Bromo - Kawah Ijen - Bali: A Tiring Trip on Volcanoes

This trip was a dream to conquer a volcanic peak at least once in my life. After gathering information for a long time, clearing pending work, and patiently saving money, it was finally time to set off.

The first day of the trip began with a flight from Don Mueang Airport to Surabaya, Indonesia, on Air Asia. The round-trip airfare was 6,540 baht, and the trip lasted 7 days and 6 nights, from February 28 to March 6, 2018.

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This trip, I exchanged 3,800,000 IDR, which is roughly equivalent to 9,000 Thai baht. A rough calculation shows that 1 IDR is equal to 0.00235 baht, or 10,000 IDR is equal to 23.5 baht.

During the first leg of the journey, we had a layover in Malaysia with approximately 3 hours to spare. We decided to grab a bite to eat.

Wandering through the airport, we stumbled upon this dish: Chicken Nasi Lemak, priced at RM 16.00 (Malaysian Ringgit). Remember, don't accidentally use the wrong currency!

The dish was served on a large plate and consisted of rice, chicken curry, boiled egg, dried fish, and cucumber. The taste was similar to massaman curry, but with a much stronger spice flavor. It was edible, but not recommended for those who do not like the smell of spices. After finishing the meal, the journey continued to Indonesia.

Upon arrival at Surabaya Airport around 4 pm, after clearing immigration, individuals may be approached by vendors offering SIM cards for 100,000 IDR.

It is not recommended to purchase this particular SIM card. Based on my experience, the signal strength is poor and renders the card virtually unusable in most locations. Instead, it is advisable to ask your guide to stop at a SIM card vendor along the way. I was able to purchase a SimPATI card for 65,000 IDR, which offers significantly better signal quality.

This trip will have a total of 10 participants (2 men and 8 women). The women have already booked the tour in advance from Thailand. They can create their own itinerary and send it to the guide. We will ask the guide to take us on a tour until the 2nd, when we will be in Bali.

We have an appointment with our guide who will pick us up around 5:30 PM. While waiting, we will be hanging around this area. So we stopped by KFC in front of the airport to grab a bite to eat.

This menu includes 2 pieces of chicken, 1 packet of rice, and 1 glass of Pepsi for 54,000 idr (approximately 126 baht).

Many people say that the spices are stronger than in Thailand, but I personally didn't feel that much difference.

The taste is quite ordinary, not much different from what we have at home. Oh, people here don't usually use spoons and forks.

They eat with their hands. I secretly asked the staff for a spoon and fork.

The guide picked us up, and we took a four-hour nap on the way to our accommodation near Bromo. The roads here are two lanes, one for each direction, and not as wide as those in our country. The speed limit is around 40-60 km/h, and with the city traffic, it took us a while to get out. Then we encountered a winding and steep mountain road, which made it a long journey. We finally arrived at our accommodation around 10 pm.

The temperature tonight is around 10-13 degrees Celsius. I never thought it would be this cold.

It's 11 pm now, and I need to get ready for bed soon.

We have to leave at 3 am tomorrow, so I need to get some sleep.

A 15-minute jeep ride followed by a short walk will take you to the Penanjakan Selamat Datang viewpoint, where you can witness the breathtaking sunrise.

The place is extremely crowded. The temperature here is around 13-15 degrees.

The camera was set up before sunrise, revealing a multitude of stars.

As the night fades away, the sun's rays illuminate the breathtaking scenery.

At 6:00 AM, we descended the mountain to the Kingkong Hill viewpoint, which was not far away.

It is recommended to visit this viewpoint as it is less crowded and offers more beautiful views than the first viewpoint.

Zooming in, we see Mount Semeru, a 3,676-meter-high volcano that constantly emits smoke. Below it is Mount Bromo, where we will hike to the crater today.

After a short, bumpy ride down the mountain from the viewpoint, we arrived at the starting point of the hike to Mount Bromo. The initial part of the trail was relatively easy, with a black sand surface that we assumed was volcanic ash. Along the way, we passed the Pura Luhur Poten Hindu temple. As we continued, the path became steeper and more challenging.

At the foot of the volcano, wisps of steam rise from the ground intermittently.

The current conditions are quite tiring, especially for those who want to climb comfortably. Horseback riding is available for rent at a price of 40,000 IDR (94 Baht/round).

Upon reaching the foot of the volcano, there is a staircase to climb further. This section left many people gasping for air, especially myself, as I was carrying a total weight of 5 kg, including my camera, lenses, drone, action camera, gimbal, and power bank. My advice is to avoid bringing too much equipment and enjoy a lighter, more comfortable climb.

After reaching the summit, we arrived at the peak of Mount Bromo, standing at an impressive 2,392 meters. This active volcano has erupted three times in the past 30 years.

Many people call this the "breath of the world," which is not wrong at all.

Atop the volcano, there is a statue of Ganesha for worshipping the deity.

The locals here also come to pray for what they desire and then throw a bouquet of flowers into the crater of the volcano.

A view from the mountaintop, looking down below.

A drone's-eye view

After descending the mountain, we traveled to the Sawana grasslands, located near Bromo. The vast grasslands took approximately 15-20 minutes to reach.

