Mount Bromo is one of the active volcanoes in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Located in East Java, Mount Bromo has a unique charm that draws visitors from around the world. You can witness the Bromo crater up close, wander through the vast savanna, or capture romantic moments with your partner against the backdrop of the stunning volcano.
Known as the “Sacred Volcano,” Bromo is protected and revered by the local community. The people here often perform religious rituals at Luhur Temple, located at the foot of Mount Bromo’s peak.
This guide will walk you through the must-do activities, key attractions, ticket prices, local cuisine, and accommodations around Mount Bromo. Whether you’re chasing a sunrise or exploring the cultural rituals of the Tenggerese people, this guide has got you covered.
Why Visit Mount Bromo?
Mount Bromo’s breathtaking landscapes and expansive sand sea make it a destination that deserves to be on your travel list. Rising 2,329 meters above sea level, this volcano stretches across Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Malang, and Lumajang in East Java.
One of the most magical aspects of Bromo is the deep spiritual connection that the Tenggerese people, the indigenous inhabitants, have with the volcano. They hold the mountain in high regard, making it the focal point of annual rituals at Pura Luhur, where they offer food, flowers, and other items to the volcano’s crater. Experiencing this ceremony is a unique opportunity to learn about their culture and spirituality.
What to See
Mount Bromo Sunrise at Bukit Cinta and Penanjakan 1
You’ve probably seen those iconic images of Mount Bromo surrounded by a sea of clouds. These photos are usually taken from Bukit Cinta (Love Hill) or Penanjakan 1. These two hills, situated close to each other, are the perfect spots to witness a stunning sunrise or to take a memorable selfie with Mount Bromo in the background.
At Love Hill, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of nature—vast sandy plains, green mountains, and a clear view of the Bromo crater.
To see these incredible views, you can rent a Jeep and tour the Bromo area through the Penanjakan entrance. If you get hungry, there are food stalls at the base of the hill serving snacks like fried treats, warm drinks, and instant noodles.
Backindo Tip: Arrive early, around 2 or 3 AM, to secure the best spot for sunrise photography, especially on weekends when the area gets crowded.
Lembah Watangan (Teletubbies Hill)
Watangan Valley, also known as Teletubbies Hill, is a sprawling meadow covered in lush green grass. It’s a popular spot for photography, particularly for pre-wedding shoots, thanks to its beautiful backdrop of rolling hills.
Pasir Berbisik (Whispering Sands)
In contrast to the green hills of Watangan Valley, Whispering Sands is a vast expanse of volcanic sand. The wind blows strongly here, creating a whispering sound in the sand, which is how this area got its name.
Backindo Tip: Given that most areas in Bromo are sandy, it's wise to bring a mask and sunglasses to protect yourself from the dust.
Hiking to the Summit of Mount Bromo
Climbing to the top of Mount Bromo is much easier than climbing other mountains. There are well-constructed steps leading up to the peak where you can get a close view of the crater. For a different experience on the way down, try running down the sandy slopes instead of using the stairs—it’s a lot of fun and feels like sand boarding as you descend!
Pura Luhur Poten
At the foot of Mount Bromo lies Pura Luhur Poten, a sacred temple still in active use by the Tenggerese Hindu community. The temple plays a key role in the annual Yadnya Kasada festival, where offerings ‘Sesajen’ are made to the mountain.
During the ceremony, offerings such as food and flowers are thrown into the crater as part of a spiritual ritual. Hundreds of locals gather for this event, seeking blessings. If you’d like to witness the ceremony, it typically takes place around June or July.
Ready for a change from volcanoes to sea life? Discover the pristine beaches and vibrant marine world of Karimunjawa in our guide.
What to Do in Bromo
Exploring Bromo with a Jeep Tour
One of the best ways to explore the Bromo area is by renting a Jeep. The drivers will guide you to several tourist spots, including a sunrise tour. A Jeep (which can hold up to 5 people) costs between IDR 500,000 and IDR 1,400,000 (approximately USD 32 – USD 89), depending on your pick-up point. Don’t forget to negotiate to get the best rate.
You can look for a rental at one of the nearby locations or ask your accommodation for assistance. Alternatively, you can book it online and benefit from reviews left by other clients.
Horse Riding
Another way to explore the sandy plains of Bromo is on horseback. You can hire a horse for around IDR 150,000 to IDR 200,000 (about USD 9.60 – USD 12.80) and enjoy a unique ride across the sea of sand.
How to Get to Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is accessible from several major cities in East Java, and the journey to this sacred volcano can be done by plane, train, or bus, depending on your starting point. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to reach Bromo from various locations:
From Jakarta to Bromo
By Plane
If you’re traveling from Jakarta to Bromo, you can take a flight to Juanda Airport (Surabaya). From there, look for DAMRI KSPN buses heading to Bungur Asih Terminal, Surabaya, after that continue the journey by DAMRI KSPN Shuttle to Wonokitri Bromo or Tosari Terminal, in Pasuruan. Then, you can continue your journey by renting a Jeep or motorcycle taxi (ojek).
