A 1 AM wake-up call, freezing temperatures, an erupting volcano and a Mount Bromo sunrise that left Beth in tears. Here’s our first-hand experience at one of Indonesia’s most hyped destinations.
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Why We Finally Decided To Visit Mount Bromo
For years, people kept telling us the same thing:
“You have to visit Mount Bromo.”
Local Indonesians recommended it. Fellow travellers recommended it. Friends who had visited East Java recommended it.
The more people told us to go, the more convinced we became that this wasn’t just another overhyped tourist attraction.
Mount Bromo had quietly become one of the biggest bucket-list experiences of our entire Indonesia adventure.
So when the morning finally arrived, and the sun began rising over the volcanoes of East Java, Beth actually got a little emotional.
After dreaming about this place for so long, it felt surreal to finally be standing there.
Our Early Arrival
We stayed at a homestay near Mount Bromo, which meant we could leave around 1am and reach the sunrise viewpoint well before the crowds arrived.
At first, we thought we were ridiculously early, then we discovered why.
During busy periods, there can be thousands of jeeps heading up the mountain before sunrise. Locals told us that more than 2,000 jeeps can operate around Bromo during peak season.
Some visitors actually miss sunrise because they get caught in jeep traffic.
Getting there early turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.
Not only did we secure a perfect viewing spot, but we also had time to grab breakfast, practise our Bahasa Indonesia with locals and soak up the atmosphere before the crowds arrived.
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Breakfast Above The Clouds
One thing we absolutely loved was the abundance of things to do while waiting for sunrise.
Rather than standing around in the cold, we found a small local coffee shop serving hot drinks and snacks.
Naturally, we ordered two of our Indonesian favourites:
Pisang Goreng (fried banana)
Good Day Cappuccino
If you’ve watched our videos before, you’ll know Good Day Cappuccino is practically a travel companion at this point.
We spent the next couple of hours chatting with locals, practising Indonesian, shopping for souvenirs and FaceTiming our guide Aris, who had become a close friend during our East Java adventures.
The Bromo Sunrise That Made Beth Cry
As the first light appeared behind Mount Bromo, the entire landscape slowly transformed.
Layers of volcanoes emerged from the darkness. Clouds rolled across the valleys. And then something incredible happened… Mount Semeru erupted.
Watching a volcano erupt while standing above another volcano at sunrise is one of those experiences that doesn’t feel real.
The eruption itself was a normal small eruption that Semeru produces regularly, but seeing the ash plume rise into the morning sky made the whole experience feel even more magical.
We spent ages simply standing there taking it all in.
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Don’t Stress About The Jeep Traffic
One thing you’ll hear people complain about is the jeep traffic.
Yes, there are lots of jeeps. Yes, you may spend some time moving slowly.
But you’re surrounded by one of the most spectacular landscapes in Indonesia.
The drivers were joking with each other, beeping their horns, laughing and creating a fun atmosphere.
Instead of getting frustrated, we used the time to chat with locals, practise Indonesian and simply enjoy the view. And truly, the Mount Bromo experience is worth it!
Exploring The Sea Of Sand
After sunrise, the jeeps descend into Mount Bromo’s famous Sea of Sand, an enormous volcanic landscape that feels more like another planet than Indonesia.
Our driver, Rian, stopped at several beautiful viewpoints where we could photograph the colourful jeeps against the dramatic volcanic backdrop.
This turned out to be one of our favourite parts of the entire trip.
Walking To Bromo’s Crater Edge
The final section of the tour takes you to the crater itself.
You’ll walk across the Sea of Sand before climbing a long staircase to the rim of the volcano.
It’s definitely manageable for most people, but it does require a reasonable level of fitness.
If you’d prefer not to walk, horses are available, and many visitors choose this option.
When we finally reached the top, we were completely blown away.
The crater sits directly in front of you.
There are no barriers between you and the volcano. You’re simply standing on the edge looking down into one of Indonesia’s most active landscapes.
The sound was the biggest surprise. The volcano roars constantly.
The only comparison we could think of was standing beside huge waves crashing against cliffs, it was amazing!
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The Best Tip Nobody Told Us
Most visitors stop near the top of the staircase.
Walk further.
The further you continue along the crater rim, the quieter it becomes.
Within minutes, the crowds disappear.
At one point, we practically had sections of the crater edge to ourselves.
Beth’s Unexpected Horseback Adventure
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, on the way back down, we started chatting with some of the local horse handlers.
Before long, Beth found herself riding solo across the volcanic landscape.
As someone who grew up riding horses, it felt like a childhood dream come true.
Galloping across the Sea of Sand with Mount Bromo towering behind was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
Things We Loved
- The incredible sunrise views
- Watching Mount Semeru erupt
- The friendliness of our local guides
- The Epic jeep ride through the Sea of Sand
- Standing on the crater rim
- Practising Bahasa Indonesia with locals
- The surprisingly fun atmosphere around the jeeps
- Beth’s horseback ride across the lava field
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Things To Be Aware Of
- It gets very cold before sunrise
- Start as early as possible, as jeep traffic can get very busy
- Bring layers even if visiting Indonesia’s dry season
- Weather can affect visibility
- The crater can smell strongly of sulphur depending on wind direction
- The staircase to the crater rim is steep
- Drone regulations can change, so always check local rules before flying
Useful Information
Best Time To Visit
The earlier the better.
Most tours begin around 1am to 3am for good reason. Clouds often arrive later in the morning and can completely obscure the view.
What To Wear
Bring warm layers.
You can also rent jackets at the sunrise viewpoint if needed.
Can You Visit Mount Bromo Without A Tour?
Short answer … No. You need to book a tour, but there are loads of providers to choose from. You can pick a day trip if you are already staying in East Java, which is super affordable, or choose to book a multi-day tour from Bali, which can often include other amazing spots, including Tumpak Sewu and Mount Ijen.
Mount Bromo Tour Options
Is Mount Bromo Worth It?
Without question. We’ve experienced some incredible places across Indonesia, but Mount Bromo remains one of the most unforgettable mornings we’ve ever had.
Not just because of the views or volcanoes. But because every part of the day felt special, from drinking Good Day Cappuccino before sunrise to standing on the crater rim and watching Mount Semeru erupt in the distance.
Some places live up to the hype.
Mount Bromo is one of them!
Related Experiences
Here are some of our other East Java adventures! There are so many incredible things to do close to each other, so definitely check out Mount Ijen, Tumpak Sewu and Semeru Volcano if you are in East Java!