Personally, I wasn't very interested in this place, so I didn't take many photos. After relaxing for a while, we returned to our accommodation to pack our belongings and prepare for our onward journey.

After traveling from 3 am to 10 am, I hadn't eaten anything.
By chance, I saw a local food cart selling something that looked interesting, so I decided to try it.
It looked similar to noodles, but with fewer noodles and more chicken meatballs. It came with a sweet sauce (probably fermented soybeans) to mix in.
The taste was surprisingly good.

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We then set off for Madakaripura Waterfall, where the weather was on our side. The rain came down in sheets, and at first we were hesitant to go in. However, the motorcycles we had hired were waiting for us, so we reluctantly braved the rain and went in.

The Madakaripura waterfall is a collection of several waterfalls that cascade down a 200-meter-high mountain. The falls plunge into a small river below, which is filled with rocks of various sizes. Visitors must wade through the water and climb over rocks to reach the interior of the falls, eventually arriving at the main waterfall. After enjoying the falls amidst the rain, upon turning around to return, the rain miraculously stopped.

From here, we continued our journey for another 6 hours. Tonight, we will sleep on the bus. Our next destination is Mount Kawa Ijen.

We arrived here with good timing, a little after 1 am. I would say that we barely slept, because the road to get here was quite bumpy, and we got caught in the rain. We didn't even have a chance to shower, and we were exhausted from climbing Mount Bromo. I wonder if we'll be okay. Body, please don't give up on me now.

The Ascent to Kawah Ijen: A Journey of Physical and Financial Endurance

The initial ascent to Kawah Ijen is characterized by a moderate incline along a well-maintained dirt path. While the initial stages may not pose significant physical challenges, the gradual increase in elevation demands frequent rest stops. The distance covered is substantial, and the weight of a 5kg camera bag adds to the physical strain. For those seeking a less strenuous option, motorized tricycles with drivers are available for hire at a cost of 800,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately $53 USD). However, the return journey offers a more affordable option at 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately $7 USD).

After reaching the crater rim, we won't have time to relax because dawn will break soon. Our mission is to descend and observe the "Blue Fire," a rare phenomenon found only in two locations worldwide: here and in Iceland.

From the crater's edge, we had to descend, the path entirely composed of rocks. With trembling legs from exhaustion and the weight of our heavy burdens, the descent proved quite challenging. However, having come this far, we were determined to reach the end!

The surrounding atmosphere is constantly filled with sulfurous fumes. It's worth noting that even gas masks are ineffective at this location. I commend the bravery of those who venture close to capture photographs.

The sky began to brighten, gradually climbing the mountain, passing through hundreds of thousands of stone forests. The atmosphere in front of me is truly indescribable.

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The sight of the emerald-green lake, rich in sulfuric acid and the most acidic in the world, was breathtaking. We departed around 6-7 am, although I would have preferred to stay longer. However, time was of the essence, and the sulfurous odor would intensify if we left later. After two days of trekking, I felt as though I had expended a week's worth of energy. Our next destination is Bali, where things should be more relaxed.

Travel to Bali by taking a ferry from Ketapang Harbour in East Java to Gilimanuk Harbour in Bali.

It takes 1.30 hours to travel to the pier, and then another 15-20 minutes by boat. The boat fare is approximately 16-18 Thai baht.

From this point, we changed vehicles and took another van, driving for another 4 hours.

To reach our accommodation, White Villa Hostel Ubud, which costs 41,400 IDR / 98 baht per night.

The accommodation is a homestay with one 10-person dormitory room and one bathroom. Finally, we could take a shower. We were exhausted after several days. We stopped by to put our things away and get ourselves organized, then went out to find something to eat. The weather was on our side, with light rain falling intermittently. About 200 meters from the accommodation, we found a nearby restaurant. We decided to have dinner here.

The bar-restaurant has a lively atmosphere and attracts a predominantly international clientele.

The food menu is reasonably priced.

The food was quite good, with a variety of options to choose from. It was a satisfying meal, and I returned to my accommodation feeling full and content. I slept soundly, oblivious to the world around me.

The morning atmosphere in front of the room. Today, our destination is Nusa Paneda Island. We took an Uber for 150,000 IDR, which can accommodate 5 people, with an average of 30,000 IDR per person, to the Mola-mola Express pier.

Roundtrip Speed Boat Fare: 400,000 IDR / 940 THB (45-minute travel time)

Waking up late meant we had to catch the 11:30 boat, leaving us with very little time to explore each island. The last boat back was at 16:30, so for anyone planning a visit, it's best to arrive early. The island boasts several stunning viewpoints that are truly worth seeing.

Nusa Penida Transportation Options

Upon arrival at Nusa Penida, two primary transportation options are available:

1. Car Rental: Rent a car with a capacity of 5 passengers for 120,000 IDR (approximately $282) per person.
2. Motorbike Rental: Rent a motorbike for 100,000 IDR (approximately $235) per motorbike, accommodating two passengers at 118 IDR (approximately $118) per person.

