Hiking to the Mount Bromo Viewpoint for Sunrise
In August 2017, I travelled to East Java, Indonesia, with a friend. After the surreal experience of Kawah Ijen, our next stop was Gunung Bromo.
While we didn’t hike up the volcano itself, we trekked to Seruni Point, a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Sea of Sand and the volcanic peaks.
I didn’t know it then, but this trip would leave me with fragmented memories. A few months later, I lost my phone – and with it, all the photos from that trip. No backups. Just faint recollections of a place that felt like another world.
Looking back, I wish I had journaled more or taken better care of those precious snapshots. But even without them, the memories of Gunung Bromo’s otherworldly landscapes, the Sea of Sand, and the towering volcanic cones remain etched in my mind.
This guide is my way of documenting that journey – both for myself and for anyone planning their own adventure to Gunung Bromo.
Why Gunung Bromo Left a Lasting Impression
Gunung Bromo isn’t just a volcano. It’s a place that feels like it belongs to another planet. The vast Sea of Sand, the smouldering crater, and the surrounding peaks create a landscape that’s both eerie and beautiful.
When I visited in 2017, I was struck by how small I felt standing in the middle of the Tengger Caldera. The caldera itself is massive, stretching over 10 kilometres wide. Inside it, five volcanic cones rise from the ground: Gunung Bromo, Gunung Batok, Gunung Kursi, Gunung Widodaren, and Gunung Watangan. Gunung Bromo is the most famous, but each peak has its own character.
What I remember most is the silence. Even with other tourists around, there’s a stillness that makes you feel like you’re the only person in the world. The air is crisp, especially in the early morning, and the views are unlike anything I’ve seen before or since.
What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Gunung Bromo
Looking back, I realise how unprepared I was for the trip. My friend handled all the planning, and I just went along with it. While I’m grateful for her efforts, I wish I had done more research myself.
For example, I didn’t know that Gunung Bromo is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Its last major eruption was in 2016, just a year before my visit.
Another thing I wish I had known was the importance of documenting the trip. I took a few photos, but I didn’t journal or back them up. When I lost my phone, I lost everything. Now, all I have are fragments of memories.
The Geography of Gunung Bromo
Gunung Bromo is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java. It’s one of five volcanic cones within the Tengger Caldera, a massive crater formed by an ancient eruption.
The other cones are Gunung Batok, Gunung Kursi, Gunung Widodaren, and Gunung Watangan. Gunung Batok is often mistaken for Gunung Bromo because of its prominent shape, but it’s actually an extinct volcano. Gunung Bromo, on the other hand, is very much alive.
The Sea of Sand is another key feature of the landscape. It’s a vast, flat plain covered in volcanic ash, stretching across the caldera floor. Crossing it feels like walking on the moon.
In the distance, you can see Gunung Semeru, the highest peak in Java. It’s also an active volcano and often emits small plumes of smoke. The combination of these elements creates a landscape that’s both dramatic and serene.
The Famous Gunung Bromo Sunrise
One of the highlights of any trip to Gunung Bromo is watching the sunrise. Most people go to Penanjakan 1, the most popular viewpoint. But my friend and I ended up at Seruni Point, also known as Penanjakan 2.
We started our hike in the early hours of the morning, guided by the light of our torches. The path was steep and uneven, and I remember struggling to keep up. But when we reached the top, it was worth it.
The view from Seruni Point is breathtaking. As the sun rose, the sky turned shades of pink and orange, illuminating the Sea of Sand and the volcanic peaks. Gunung Batok stood in the foreground, its cone-shaped silhouette often mistaken for Gunung Bromo. In the distance, Gunung Semeru loomed, its peak shrouded in clouds.
I didn’t have a good camera, so my photos didn’t do the scene justice. But even without them, the memory of that sunrise stays with me.
To Cross or Not to Cross the Sea of Sand
After the sunrise, most visitors cross the Sea of Sand (Lautan Pasir) to get closer to Gunung Bromo. My friend and I didn’t.
Part of it was exhaustion. The hike to Seruni Point had taken a lot out of me, and I wasn’t sure I had the energy to trek across the ash plain. But there was also the chaos of the scene.
Jeeps and motorbikes zoomed across the Sea of Sand, kicking up clouds of dust. Horses were available for hire, but I felt uneasy about using them. I didn’t know much about how they were treated, but something about animals being used in tourism made me uncomfortable.
I wondered if I made the right decision. Crossing the Sea of Sand is a key part of the Gunung Bromo experience, and I regret not seeing the crater up close. But I also think it’s important to travel responsibly, and that includes considering the welfare of animals.
Planning Your Gunung Bromo Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Gunung Bromo, here are some things to keep in mind.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from April to October, is the best time to visit. The weather is clear, and the views are at their best. The wet season, from November to March, can be rainy and foggy, which might obscure the views.
How to Get There
The nearest major city is Surabaya. From there, you can take a bus or hire a car to Probolinggo or Malang. From Probolinggo, it’s about an hour’s drive to Cemoro Lawang, the gateway to Gunung Bromo.
Accommodation Options
Cemoro Lawang has a range of accommodations, from budget homestays to more comfortable hotels. If you’re looking for something unique, consider glamping.
Sustainable and Ethical Tourism at Gunung Bromo
Gunung Bromo is a popular destination, and that comes with challenges. The influx of tourists can put pressure on the environment and local communities.
Here are some ways to travel responsibly:
Respect the Tenggerese people and their traditions.
Minimise your environmental impact by avoiding littering and staying on designated paths.
Consider alternatives to horse riding and jeep tours, such as hiking or cycling.
Gunung Bromo is more than just a destination – it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. My trip, though imperfect, taught me the value of preparation, mindfulness, and cherishing memories.
