After visiting many countries, I can confidently say that this was the most memorable trip I've ever taken abroad. The rugged beauty of Mount Bromo, an active volcano on the eastern side of Java in Indonesia, is truly breathtaking. No matter which angle you capture it from, the scenery is simply stunning. The constantly erupting volcano spews plumes of smoke into the air, and the world's largest blue flame, the Blue Flame, can be seen here. Additionally, the Kawah Ijen, the world's largest volcanic crater lake, is home to the world's largest and highest acid lake, the Sulfur Lake. All of these incredible sights can be found in one place.

Bromo and Ijen: Essential Items for Your Trip

Clothing:

• Warm clothes: Pack a jacket for the chilly temperatures, especially at the Bromo crater rim.
• Face mask: A mask (different from the gas mask provided by guides) is helpful for the volcanic fumes at the crater.
• Headlamp: A headlamp is essential for navigating in the dark during the early morning climb to Bromo.
• Motion sickness medication: If you're prone to motion sickness, bring medication for the car ride.
• Raincoat: Pack a raincoat for potential showers at the waterfalls.

Additional Resources:

• Explore past travel blogs for inspiration:
  • Hong Kong on a Budget: https://th.readme.me/p/3797
  • Pha Hin Ngam: https://th.readme.me/p/3774
  • Tee Lor Su: https://th.readme.me/p/3935
  • Krabi: https://th.readme.me/p/3937
  • Vietnam: https://th.readme.me/p/4720
  • Chanthaburi: https://th.readme.me/p/4721
  • Lam Khlong Ngu: https://th.readme.me/p/9353
  • Chongqing: https://th.readme.me/p/9471
• Follow our Facebook page for more travel updates: https://www.facebook.com/tiewhaikonaijchaa/

Day 1 Itinerary:

• Depart from Don Mueang Airport to Denpasar, Bali (flight time: 4 hours).
• Arrive in Bali and visit Tanah Lot Temple.

Arrive in Bali at approximately 11:40 AM. Exchange money at the counter in front of the airport. A guide (Woody) will be waiting to pick you up.

Oh my god! The air conditioner in the car we are riding in is broken! It's so hot! (But Woody said he will take the car to get the air conditioner fixed while we are having lunch.)

As we hadn't eaten anything since morning, we asked Woody to take us to get some food. Shortly after leaving the airport, Woody stopped at a restaurant. We couldn't understand the menu, so we just pointed at dishes, focusing on chicken. We had no idea what it was, but it seemed very local. We figured, why not? We tried it, and it was edible. Personally, I had already decided that in Indonesia, "we eat to live."

Our guide and driver (Woody in the red shirt)

After waiting for the car to be repaired, the air conditioning was still not working properly. Despite this, we continued our journey. Woody made frequent stops at minimarts so we could use the restrooms. The roads were narrow and winding, with cars constantly tailgating each other. After a two-hour drive, we arrived at Tanah Lot (entrance fee: 60,000 rupiah).

🔖 Tanah Lot Temple, our first stop in Bali, is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.

A must-visit destination in Bali, it has become synonymous with the island itself.

🔖 Tanah Lot is a temple that stands prominently on a rock by the sea, on the west side of the island. This makes the place even more beautiful in the evening. During high tide, it looks like a small island, and you can only walk to the temple during low tide.

This is the holy water receiving area where the water flows out under the temple.

After admiring the famous Balinese architecture, we traveled to Ubud, which took about 2 hours.

For dinner, we dined at Bebek Bengil. After driving around for a while, we finally found the restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal.

The first night, we stayed at Bali Sunshine Homestay, which had the atmosphere of an antique gallery. We slept soundly throughout the night, perhaps due to the exhaustion of our journey or some other reason.

Day 2 - Ulun Danu Bratan Temple - Kawah Ijen

Departing from the accommodation at approximately 9:00 AM, we journeyed to the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, a sacred edifice constructed in honor of Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake.

The river and I think many people would be familiar with it because this temple is often used as an iconic Balinese temple. This temple also appears in

Also featured on the 50,000 rupiah banknote of Indonesia!

🔖 Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is a lakeside temple located in northern Bali, approximately

2 hours ... The highlight of this temple is the tall pagoda with a thatched roof stacked in 11 layers, standing prominently in the middle of the lake.

This place is so beautiful, you won't get tired of taking pictures! We had lunch at the restaurant in front of the temple.
The atmosphere was great, the food was delicious, and it felt like we were in Thailand. The food was amazing and the prices were very reasonable.

Embark on a ferry journey to cross over to Java Island. The time here is the same as in Thailand, and the travel time is approximately 5 hours.