By Train
Take a train from Gambir or Pasar Senen Station to Pasar Turi Station in Surabaya. You can take the Argo Bromo Anggrek train (executive and luxury sleeper class) from Gambir to Pasar Turi, or for a cheaper option, take the Jayabaya train in economy class from Pasar Senen (though this will take longer).
The journey starts at around PM and arrives in Surabaya at 4:35 AM. From there, you can catch a DAMRI KSPN shuttle to Tosari Terminal, and then rent a Jeep to explore Bromo
Learn more about train travel around Java in our detailed guide. We’ve also covered the key differences between Pasar Senen and Gambir stations in another article.
From Banyuwangi to Bromo via Probolinggo
By Bus or Train
Getting to Bromo from Banyuwangi via Probolinggo is relatively easy. You can take a bus or train from Banyuwangi to Probolinggo. Your choice will likely depend on what time you can leave Banyuwangi. It’s about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Banyuwangi to Probolinggo. The bus takes between 5 to 7 hours, while several trains operate on this route, taking about 4.5 hours. Once you arrive in Probolinggo, there are plenty of transportation options to Cemoro Lawang, the closest village to Mount Bromo.
Public Transportation from Probolinggo to Cemoro Lawang
Once in Probolinggo, head to the Bayuangga Bus Terminal, where you’ll find small public minibuses (known as “bemos”) heading to Cemoro Lawang. Be cautious, as many drivers may try to drop you off at tour agencies, falsely claiming that there is no public transport to Cemoro Lawang—this is a common scam. Insist on being taken to the proper bus terminal.
At the terminal, look for the green bemos heading to Cemoro Lawang. Just keep in mind, these bemos aren’t actually inside the terminal itself—they’re about two minutes down the road, near a small cluster of shops and huts. There’s no set schedule, so they only leave when they’re full, which means you might have to wait for more passengers. The ride usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the road conditions. It’ll cost around 35,000 IDR per person, or you can split the 500,000 IDR fare among the group if you want to leave sooner. It’s a good idea to get there by 9 a.m., as trains from Surabaya bring more travelers, which will boost your chances of filling up the van quickly.
From Bali to Bromo
By Plane
The quickest way to get to Bromo from Bali is to fly from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) to Juanda International Airport in Surabaya. The flight takes just about an hour. Upon arrival in Surabaya, take a DAMRI shuttle or hire a tour guide service to reach Mount Bromo.
With a private tour to Kawah Ijen and Bromo
If you’re in Bali and want to explore both Kawah Ijen and Mount Bromo, booking a private tour might be the best option. Most private tour operators offer a 3-day trip that covers both of these iconic destinations. The journey typically begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Bali, followed by a drive to the ferry crossing at Gilimanuk. After reaching Java, you’ll head to Kawah Ijen to witness the famous blue fire before continuing on to Mount Bromo.
Find the tour via platforms such as GetYourGuide or Klook:
Klook.comFrom Yogyakarta to Bromo
By Train
There are several train options from Yogyakarta to Probolinggo. If you plan to enter through the Cemoro Lawang gate, take the train to Probolinggo, which usually takes around 7-8 hours. Continue your trip by ranting a car or waiting your guide pick you to Cemoro Lawang.
Interested in exploring Yogyakarta? Don’t miss our articles covering the city’s top attractions, the best accommodations, and transportation tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Affordable DAMRI Bus Shuttle Schedule
If you’re planning to visit Mount Bromo on a budget, taking the DAMRI bus shuttle is one of the most affordable options. This convenient shuttle service connects major cities and airports in East Java to nearby Bromo, offering a reliable and wallet-friendly way to reach this iconic destination.
However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the schedules and connections beforehand (e.g., by asking at your hotel reception), as they can often change without much notice.
Backindo Tip: If you plan to watch the sunrise, it's best to stay overnight so you can reach Love Hill at dawn or hire a tour guide who provides pick-up services from Malang or Surabaya straight to Bromo. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to catch the sunrise from Bukit Cinta without feeling rushed.
Here are some tour guide options that offer pick-up services from Malang or Surabaya:
Entry Gates to Mount Bromo
As mentioned there are several ways to reach Mount Bromo, as the area spans across multiple regions in East Java, including Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Malang, and Lumajang. This means there are four main entrance gates to the park, so if you’re planning to visit without a tour guide or a tour package, be sure to pick the right entry point based on your travel route.
- Penanjakan 1 Gate (Pasuruan) – This is the main entrance accommodating around 400 visitors per day. From here, you can head directly to Love Hill for the sunrise.
