Bromo (Tips and Adv)

Mount Bromo is one of the main tourism destinations in Java Island, Indonesia

Bromo is the most popular volcano destination in Indonesia or might be in the world. The landscapes, views, plantations, sunrise spots, attractions, hiking routes, adventure things, traditions, shrines, temples, and cuisines make every traveler around the world falling love with this spectacular volcano. It is one of the ‘precious rare gemstones’ in Java Island and I am so proud living in this ‘Land of Rice’. Java Island is the real nature of paradise on earth. I have visited Bromo many times from different ways, and I am so glad can share this to you. Here the lists below is the good tips that you can try in Bromo : 

Mount Bromo is the most popular volcano destination in the world (the picture is taken from King Kong Hill)

How to get there? There are three ways to visit Bromo (from Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Malang). 

·      Yogyakarta is the second most popular destination in Indonesia after Bali for international tourists. After visiting important destinations in Jogja and its surroundings (Borobudur, Prambanan, Sultan Palace, Mount Merapi and Tamansari), travelers continue their journey to East Java Province by train or car. Mostly tourists from France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Holland, Belgium, UK, Italy, and Norway are taking the route like this with their professional guides. They can stop in Jombang or Mojokerto train station (the drivers are waiting in the train station), then go to Bromo highland by car. 

·      Surabaya is the capital of East Java Province, and has a quite big International Airport. Mostly, Singaporean, Thai, South Korean, Philippine, Vietnamese, and Malaysian tourists are traveling to Bromo from this capital. 

·      Malang is the second biggest city in East Java Province after Surabaya. This route is only good if you have time to explore Malang first before traveling to Bromo. 

The Golden Sunrise in November (from King Kong Hill)

Routes? There are two routes to go to Bromo highland (from Nongko Jajar – Tosari and Probolinggo or Pasuruan – Cemoro Lawang). Rent a car or long Elf is extremely recommended to make your trip memorable. 

·      The route from Nongko Jajar to Tosari village has better views and landscapes, less traffic jam than Probolinggo or Pasuruan city and faster to reach, if you are from Malang city or Mojokerto train station (about 2,5 - 3 hours). If you are from Jombang train station, you need a little bit more time.

·      The route from Probolinggo or Pasuruan city to Cemoro Lawang village is more traffic jam, less good views and landscapes, and needs longer time (about 3 – 4 hours). This route is only good if you are from Surabaya (Juanda International Airport), and you don’t have a choice. But, in my opinion still spectacular.

The View of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru (from Love Hill aka Bukit Cinta)

Accommodation? Bromo highland has two parts (eastern and western). In the eastern part there are so many types of accommodation (guesthouses, homestays, cottages, hotels, hostels, and local houses). 

The Golden Sunset in Lava View Cottage or Bromo Permai areas (Cemoro Lawang area) 

 

·      Eastern part (Cemoro Lawang area) has good view if you stay in Lava View Cottage, Bromo Permai, Café Lava, and many guesthouses here. You can get free sunset if you stay in Lava View Cottage or Bromo Permai. But, this area very popular, you must book minimum 3 months before and of course a quite expensive. 

It is still in the eastern part (before Cemoro Lawang), in the Wonotoro Village (Desa) there are some cheap local houses with clean and good rooms for budget travelers (around 20 – 30 USD). But, you must interact with local people and a little bit patients to find it or you can ask your professional guides to help you. Or, if you don’t have problem with money, you can stay in the most luxurious resort in Bromo highland (Jiwa Jawa Resort) with its famous café and gallery (Java Banana Gallery). 

·       Western part (Tosari area) has a 3 star hotel with okay facilities and quite good enough services. But, the good thing from Tosari is very easy to find cheap local houses with clean and good rooms (20 USD – 25 USD). You need help from your professional guides to get the best rate. 

The view of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru (from Pananjakan Point 1)

Sunrise Points? Do you trust so much with your traveling guide books? Forget it my friends! The authors absolutely have no idea. There are two main places for sunrise in Bromo with the goodness and the badness. 