The majority of the journey to Kawah Ijen is mountainous. Those prone to motion sickness should bring medication. Arrive at the Panorama HomeStay around 8 p.m.

There is a five-hour rest period before embarking on the Kawah Ijen trek at 1 a.m. Upon arrival at 8 p.m., check-out is required at 1 a.m. to begin the Kawah Ijen volcano trek.

- Day 3 -

Trek Mount Kawa Ijen

This is where the true challenge of Kawa Ijen begins. It's a place that... well... you just have to experience it once in your life...

The journey begins at the Paltuding trailhead, the starting point for the ascent to Mount Kawah Ijen. The trek commences around 2:00 AM, covering a distance of 3 kilometers from the entrance to the crater rim of Mount Kawah Ijen.

The steep climb of approximately 2 kilometers (emphasis on very steep) is followed by a 1 kilometer flat section. This does not include the descent into the crater itself.

There is also a taxi service available for 100,000 rupees. However, I opted to walk and rest as needed due to the feeling of altitude sickness.

The further I walked, the more I realized the challenge ahead. It was tiring and difficult, but I persevered with unwavering determination.

However, my legs were growing increasingly weary. :(

The reason we have to endure hardship, physical suffering, and wake up to walk since two o'clock in the morning is to see the blue fire (if we are lucky). But if you don't want to come, you can turn on the gas stove at home, which is similar, but the atmosphere is completely different.

A Missed Opportunity, a Breathtaking View: A Journey to the Emerald Lake

The descent into the 1-kilometer-deep crater was unfortunately not possible due to a recent explosion. While this prevented a physically demanding trek, it also offered a unique perspective. Witnessing the breathtaking panorama of the emerald-hued lake as the sky began to lighten was an experience that transcended the initial disappointment. The sheer beauty of the scene erased any lingering fatigue, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected wonders that nature can reveal.

A massive sulfur rock is on display along the path.

Around 6 pm, we started to descend from Mount Kawaikijen because we couldn't bear the cold. We thought it would be easy to walk down, but it turned out to be more painful than going up. The path was steep, and we had to dig our toes in the whole way.

The descent is as beautiful as the ascent. Take a moment to admire the surrounding views, and you'll discover a breathtaking panorama that was hidden from sight during the climb. This experience is truly worth the effort, and it's an unforgettable highlight of the journey.

We arrived at the bottom around 7:30 AM. Along the way, we took off our outer shirts, leaving only our T-shirts on.

An 8-Hour Marathon by Car to Bromo

After a grueling 8-hour car journey covering 280 kilometers, we finally arrived in Bromo. Despite numerous stops at minimarts to stretch our legs, the seemingly endless journey tested our endurance. We reached Bromo around 8 pm, exhausted but eager to explore the iconic volcanic landscape.

For dinner tonight, we had Indonesian satay, which included chicken and goat meat. It was incredibly delicious, just like the chicken satay we have back home. The only difference was the absence of the usual pickled cucumber relish as a side dish.

We arrived at our accommodation around 9 pm. The air here is colder than in Ijen because it is located at a higher altitude. The rooms here do not have air conditioning or fans, and the wifi signal is weak. After dinner and a hot shower, we prepared for our departure the next day. We have an appointment with our guide at 3 am.

- Day 4 -

Bromo Viewpoint - Climbing the Volcano Crater - Black Sand Desert - Savanna Grassland

Meet Woody at 3:00 AM. The journey to the viewpoint requires a Jeep ride and takes approximately 45 minutes. Witness the sunrise at Mount Penanjakan, renowned as the most breathtaking sunrise spot in Bromo. This natural wonder is among the most celebrated in East Java. Prepare for the frigid temperatures with appropriate winter gear.

Arriving at around 4 am, we had to wait in the darkness and cold for almost 2 hours. The atmosphere before sunrise was already beautiful in the photos, but in reality, it was even more stunning. At first, we wondered why we had to arrive so early, but upon arrival, we saw that many tourists were already waiting. This viewpoint has vendors selling snacks, mats, and jackets for rent for those who are unprepared.

As the sky brightened, the sight before us took our breath away. The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, with its volcanic peaks and smoking craters, made us forget all the cold, drowsiness, and fatigue from our long journey. Wow, it was breathtakingly beautiful!

Waking up to watch the sunrise was the earliest I've ever done in my life. But what made me more excited than watching the beautiful sunrise was waiting for the light so that we could finally see the real Mount Bromo.

After enjoying the view from Mount Penanjakan, on the way down, there is another spot where the driver stops for photo opportunities. This spot offers a view of Mount Batok, a dormant volcano located in front of Mount Bromo.

