MAKE TRIP IN BROMO IJEN CRATER

Planning a trip to Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater is an exciting adventure, as both locations offer stunning natural landscapes and unique volcanic experiences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey:

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit both Bromo and Ijen is during the dry season, which typically lasts from April to October. This ensures better weather conditions for hiking and sightseeing.

Transportation to Bromo and Ijen

You can visit Bromo and Ijen from major cities like Surabaya or Bali. Here’s how to get there:

Bromo:

• From Surabaya to Bromo: The drive takes around 3 hours by car. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a train to Probolinggo and then a jeep to Bromo.
• From Malang to Bromo: Malang is another popular starting point, located about 2.5-3 hours away from Bromo.

Ijen:

• From Surabaya to Ijen: After your visit to Bromo, you can continue to Ijen. The drive is around 6-7 hours from Bromo or Surabaya.
• From Bali to Ijen: If you’re starting in Bali, you can take a ferry to Java, then continue by car to Ijen. This journey can take around 5-6 hours.

Best Way to Explore Bromo and Ijen

Both Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater require early starts and some physical exertion, especially when hiking to view the volcanic landscapes.

Mount Bromo:

• Arriving Early for Sunrise: One of the highlights of visiting Bromo is watching the sunrise. To get a great view, you’ll need to leave your accommodation around 2:30 AM to reach the Penanjakan Viewpoint (or Kingkong Hill).
• Jeep Tour to the Crater: Most travelers rent a 4×4 jeep from the town of Cemoro Lawang to take them to the viewpoint and across the Sea of Sand to the base of Bromo. From there, you’ll hike up to the crater rim.
• Hike to the Crater Rim: After crossing the Sea of Sand, you can hike to the crater’s edge. The hike is relatively short (about 45 minutes), but the air can be thin and cold, so prepare accordingly.
• What to Bring: Warm clothes for the early morning, a flashlight, good hiking shoes, and a camera for the sunrise.

Ijen Crater:

• Hiking to Ijen Crater: The hike to the top of Ijen is more challenging and requires stamina. It takes around 2 hours to reach the crater’s rim from the base, depending on your fitness level. The trail can be steep in some sections.
• Blue Fire Phenomenon: Ijen is famous for its blue fire, which is visible only at night, typically between 2 AM and 4 AM. If you want to see the blue fire, you will need to start your hike in the middle of the night, often with a local guide.
• The Crater Lake: Once at the top, you’ll witness the stunning sulfur lake, the largest acidic lake in the world. The lake and surrounding scenery are breathtaking.
• What to Bring: Warm clothes (it can be cold early in the morning), a mask for the sulfur fumes, a flashlight, and sturdy shoes for hiking.

Related post : Bromo ijen Tour From Yogyakarta

Accommodation

• Bromo: The village of Cemoro Lawang has a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. You can also stay in Probolinggo or Malang and make a day trip to Bromo.
• Ijen: Accommodation near Ijen is more limited but still available in the town of Banyuwangi, the closest city to Ijen. There are guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and homestays in this area.

Guided Tours

While it’s possible to visit Bromo and Ijen on your own, many travelers prefer booking a guided tour for convenience. Most tours include:

• Transportation (pickup from your hotel in Surabaya or Bali)
• A jeep tour to Bromo
• A local guide for the Ijen hike
• Meals and drinks along the way
• A well-organized itinerary

Related Post : Ijen Crater Tour from Bali

What to Bring

• Clothing: Layers for warmth in the early morning (Bromo can get quite cold), light clothing for hiking during the day.
• Footwear: Good trekking shoes, especially for Ijen.
• Accessories: Camera, sunscreen, hat, gloves (if you’re visiting in the colder months), and a mask for sulfur fumes at Ijen.
• Water and Snacks: Carry water and light snacks, though you can find food at local stalls or shops around Bromo and Ijen.

Safety Tips

• Altitude: Both Bromo and Ijen are at high altitudes, so you might feel short of breath. Take it slow and drink plenty of water.
• Sulfur Gas at Ijen: The fumes can be very strong around Ijen, so it’s highly recommended to wear a mask or gas mask to protect yourself from the sulfuric smell and gases.
• Weather: Weather conditions can change quickly, so be prepared for rain, fog, or wind, especially in the highlands.

Additional Tips

• Plan for the sunrise at Bromo: The best views of the sunrise happen around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM. Be sure to get there early, as it can get crowded.
• Hike to Ijen Crater at night: To catch the blue fire, be ready for a challenging, dark, and sometimes slippery hike, but the experience is worth the effort.
• Respect the Environment: Both Bromo and Ijen are volcanic areas, so please be careful and respect the natural surroundings.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Surabaya To Hotel Bromo Area

• We will pick you up in Surabaya
• We drive to Hotel around Bromo area
• Arrive in hotel Rest and prepare for an early morning at Bromo

Day 2: Bromo Tour to Hotel Ijen Area

• 2:30 AM: Depart for Bromo’s viewpoint to catch the sunrise by jeep
• 5:30 AM: We will see sunrise and Explore Bromo’s crater
• 8:00 AM; Back to hotel for breakfast and take shower
• 10:00 AM: Depart for hotel around Ijen Crater
• Evening: Relax and rest

Day 3: Ijen Crater Tour to Bali, Ketapang harbor, Surabaya

• 12:30 AM: Depart for Ijen Crater hike
• 4:30 AM: View the blue fire and crater lake
• 7:00 AM: Return to hotel for breakfast, take shower and check ou
• 9:00 AM: Head back to Surabaya, Bali, or onward destination

This itinerary can be adjusted depending on your travel style and time constraints. With careful planning, this adventure will be a memorable and rewarding experience!