They say the best things in life make you wake up early. Mount Bromo’s sunrise? It is for sure one of them. The easiest and most stunning sunrise over the mountain in Indonesia.
Picture this: It’s 3:00 a.m. You are bundled in a jacket, standing in the dark with a cup of hot tea or coffee, somewhere high in East Java. The jeep engine hums low behind you. Then slowly, almost theatrically, the sky bleeds orange over the smoky horizon. You are not just watching a sunrise. You are witnessing a volcano whispering to the morning.
Mount Bromo does not just offer one angle. It offers many. If you are planning your sun-chasing route, here are the top four spots where you can catch those magical first rays:
- Penanjakan 1: The highest and the most classic. A bit crowded but breathtaking, with a sweeping view of the caldera. You will find many small shops selling hot tea and coffee to warm up and kick-start your day.
- Seruni Point/ Penanjakan 2: Great for early birds, avoiding the crowd. Slightly lower than Penanjakan 1, still stunning, and still offers a wider view of “The Sea Of Sand”.
- King Kong Hill: A bit higher than Seruni Points, yet it offers a more serene experience. If you want to take pictures with the iconic trees and mountain background, take those from this viewpoint.
- Bukit Cinta (“Love Hill”): A romantic name for a reason. Alternative spot if you come to Bromo in the high season. The main highlight of this viewpoint is Mount Batok with Bromo Crater in the background.
Whichever way you choose, jeeps typically pick you up around 3–4 a.m. to catch the sunrise. Yes, it is early, but trust me, it is worth every yawn.
Tips! Go there on weekdays. The weekend is always crowded with local tourists, and the entrance ticket is slightly more expensive.
Whether it is during the dry or rainy season, Bromo always shows off. In the rainy season, expect lush green savannah. During the dry months (April–September), the landscape turns golden, and the skies are clearer. But the nights in the dry season can be colder than the rainy season, so pack your jacket!
How to get to Bromo from Bali?
Getting to Mount Bromo from Bali is easier than it sounds. You can travel independently by plane, bus, train or skip the hassle and join our overland tours across Java to Bali (and vice versa) with Indosteptravels.
- By Flight (Fastest Way): Take about 1-hour flight from Bali (Denpasar/DPS) to Surabaya (SUB). From Surabaya, hop on a bus at Bungurasih Terminal to Probolinggo, then a local bus to Cemorolawang Village, the entry point to Bromo. Airlines: Lion Air, Super Air Jet, Batik, and Citilink.
- By Bus: Travel to Gilimanuk Harbor, then take the ferry to Ketapang Harbor in Banyuwangi. From Banyuwangi, continue by bus to Probolinggo, then on to Cemorolawang.
- Sample durations to Gilimanuk:
- Seminyak: 4 hours
- Lovina: 2 hours
- Ubud: 4 hours
- Sample durations to Gilimanuk:
- By Train: Head to Gilimanuk and cross to Banyuwangi. Take a train from Banyuwangi to Probolinggo (options include Sri Tanjung, Probowangi, Tawang Alun, etc.). From Probolinggo, take a local bus to Cemorolawang.
To the Crater
Want to stand at the rim of the smoking crater? Check the mountain’s activity status first. If it is safe, the hike is gentle: either walk, take a horse, or climb the staircase that snakes up the ridge. Just remember, it is not just a hike. It is a moment. And it stays with you.
Tips! You can also see the sunrise from the crater. Less crowded, definitely!
If you would like to turn your journey into something truly unforgettable, reach out to Indosteptravels. We will help craft a personalized tour with our exceptional local guides. Whether it is chasing sunrises, wandering through temples, or standing at the edge of a volcano. You can explore Java’s best in comfort and style, from visiting Borobudur temple, living with a local family in Central Java’s Purwodadi regency, Tumpak Sewu waterfall and everything in between.
Have a question or your own Mt. Bromo story? Drop it in the comments. We would love to hear from you.