·         Mount of Pananjakan sunrise points is the most popular mountain for sunrise and the best of the best view and landscape of Bromo in the morning. In this mountain you can find 7 points for sunrise and landscape with its own angles of photography (Pananjakan point 1, King Kong Hill area with its 4 points, Love Hill, and Seruni Hill). Pananjakan point 1 is the most popular but unbelievable and uncomfortably crowded location. King Kong Hill is an excellent point for you who love a location with less people, not crowded, and good for tranquility moment for your mind and soul.

The View of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru (from King Kong Hill)

·         Bromo Crater Point has unique angle for sunrise and you don’t need jeep at all to reach the crater. You must stay in Cemoro Lawang area for accommodation, and then walk to the Sea of Sand and hiking a little bit until the crater of Bromo, then waiting in this area for sunrise. 

You can do this if the situation in Bromo is wary or “waspada” in Indonesian. Maybe the sunrise has unique angle of photography but you cannot see the magnificence view of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru in one single frame. Bromo Crater Point is the worst view but cheap. This point is only good for budget travelers (everything has price mates!).

 You can hike in the different way if you want

Hiking Route? Yeah, there is one route to hike from Seruni Hill to King Kong Hill, and then continue to Pananjakan Point 1 (if you like the crowdedness). It is hardcore route and mostly for travelers who don’t have money to rent a jeep or hiking maniac. You must have strong vitality and endurance, proportional body, and strong legs. You absolutely need a professional guide because you don’t know the field and the route. Don’t risk your life. 

Hiking to the Bromo Crater

Another Hiking Route (Mount Batok)? Hell yeah! This route is really really insane dudes!. After hiking from Mount Pananjakan, you can walk to the Sea of Sand to hike Mount Batok (the neighborhood of Mount Bromo). I never bring my clients to hike this crazy route if the fee is not good. Never!.

Jeep Driver? Be a good tourist!. Mostly drivers in Bromo highland are freelance. You are never being poor if giving IDR 30.000 – 50.000 for your jeep driver. Trust me! You gonna feel good in your heart and soul. 

Although in the situation like in the picture, Bromo is still safe for tourists. Don't trust so easily from media (for media a bad news is a good news)

Bromo Trip ? Wake up early in the morning around 02.30 – 03.30 am (it depends on the location of your accommodation), then go to Mount Pananjakan by Jeep. At 06.00 am back to the jeep to go to the Sea of Sand, then walking and hiking to reach the Bromo Crater (Kawah Bromo). You also can rent a horse if your body exhausted. Go down from the crater to the slope of Bromo, then visit Pura Luhur Poten aka Bromo Temple (sometimes closed, sometimes open), then back to the jeep. This is the normal trip in Bromo. 

Pura Luhur Poten aka Bromo Temple is additional destination for you

Notes : 

·        Sunrise is not the main attraction in Bromo. I don’t understand why so many tourists crazy about it. It is only additional attraction my friends!. The main attraction is the view and the landscape of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru in far distance and in one single frame for your photo. The last, please understand that this is nature. 

·         There is no guarantee about sunrise or clear weather. Sometimes Bromo is smoky and foggy my friends. But according to my experiences, it is very rare for the cases like that in the morning. According to my experience again, the view and the landscape are spectacular if you can see the beautiful Milky Way Galaxy at night with amazing stars before sunrise. Mark my words. 

Rent a horse if you wanna try different sensation (The picture is taken by Kristoff Hotiu, my friend from Belgium)

Need a professional guide? Need a car, a long Elf, a micro bus or a big bus ? Need a jeep for Bromo? Need a reasonable accommodation? Need someone to arrange your trip? Whatsapp: +6285669307197 (Yoga Efendi).

Additional Information:

·         Ticket for International Tourist per pax             :

Regular Days                           : IDR 220.000 (about 20 USD) – since 2014

Holiday & National Holiday     : IDR 320.000 (about 30 USD) – since 2014 

·         Transportation    (Local or International Tourist):

Rent a Horse           : IDR 100.000 – 150.000        (about 10 – 13 USD)

Rent a Jeep             : IDR 450.000 – 1000.000      (about 38 – 77 USD)*. 

*The price depends on the season (Low – High – Peak). 

