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Mount Bromo Indonesia

East Java Tourism Board Courtesy

Mount Bromo is one of the most actively promoted attractions in East Java today is the excursion to Mount Bromo, situated in Tengger. It is a vast mountain, an eruption of massive proportions blew off its top leaving a huge caldera in which two peaks are located. One is the active volcano of Bromo and the other is the non-active of Mount Batok.

The uniqueness of the area's characteristic is a reminiscent of a moonscape rather than anything related to the earth offers such breathtaking experiences, like observing sunrises and gazing into the volcano's crater. Mt. Bromo is about 2,382 meters above sea level. Time has filled the caldera with grey sand and this expanse, which you walk across en route to Bromo itself, is known as the Sand Sea. It is about 10 km.
   Across the Sand Sea is Mount Batok with its almost perfect cone. To the south, Mount Semeru, the highest mountain in Java provides a fining backdrop for this unearthly scene. While crossing the Sand Sea, low-lying fog which often envelops the caldera's floor, adds to the mystery of the surroundings. As the temperature drops several degrees, the combination of cold air and the strange echoing of horse's hoofs creates a fantastic sensation of walking across a huge frozen lake. Temperatures at the top of Mt. Bromo range about 5 to 18 degrees Celsius.

In the south, there is a rolling upland plateau dissected by valleys and dotted with several small scenic lakes extending to the foot of Mt. Semeru, a towering grey forest-skirted cone dominating the southern landscape. The offering ceremony of Kasodo is held each year by Tenggerese on the 14th day of full moon Kesodo (Tenggerese Calendar). Inhabitants of Tengger Mountain gather at the rim of Mt. Bromo's active crater to present annual offerings of rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, livestock, and other local products to the God of the mountain. As adherents of religion combining elements of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, they ask for blessing from the supreme God Hyang Widi Wasa.

Tourists are driven to the small town of Ngadisari, about six km north-east of Bromo. It is the base camp of the expedition. Necessities for the trip include a torch, warm clothing and some alcoholic drinks as a protection against the freezing temperature which hovers between zero to five degrees Celsius (33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit). From Ngadisari, the ascent to the crater takes about two hours on foot. On horse-back (ponies can be hired) the excursion takes about an hour and a half. Excursions normally start around midnight.

Ngadisari also has hotel facilities. This enables trippers to stay the night and get up somewhat later than midnight for the trek to Bromo. The last stage of the trip is the flight of steps leading to the rim of Bromo's crater, and, finally, the incomparable view of the rising in the morning time to watch the glorious sunrise.

The National Park

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers some 800 square kilometers in the centre of East Java. It is the largest volcanic region in the province and there stands Mt. Semeru, which rises 3676 meters above sea level. At its northern end is the spectacular Tengger Caldera, Java's largest, with its 10 km barren desert-like sea of sand. Within the caldera rise the deeply fissured volcanic cones of Batok and Bromo, the latter is still active with a cavernous crater from which smoke blows skyward. Temperatures at the top of mount Bromo range about 5 to 18 degrees Celsius . To the south is a rolling upland plateau dissected by valleys and dotted with several small scenic lakes, extending to the foot of Mount Semeru, a towering grey forest-skirted cone dominating the southern landscape.

Tengger sandy area has been protected since 1919, and its believed to be the only conservation area in Indonesia, even probably in the world possessing a unique ocean and sand at the attitude about 2000 m above sea level. There are several mountains inside the calderas namely: Mt Watangan (2,661 m asl)., Mt Batok (2,470 m asl), Mt Kursi (2,581 asl), Mt Watangan (2,661 m asl), and Mt Widadaren (2,650 m asl).

On the fourteenth day of the Month Kasada, the inhabitants of Tengger Mountain range gather at the rim of Mount Bromo's active crater to present annual offerings of rice, fruit, vegetables, flowers, live stock and other local produce to the God of the Mountain, as adherents of religion combining elements of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism the Tenggerese ask for blessing from the supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. This ceremony called Kesodo Ceremony.

While the Great Mountain or Semeru offer a wonderful place to 3 days hike. Serenity of small lakes and large meadows, a three hours struggling through loose screw to the peak and breathtaking views from peak Semeru explodes every half hour and sends billowing smoke upwards. These gases and belching lava make Semeru dangerous " stay well away from the vent. The fine scenery and bracing climate, easy access and reasonably visitor-oriented facilities make this one of the most popular reserves in Java.

Getting There
Bromo Tengger Semeru can be reached by private and public vehicle. There are four gates to access the place, Probolinggo, Wonokitri, Ngadas and Lumajang. Probolinggo approach is the easiest and by fat the most popular route, especially if you go by public bus, Wonokitri is the closes and the easiest one if you go by private vehicle from Surabaya (5 hours journey). To get closer to Mt. Bromo you must rent 4x4 vehicles (there are many 4x4 vehicles rental there).

Where to Stay
There are a few options that you can choose to stay. You can stay at The Bromo Guest House which is located at Ngadisari that lies 3 km from the crater rim. Or you can choose other hotels at Cemoro Lawang because it this situated at the crater rim.

Other Things to See or Do
Walking on the sea of sand and stepping up on the 249 steps to rim is worth to try. Enjoying the unique crater in crater, watching the dawn at Bromo is the main attractions in the area.

Dining Guide
Its kindly hard to find some food at night, because mostly of warung are closed after 7.30 pm. If you're in Wonokitri area, there's some warung in Tosari market, which still open at 7-9 pm.

Souvenir Tips
There are many souvenir shops around Mount Bromo viewpoints who are selling T-shirts, scarf that are made from wool and others. There are also street hawkers who are selling these things too at the caldera area.

Moving Around
You can moving around on foot and normally it will takes 2 hours, or you can ride a horse or even rent a jeep (for this two, you are suggested to ask first and make a negotiation)

Travel Tips
» Necessities for the trip include a torch, warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, and glove as a protection against the freezing temperature which hovers between zero to five degrees Celsius (33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit).

»If you buy or rent something please Bargain.

» Sunrise starts at 5.00 am till 6.00 am (If weren't cloudy), so you may leave from your hotel or guesthouse at 3 am or even less than that.

» Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your places of stay.

» Otherwise, you can buy some food and drink on the nearest markets for your supply before you start your activities on mountain.

» If you are come in the right time, you may possible to watch the annual ceremony of Kesodo.