Magnificent and stunning: Bromo volcano sunrise tour
#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025
Indonesia's Bromo volcano is one of the most spectacular active volcanoes in the world, located in the Tengger volcanic area in the east of Java Island. Although this volcano is not high, it has a breathtaking view, especially when standing on the observation deck and watching the morning light slowly illuminate the layers of clouds and volcanic groups, one can feel the infinite shock of nature. This trip to Bromo is an unforgettable adventure, from the off-road vehicle adventure that starts in the early morning, the magnificent sunrise over the crater, to the thrilling experience of stepping onto the crater yourself.
🚙 Departure in the early morning - off-road vehicle tour on the rugged mountain road
To visit Bromo Volcano, you must get up at three in the morning because the most beautiful scenery is at sunrise. I started from the small town of Cemoro Lawang and took a local four-wheel drive jeep (Jeep 4WD) along the rugged mountain road towards the volcano.
Along the way, the off-road vehicle bumped across the rugged volcanic sand. It was pitch black outside the car window, and occasionally the taillights of the vehicle in front could be seen flashing, like a winding fire dragon shuttling through the mountains. The cold mountain wind blew in through the window cracks. Even in tropical Indonesia, the temperature here is only around 10°C in the early morning. Even wrapped in a thick coat, I can still feel the chill of the mountains.
🌄 Bromo sunrise - dreamy sea of clouds and volcanoes
At about 4:30 in the morning, we arrived at the Penanjakan Observation Deck, which is one of the best places to watch the sunrise over Bromo Volcano. It was not yet daybreak, but many travelers had already gathered, waiting with bated breath for the magnificent sight of nature.
As the sky gradually brightened, the clouds in the distance began to turn a faint golden color, and then the orange-red morning light slowly emerged, lighting up the entire sky. As the sun shines on the sea of clouds, the spectacular Bromo, Batok and Semeru volcanoes gradually become visible. The entire volcanic group seems to be floating above the sea of clouds, like a dream. At this moment, all the coldness and fatigue were replaced by the beautiful scenery before our eyes, and we could only quietly immerse ourselves in this miracle of nature.
When the sun rises fully, the view becomes clearer and you can clearly see the Bromo crater constantly spewing white smoke, while the Semeru volcano in the background, the highest peak on Java Island, occasionally spews out wisps of black smoke, reminding people that this land is still an active volcanic zone.
🌋 Enter Bromo Crater - A Shocking Volcanic Experience
After enjoying the sunrise, we took the jeep again and crossed a large area of black volcanic sand "moon surface" to the trail entrance of Bromo Volcano. This piece of sand is made up of volcanic ash. It is desolate and vast, with no vegetation at all. It looks like the surface of an alien planet.
From the trailhead, it’s a 250-step hike up to the crater. Although the uphill process is not long, due to the steep terrain and the fact that the volcanic ash is fine and easy to slide, every step needs to be taken with caution. The most special thing is that when you approach the crater, you can clearly hear the roar coming from the ground. That is the sound of lava activity, which makes people feel the power of the earth instantly.
Standing on the edge of the crater and looking down, you can see thick sulfur smoke constantly coming out of the volcano. The air is filled with a pungent smell of sulfur, reminding people that this volcano is still an active geological wonder. This close encounter with an active volcano is both shocking and awe-inspiring, and it also makes you feel more deeply the power and unpredictability of nature.
💞Recommendation reason: A soul-stirring volcano trip
Mount Bromo is not only Indonesia's most iconic natural attraction, but also a journey to experience the magnificence and power of nature. From setting off in a jeep in the early morning, witnessing the magical moment of sunrise at the observation deck, to finally climbing up to the crater in person, this journey is full of adventure and emotion.
If you love magnificent natural scenery and are not afraid of hard work, the Bromo volcano trip is definitely worth a try!