Mount Bromo : A Peak of Spectacular Tengger Caldera

Mount Bromo is the most famous mountain on Java Island. It is an active volcano and part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Mount Bromo is only one of many peaks inside the massive Tengger Caldera, but it's easily recognizable as the entire top has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white sulphurous smoke. Mount Bromo is about 2,382 meters above sea level. It is a vast mountain. An eruption of massive proportions blew off its top leaving a huge caldera in which two peaks are located. One is the active volcano of Mount Bromo and the other is the non-active of Mount Batok. The inside of the caldera, aptly dubbed the Laut Pasir (Sea of Sand) is coated with fine volcanic sand and the overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly, especially when compared to the lush green valleys all around the caldera.

As time goes by the caldera has been filled with grey sand and this expanse is known as the Sand Sea. It is about 10 km. Across the Sand Sea is Mount Batok with its almost perfect cone. To the south, Mount Semeru, the highest mountain in Java provides a fining backdrop for this unearthly scene. While crossing the Sand Sea, low-lying fog which often envelop the caldera's floor, adds to the mystery of the surroundings. As the temperature drops several degrees, the combination of cold air and the strange echoing of horse's hoofs create a fantastic sensation of walking across a huge frozen lake. Temperatures at the top of Mount Bromo range about 5 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Something make the area unique is that it is a volcano inside a volcano. The base of the mountain actually rises from an old volcanic crater of the bigger Mount Tengger. Another unique feature about Mount Bromo is a reminiscent of a moonscape rather than anything related to the earth offers such breathtaking experiences, like observing sunrises and gazing into the volcano's crater. Even the journey to the crater is an exciting experience in itself. Before arriving at the Mount Bromo visitor needs to get across the Sea of Sands (Lautan Pasir), another unique landmark of the national park. Mount Bromo is also well known for spectacular sunrises.

Mount Bromo was traditionally visited by the Buddhist Tenggerese to celebrate ceremony of Kasodo. The offering ceremony of Kasodo is held each year by Tenggerese on the 14th day of full moon Kasodo (Tenggerese Calendar). Inhabitants of Tengger Mountain gather at the rim of Mount Bromo's active crater to present annual offerings of rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, livestock, and other local products to the God of the mountain. As adherents of religion combining elements of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, they ask for blessing from the supreme God Hyang Widi Wasa. According to legend, this practice started as the King Joko Seger and Queen Roro Anteng prayed for children, and in return, promised to sacrifice the last child. The Queen had 25 children, but refused at first to sacrifice the last child. When threatened by the gods with fire and brimstone, the queen finally did perform the sacrifice. As the child was being thrown into the crater, the voice of the child was heard ordering an annual ceremony to be performed at the volcano.

A Hindu temple is situated at the foot of the mountain, from which 250 steps lead to the edge of the crater.

Location of Destination
Mount Bromo is situated within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, about 145 km south of Surabaya, capital of East Java Province, Republic of Indonesia

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 70 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to Juanda Airport (Surabaya).
Then by bus or train for 2 -3 hours from Surabaya to Probolinggo.
Then by minibus about 1 hour from Probolinggo to Ngadisari.
Then it will take about 2 hours on foot, or about an hour and a half on horse back, from Ngadisari to Cemorolawang and Mount Bromo.

Best Time to Visit
May to October, on dry seasons

Accommodation for Traveller
Bromo Cottages, Java Banana Bromo, Lava View Lodge, Cemoro Indah