. 500,000 for 2 persons (Approximately USD $35)

🍷 In need of a dinner date idea? Jiva Devi Nursery also hosts private garden romantic dinner served by a personal butler.

Sign up for a massage with a side of magical valley views – Padma Spa (1 hour)

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.

There are various essential oils to choose from, each for a different purpose, and with the hotel being located on top of a hill, you can surely expect serenity and tranquility throughout your whole treatment.

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!

Photo via TripCanvas

More info (tap to expand)

Padma Spa

Price range: From Rp. 400,000 for 1-hour full body massage (Approximately USD $28)

Website

Optional: Stand under giant rainlike streams – Madakaripura Waterfall

If you’re keen to check out another waterfall in the area, drop by Madakaripura Waterfall and stand under its magnificent giant rainlike streams that make their way through the thick green moss. We did not manage to drop by here, but we seriously wished we did!

The place is known to be sacred and is often visited by people looking for a peaceful retreat to meditate in and be cut off from the real world. It is accessible within an easy 20-minute trek through rivers and beautiful scenery, and pictures simply don’t do justice to the beauty of this place.

P.S. Gushing down from over 200 metres high, it is almost inevitable that you’ll get wet when you are nearing the waterfall, but rest assured that you can always find stalls along the trekking path offering umbrella rentals, raincoats and waterproof bags to protect your valuables, such as cameras.

Photo via aandicky

TripCanvas’ Tips:

🏊🏻‍♀️ Safety first: It gets very deep near the entry point of the falls, so make sure everyone can swim or wears proper safety gear!

💰Be wary of the tour guides approaching you there, there’s absolutely no need to hire a local tour guide to access the waterfall – these people are scammers!

More info (tap to expand)

Madakaripura Waterfall

Address: Branggah, Sapih, Lumbang, Sapih, Lumbang, Probolinggo, Jawa Timur 67183 (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8am-6pm
Entrance fee: Rp. 21,000 (Approximately USD$1.49)

Hop on your way back to civilization – Surabaya!

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 opted for a lovely and convenient Airbnb stay!

Photo via TripCanvas

Book your Surabaya stay here:

Day 3 Route

Day 4

Pack your memories and head to the airport!

Time to head back home and start planning your next adventure to discover more of Indonesia’s fiery volcanoes! Have you thought about the iconic blue flames of Ijen?!

Day 4 Route

Best time to travel

The best time to hike Mount Bromo is during the local dry season (June – October), so mark your calendars for the ultimate views! Also, we’d personally recommend you to visit during Ramadan season and on a weekday to avoid the crowd!

Getting around

Car rental with driver recommendation: Zena Travelindo
Rates: From Rp. 400,000 per day with a driver, excluding gas and parking fee (approximately USD 30).

Note: Although the rates include the driver’s living expenses during the trip, we still encourage you to tip them daily for meals or accommodation (may vary from Rp. 50,000 – 100,000 per day)

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 $187/ USD $137 per pax (USD $548 for 4 pax)
Travelling from Malaysia: MYR 505 / USD $121 per pax (USD $484 for 4 pax)

Activities (4 pax): Approximately USD $427 (calculated based on activities listed, not inclusive of shopping)

Car rental (4 pax): Approximately USD $120 (for private car with driver for 4 days)

Total cost for food (4 pax): Approximately USD $87

Total cost for hotel (4 pax): Approximately USD $384

Estimated Total for 4 pax from Singapore (Flight+Activities+Transport+Food+Hotel): ~ USD $1566 (~USD $391/ SGD $534 per pax)

Estimated Total for 4 pax from Malaysia (Flight+Activities+Transport+Food+Hotel): USD $ 1502 (~USD $375/ RM 1565 per pax)

Packing list

TripCanvas tried-and-tested: Your pocket-friendly essential packing list!

Although your day in and around Mount Bromo would likely not be a die-hard one, based on our personal experiences, you should not miss these must-pack items before heading there:

Why I’d go on a Bromo adventure for a third time?

There are a million reasons why I am thinking of making this Bromo adventure a yearly affair. First, I’ve got a good bunch of friends looking forward to explore Mount Bromo so why not accompany them?! I can’t possibly say no to one of the most beautiful sunrise spots in the whole world.

But more than that, I personally think that this adventure is a good break from my usual beach retreats around South East Asia. Here I can experience the diversity of mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls, sand dunes and much more, all at once!

What’s more, it is what I call a “comfortable” adventure that is not too rugged and one where you don’t have to rough it out in nature as you can find a comfortable stay in the clouds which is Plataran Bromo – our home away from home!

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