*The rate   of 1 USD = IDR 13.000     (July 2016). 

·         You must have Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for transaction in my country. But sometimes, USD and EURO are still accepted.

Indonesian Coffee (Achievements and ‘Fun’ Information)

 (www.nationalgeographic.co.id)

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago with more than 17.000 islands. In the tourism industry, Indonesia got a new nickname last year in the Frankfurt Book Fair 2015 as “Islands of Imagination” and the slogan “Wonderful Indonesia” is very famous on YouTube and got many international awards (search on Google dude!, that is why we have internet).

 Then, every big and medium island in Indonesia has its own ground or land characteristics mates, where good for every Robusta and Arabica coffee plantation. Nowadays there are six islands which are the best for coffee plantations with export quality such as Sumatera Coffee (Sumatera Aceh Gayo, Sumatera Mandhailing, Sumatera Sidikalang, Sumatera Lintong, Sumatera Solok Minang, Sumatera Lampung, Sumatera Lahat), Java Coffee (Jawa Malabar, Java Preanger, Bondowoso, Temanggung, Banyuwangi, Java Ijen – Raung, Java Estate), Bali Coffee, Sulawesi aka Celebes Coffee (Sulawesi Toraja), Flores Coffee, and West Papua Coffee (Papua Wamena). The list below is everything you have to know about Indonesian Coffee. 

 

Javanese Wild Civet Cat Coffee Poops aka Catpoopcino 

·      Indonesia has a special coffee called “Kopi Luwak” or Luwak/Loewak Coffee aka Civet Cat Coffee. This coffee at the first time original from Java Island. The name “Luwak” is taken from Javanese means Paradoxurus in Latin or Civet Cat in English. In Sumatera Island, native called “Musang” and in Malaysia also. But, the name Kopi Luwak is more popular than Kopi Musang. Many people don’t know about this, if Javanese Civet Cat and Sumatran Civet Cat Coffees are different, and the tastes are also different.

 Jack Nicholson in his film, “The Bucket List” says Kopi Luwak as “the rarest beverage in the world”. But you have to be careful because not all Kopi Luwak Brands are original. Make sure that, you drink and buy the original Kopi Luwak from the wild, not from the cage. Some stupid websites are trying to make a bad image about Kopi Luwak (you can find the websites on Google) from irresponsibility sources and giving you hoax information. In Yogyakarta (Java Island), Sumatera, Bali, and Toraja (Sulawesi or Celebes Island) are good choices for you to try the wild civet cat coffee. 

·      Indonesian national coffee company PT. Tanamera Kopi won the competition in Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) 2016. One of the directors from this company, John Lee said that in press conference, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/3) 2016, “Won in the international coffee competition in MICE as  prove if Indonesia is one of the best countries in the world that produces premium coffee beans”. 

·      Indonesian coffee beans are “specialty coffee” and got category 83 - 84 in the scale of 100 points from Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) 2016. Indonesia has been declared by SCAA as Official Portrait Country 2016 in a special event at 14 – 17^th April 2016, Atlanta, Georgia, USA two months ago. In that event, Indonesia had branding “Remarkable Indonesian Coffee-Home of World’s Finest Coffee”. Do you dare to try Indonesian Coffee? 

·      There is an Indonesian woman traveler wrote her experience about Vietnamese coffee in her book “Backpacking Vietnam”. She wrote if Vietnamese coffee was better taste than Indonesia. I dare to say if she had no idea!. I doubt she tried all of coffees variants from Indonesia. In my opinion she should rethinking again about that. But, talking about taste everyone has different tastes. You cannot judge subjective opinion. 

The Examples of Famous Indonesian Coffees Products ( www.menit-riau.com) 

·      Coffee in Indonesia first time was Arabica variant and plant in Java Island in 1696 by Adrian Van Ommen, and ready for export in 1711. Then, Java Coffee (Kopi Jawa) became the best coffee in the world between 1725 – 1780. European people had special nick name for coffee from Java Island, “a cup of Java” and until in the middle of 19^th century Java Coffee became the best in the world in exporter and quality. Until today, European and people in USA are still familiar with “a cup of Java”.