After descending from the viewpoint, the jeep will park at the foot of the mountain below, in the area of the black desert in front of Mount Bromo and Mount Batok, which are located next to each other. Here, you can choose to ride a horse or walk in. The distance is approximately 2 kilometers. Horseback riding (round trip price 125,000 rupiah).

A multitude of vibrantly colored Jeeps are arranged in a row, offering a picturesque backdrop for capturing memorable photographs.

To reach the foot of Mount Bromo, you can either walk or ride a horse. While riding a horse may be more comfortable, it can be painful on your backside.

From the point where we mounted our horses, we could see the path ahead, which was daunting. Once we were on horseback, we felt a bit more at ease, as the horses would carry us almost to the stairs leading up to the rim of Mount Bromo.

Looking back, I'm so glad I rode the horse. Otherwise, I would have been exhausted. It felt like being in an oasis.

Before ascending the crater, local villagers will sell flowers for visitors to hold while making wishes and prayers. These flowers are then thrown into the crater.

The real challenge began here. You had to climb a steep, slippery staircase to the top of the volcanic crater. The sun was scorching, making it feel like you were in the middle of a desert. You walked and rested, repeating the process until you reached the top. (This was our personal slogan.)

A diverse crowd of people from many different nationalities.

The exhaustion vanished instantly upon reaching the summit, rewarded by breathtaking 360-degree views.

The view from this angle reveals the Hindu temple we rode past, the convoy of jeeps and horses, the ocean vista, the black sulfur dust, and the Penanjakan mountain range we descended from in the early morning, all in the distance.

The roar of Bromo echoed throughout the area, accompanied by a constant plume of smoke, sometimes thick, sometimes thin. The smell and dust of sulfur intensified compared to the ascent.

We are now standing at the edge of the crater of Mount Bromo, and it is absolutely breathtaking. The real thing is far more magnificent than any picture could ever capture. It truly lives up to its nickname, "The Breath of the Gods."

"Believe it or not, even on top of a volcanic crater, there are flowers being sold. (So why am I carrying flowers up here?)"

The walkway is partially protected by a concrete fence. However, it is important to be cautious as a fall could be fatal due to the lack of immediate assistance.

*** A Singaporean tourist previously fell to their death at this location. ***

Holding the flowers, they pray and make wishes to show their respect to the gods.
After praying, they throw the flowers into the volcano crater. They stay at the crater rim for a while to capture beautiful pictures.

Along the way back, there were many food and souvenir stalls (selling t-shirts) at affordable prices.

On the way back down, around 8:00 AM, the sun was out, warming the air a bit.

This is another place that left a deep impression on me. The scenery is breathtaking, and the people are incredibly handsome. We spent a lot of time here, and every angle we captured was stunning.

After climbing to see the crater rim, I went to take photos at Whispering Sands.

This is a great spot for taking photos, with the highlight being the white sand that looks like it's constantly being blown by the wind. However, when you take a photo, the white sand doesn't look like it's blowing.

Continuing on to the Savahna, we saw people picking flowers along the way. They were likely making bouquets to sell to us (for 10,000 rupees) to be thrown into the crater of the mountain, as is the local custom.

The vast green savanna, captured in photographs, reveals its beauty that rivals any other location.

After that, we took a car back to our accommodation, showered, changed clothes, and checked out at exactly noon. We stopped by a satay restaurant and each had 10-20 skewers before heading back to Surabaya.

The journey took about 5 hours, and we arrived in Surabaya around 8 pm (finally in the city!).

The Last Night in Surabaya

On our final night in Surabaya, we stayed at the Swiss-Belinn Tunjungan. The hotel offered excellent Wi-Fi connectivity, powerful air conditioning, and comfortable beds, ensuring a restful night's sleep. This was our first full night of sleep on the trip, as we didn't have to wake up early the next day.

The hotel's breakfast buffet was a delightful experience, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes from different culinary styles.

After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and prepared to head to the airport.

We entrusted Woody with the task of returning Pissakkad to Thailand for us, as a tangible reminder of our trip.

My trip to Indonesia was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. After traveling to many countries, I can confidently say that this was the most memorable trip I've ever taken. It was an unforgettable adventure that I highly recommend to everyone.

I was awestruck by the magnificent Borobudur temple, trekked the majestic Mount Kawa Ijen, and rode a jeep, horseback, and climbed Mount Bromo...
Everything was perfect. This trip wasn't about luxury or extreme budget travel; it was about enjoying good food, a comfortable sleep, and the simple pleasures of life.
I'm truly grateful for making the decision to embark on this Indonesian adventure.

---

This journey brought me immense joy and fun, and I'm thankful for the wonderful friendships I made along the way.

I'm grateful to my travel companions and the kindness of strangers who made my time at Bromo-Kawa Ijen so special.

Finally, thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate your support. [^_____^]

---