- Cemoro Lawang Gate (Probolinggo) – A favorite entry point for those coming from Bali or Kawah Ijen.
- Coban Trisula Gate (Malang) – This is the closest entry point if you’re already in the Malang area. You’ll also pass the Coban Trisula waterfall along this route.
- Senduro Gate (Lumajang) – Convenient for visiting Teletubbies Hill (Lembah Watangan) on the eastern side of Bromo.
Getting familiar with these entry points and routes will be really helpful in planning your trip to Mount Bromo, ensuring you make the most of its breathtaking landscapes without missing a thing.
Ticket Prices
Entrance fees to Bromo National Park are IDR 220,000 for foreign visitors on weekdays and IDR 320,000 on weekends. This price includes access to Bukit Cinta, Penanjakan 1, Teletubbies Hill, Whispering Sands, Bromo’s crater, and the savanna.
Best Time to Visit Bromo
The best time to visit Mount Bromo is between June and July, when the weather is clear, and the skies are mostly free of fog. This is also when you can witness the Yadnya Kasada ceremony, a sacred offering ritual performed by the Tenggerese people.
However, keep in mind that this period coincides with school holidays, so the area can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. Also be sure to prepare for chilly temperatures too, as it can get surprisingly cold, particularly in the early morning and at night.
Where to Stay around Bromo
If you’re planning to stay overnight, there are several lodging options near the main gates of Penanjakan and Cemoro Lawang. Around Penanjakan, a great choice is the Bromo Backpacker Tosari, located about 20 km from Bukit Cinta. While accommodations in this area are limited, the advantage is that most visitors here opt for early morning trips, making overnight stays less crowded.
On the other hand, Cemoro Lawang in Probolinggo offers a wider variety of places to stay, ranging from budget homestays to more upscale options. One highly recommended spot is Homestay Anggun Bromo, which provides a comfortable stay at affordable rates and is conveniently located close to Mount Bromo. The owners are known for their warm hospitality, always happy to help travelers with anything they need.
For a more luxurious experience, consider staying at Artotel Cabin Bromo, a unique cabin-style hotel with views overlooking Mount Bromo. Its prime location and unforgettable atmosphere make it the perfect choice if you’re looking to treat yourself.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to Mount Bromo for its breathtaking landscapes, its sacred traditions, or the adventure of exploring one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes, this destination offers something for every traveler. From sunrise views to cultural rituals, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. With the right planning and a sense of adventure, your trip to Bromo will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. So pack your bags, prepare for the cool mountain air, and get ready to discover the magic of Bromo for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mount Bromo so famous?
Mount Bromo is famous for its stunning landscapes, especially its breathtaking sunrise views. The volcano, surrounded by a vast sea of volcanic sand, offers a surreal and otherworldly experience for visitors. It’s also a sacred site for the local Tenggerese people, who perform the annual Yadnya Kasada ceremony, making Bromo not only a natural wonder but also a place rich in cultural significance. The combination of its scenic beauty, accessibility, and spiritual importance makes it one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Indonesia
Do you need a guide for Mt Bromo?
While it’s not mandatory to have a guide, having one can enhance your experience. A guide can help you navigate the area, explain the cultural significance of the sites, and take you to the best viewpoints, especially if it’s your first visit. However, the trails and main attractions are well-marked, so many travelers also choose to explore independently.
What is the best viewpoint in Bromo?
The most famous viewpoints are Penanjakan 1 and Love Hill, which offer breathtaking views of the sunrise over Mount Bromo, often with a sea of clouds in the background. Penanjakan 1 is the most popular due to its higher elevation and panoramic views of Bromo and the surrounding mountains.
How difficult is Mt Bromo?
Climbing Mount Bromo is relatively easy compared to other volcanoes. There is a staircase that leads directly to the crater, and the hike is short, taking around 20–30 minutes (and 250 stairs). However, the climb can be dusty and steep in parts, so be prepared for some physical exertion.
How many days should I spend at Mount Bromo?
One to two days is typically enough to experience Mount Bromo. Many travelers arrive in the afternoon, spend the night near the park, and wake up early to catch the sunrise. You can explore the main attractions in a single day, but staying an extra day allows you to see more of the surrounding areas.
What should we wear when visiting Bromo?
Dress warmly, especially if you’re planning to catch the sunrise. Temperatures can drop significantly in the early morning, so a jacket, gloves, and warm hat are recommended. During the day, the weather warms up, so layering is key. Also, bring a mask and sunglasses to protect yourself from dust, especially around the volcanic areas.
Is it safe to visit Mount Bromo now?
Safety at Mount Bromo depends on its volcanic activity. Bromo is an active volcano, so it’s important to check for any current advisories or warnings from local authorities before visiting. Typically, Mount Bromo is safe for tourists, and when there is any volcanic activity, authorities may restrict access to certain areas near the crater to ensure safety.