Then, in 1900 was the first time for Robusta coffee plant in Java. Today, Java Island is very famous with the Robusta and Arabica coffee beans. You may visit many plantations in Central Java Province and East Java Province. Reference: Gabriella Teggia & Mark Hanusz / a cup of Java / Equinox Publishing (Asia) Pte.Ltd, First Equinox Edition 2003.

 The Examples of Indonesian Coffees Variants in USA (www.industri.kontan.co.id)

·      Robert O. Blake, USA ambassador for Indonesia said in University of Al Azhar Jakarta, Tuesday (26/5) 2015 “From the production, Indonesia is number 3 in the world after Brazil and Vietnam. This is good achievement for Indonesia. People in USA love Indonesian coffee. Indonesian coffee beans just like precious gems from Africa and 5,49% imported coffee beans in USA from Indonesia”. 

·      Coffee is the fourth biggest export commodity in Indonesia after palm oil, rubber, and cacao (Saleh Husin, Ministry of Industry). Indonesia will defeat Vietnamese Coffee in productivity and export in 2018, because Indonesia has special strategy for that. So, wait and see Vietnam!. 

·      Majority premium or “specialty coffee” beans from Indonesia right now is for export to many countries in the world such as USA (USD 281,15 million), Japan (USD 104,96 million), Germany (USD 88,4 million), Italy (USD 84 million), Malaysia (USD 70,8 million). For England, France, Russia, and Australia are the second priority (Nus Nuzulia Ishak, Directorate General of Developing National Export).

·      With more than 250 million populations in Indonesia, still many people think if instant coffee is real coffee. So, Indonesian government has homework how to make citizen prefer coffee from the real coffee beans, not instant coffee or extract nor concentrate. Long time ago, I was a fan of instant coffee but no more. For me the best coffee taste is coming from the real coffee beans. I prefer coffee with no sugar or milk. I love original. 

What do you think my friends? Once again, have you tried Indonesian Coffee before?. For my Indonesian fellows, “Ayo minum kopi! Cintai Kopi Indonesia!”. 

Why Yogyakarta is special for your trip?

Dutch colonial building that still very well preserved in the downtown 

Yogyakarta or Jogjakarta is a special for me and for many people in Indonesia. Even Huffington Post and Times said the same thing. Articles from those famous sources said that “Yogyakarta is one of must visit cities in the world”. It is strongly recommended you are traveling to Yogyakarta first before Bali, if you are European tourists. Mostly European and American travelers were doing that since long time ago. 

This special region is romantic, full of nostalgic things for every student here. This is the city of education, the city of students, the city of heritages, the city of tourism and the second most popular destinations in Indonesia after Bali, the city of tolerance, the city of miniature of Indonesia, the city Javanese arts and cultures, the city of Batik in the world (World Craft Council 2015), the city of cheap and delicious foods, the city of museums, the city of republic and the old capital of Indonesia (1946 – 1949), and the city of revolution. 

 

Sultan of Yogyakarta with his only wife and his five daughters

Yogyakarta also is the only one province in Indonesia that between democracy and monarch are blending. Yeah Sultan of Yogyakarta (Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X) is the ruler here. He is a Sultan, a king for his peoples and also a governor for this special province. It is the only one unique status in the Republic of Indonesia since long time ago until today. Yogyakarta has so many nicknames. Tourism in Yogyakarta is just likes the combination of Ayutthaya – Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai in Thailand, or just likes Malacca in Malaysia but with a plus mark, a volcano my friends. 

Although, I was not born here but I am proud of was living in Yogyakarta with so many wonderful things to visit. If you wanna something different, something unique, something adventures, something cultural things, you must open your mind and your heart before traveling here. Yogyakarta is not like Bali. All right, it is different. It is same hospitality, nice and smiling people, and many local people are trying chit chat with you, but not the same about how nature, cultural, and atmosphere will treat you. One thing I can promise to you, Yogyakarta is not touristic, and you will not see many Australian tourists here. This is the fact dude. 

Merapi (Mount of Fire) between Yogyakarta Special Region and Central Java Province

You love nature and adventure things? Volcano Tour in Merapi (Mount of Fire), tube caving in Gua Pindul and also in Kali Suci, exploring Gua Jomblang, trekking and hiking in Gunung Api Purba Nglanggeran, enjoying the natural forest attractions in Kalibiru and Mangunan, and also the lake attraction in Waduk Sermo are the best choices for you. Search on Google mates!. That is why we have internet. 

 Borobudur (only 90 minutes from Yogyakarta)

You love architecture and ancient temples? Here in Yogyakarta and its surroundings, there are “Three Musketeers” ancient temples that under 10^th century (Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko Palace), and they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Java was the land of Hindu and Buddha before Islam and Christian came. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world (Guinness World record 2012) and one of World Wonders, Prambanan or Shivagrha aka Roro Jonggrang Compounds is one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in the world, and Ratu Boko Palace is an ancient Hindu – Buddha palace.

 Prambanan (only 40 minutes from Yogyakarta)

 Near Prambanan, you can visit Candi Sewu, Candi Plaosan, Candi Sambisari, Candi Sojiwan, Candi Ijo, Candi Banyunibo, Candi Barong, and Candi Kalasan. All the temples are for you guys. Every temple is unique and you will not disappoint if you are maniac in this kind of thing. And one more thing, all the temples are under 10^th century. The last is Kraton Yogyakarta (Sultan Palace) and Tamansari (Water Castle). 

 

Kraton Yogyakarta (Sultan Palace) is a living museum and the residence of Sultan

Even in Sultan Palace you will see with your own eyes so many Islamic symbols, Hindu symbols, and Buddhist symbols are blending each other’s. It is the only Sultan Palace in the world with so unique architectures and living palace, not only museum. Sultan of Yogyakarta is a very tolerance, not strict, not conservative, democratic gentleman, and only has one wife. 

You love beaches? Oh men, here in Yogyakarta there are more than 20 beaches with different characteristics (grey sands, black sands, white sands, and mix-mix). Pantai Parangtritis is a good for professional surfer, and Pantai Drini is a good for relax and enjoying the fresh sea foods. You love ballet? You cannot miss this one, Ramayana Ballet Prambanan and Ramayana Ballet Purawisata. This is the only ballet in Indonesia with the touch of Javanese Gamelan instruments and music. You love eating? Here is the paradise. The foods here mostly are not spicy.  

                                  Ramayana Ballet Prambanan is the only ballet in Indonesia

But if you love spicy foods, you may try Oseng – Oseng Mercon, Warung SS, and Sate Petir. Don’t worry about foods because you can find Italian, Spanish, Mediterranean, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian, American franchises, Balinese, etc. Because you are in Yogyakarta, the heart of Java, please try Javanese foods. 

So many authentic Javanese restaurants here such as Pesta Perak Restaurant, Pendopo Dalem Restaurant, Bale Raos Restaurant, Sekar Kedhaton Restaurant, Ndalem Ngabean Restaurant, Prince Joyokusumo’s House Restaurant, etc. The last, you can try typically Indonesian foods (Indonesian Nasi Goreng, Soto, Bakso, Mie Ayam, Sate, Gado – Gado). Even, Jamie Oliver loves Gado-Gado very much.

Ah, don’t forget our Rendang. Rendang (caramelized beef curry) is original from Minangkabaunese ethnic in West Sumatera Province, Indonesia. Indonesian Rendang got award from CNNGo (http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/eat/readers-choice-worlds-50-most-delicious-foods-012321/) as "World's Most Delicious Food". Try it in Masakan Padang Sederhana 88 Lintau in Yogyakarta.

You know guys, traveling only one day in Yogyakarta is so rush through. Minimum you need 3 days and the best time is 5 - 6 days here. Yogyakarta is not only fun but also a spiritual trip for your brain, your mind, and your heart. Many tourists they got ‘something’ after traveling here. Welcome in Yogyakarta and strongly recommended you hire a professional and licensed guide here for your special trip. 

Videos on Youtube about Yogyakarta : 

1.Wonderful Indonesia Yogyakarta :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V_4-f5Ocy4 

2.Yogyakarta  : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdPYSq6U5zA