For those who are not confident in riding a motorbike, it is recommended to rent a car with a driver.
As we have a lot of girls on this trip, and the roads on the island are mostly rocks/dirt/sand/holes/pits/gravel, it is not recommended if you are not a skilled rider.

Due to our late departure, the tour guide was concerned about completing the tour before the return boat trip. This resulted in limited time at each stop, approximately 5 minutes, leading to a rushed experience with minimal details.

The first point of interest is Broken Beach Pasih Mentioning.

The second point is nearby. Angel's Billabong Beach. We took photos here for about 2 minutes.

Kelingking Beach: A Breathtaking Destination with a Challenging Descent

Kelingking Beach boasts a stunning vista, but reaching its sandy shores requires navigating a steep staircase. While the beach itself is suitable for swimming, its remoteness should be considered.

The first two points are close together and can be reached on foot, but the third point is quite far away. Traveling on the island is difficult due to poor road conditions, resulting in a travel time of approximately 4 hours for 3 beaches. (The car ride alone takes almost 3 hours.) If I have the opportunity, I would like to return again in the future for a more relaxed experience.

I took an Uber to my accommodation tonight, Bedplus Back Packer, for 70,000 IDR (165 baht). It's a dormitory-style room, as usual, but it's well-equipped in many ways. It has a bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator, and a common area. It's located in the heart of Ubud. From the accommodation, if you walk out of the alley for about 150 meters, you'll find the walking street market.

After showering and getting dressed, we headed to the walking street. The atmosphere was similar to Khao San Road in Thailand, with a wide variety of goods for sale. Clothes, decorative items, and souvenirs were the most common, with many shops offering similar products. There were also some brand-name shops with discounted items, but they still seemed expensive.

Despite the late hour, some of the women still had energy to go out and explore the local pubs and bars. As for us guys, after taking in the sights, we decided to call it a night and head back to our rooms.

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This morning, we departed by chartering a 10-seater bus for 700,000 IDR / 9 people (one person has already returned to Thailand), which equals 84,000 IDR (with a slight time overrun). If the overrun exceeds 10 hours, the cost is 70,000 IDR / hour / 165 baht / hour, which is only a few baht per person.

The first stop was Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang. The entrance fee was 40,000 IDR (94 baht) per person, plus a guide fee of 200,000 IDR for two guides, which was split among seven people, making it 30,000 IDR per person (two people did not enter).

This was a lot of fun. At first, it was a normal walking path, but when we reached the entrance, we had to walk against the current, which was up to our chests. We had to climb over rocks, sometimes using ropes or jumping over the headwaters. It required quick reflexes to hold on, otherwise we would have been swept away by the current. This is a must-see.

**Note: For optimal mobility, it is recommended to bring only a waterproof action camera.**

Soaked to the bone, we continued on to Tegenungan Waterfall, which has an entrance fee of 15,000 IDR (approximately $1 USD). This waterfall is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to Sukawati Market and Ubud. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk down the stairs to the waterfall. There are many shops and restaurants at the entrance to the waterfall.

The Allure of Blue Lagoon Beach

Nestled 36 kilometers away, Blue Lagoon Beach beckons with its pristine waters and secluded ambiance. A one-hour journey leads to this hidden gem, where crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand provide the perfect setting for a refreshing escape. The beach's tranquility, devoid of large crowds, allows for an immersive experience, inviting visitors to fully embrace the beauty of nature.

Exhausted from swimming, we decided to spend the night at Bali Backpacker, which costs 40,000 IDR (approximately $94) per night. The hostel offers shared rooms with bunk beds, a common area, and even games to keep guests entertained.

Translation:

The evening found me renting a motorbike for 60,000 IDR and cruising around the city. I ordered food from a restaurant across the street and enjoyed it at my accommodation. I planned to explore further in the evening, but unfortunately, I got a flat tire, putting a stop to my plans.

After 10 pm, the place becomes quiet, and there's nothing much to see or do outside.

The Last Day in Bali

Our final day in Bali began with a familiar sight: a rented car and the bustling Ubud market. This market offered a diverse array of goods, from handcrafted souvenirs to local produce. However, prices varied significantly, with some items appearing overpriced. We decided to exercise restraint, knowing that we might find better deals later in our trip.

Translation:

After shopping, we continued to Tegallalang Rice Terrace, an iconic scenic spot in Bali. The entrance fee is 15,000 IDR (approximately 36 Baht). This rice terrace offers breathtaking views and is a must-visit destination for any visitor to the island.

Due to the rain on the day of the trip, the plan to capture stunning aerial footage with a drone was unfortunately cancelled. T-T

The driver took us to the wrong temple first, Gunung Kawi, which was less than 5 kilometers away. We had to pay an entrance fee of 15,000 IDR (36 baht). This temple was not very interesting, as it was mostly ancient ruins, and we had to climb down a long staircase to reach it.

Translation:

Translation:

The Tirtha Empul Holy Water Temple, with an entrance fee of 15,000 IDR (approximately 36 Baht), is a popular destination for foreigners seeking spiritual cleansing and auspiciousness. Many visitors demonstrate a deep commitment to the ritual, immersing themselves in the sacred waters.

Translation:

I wasn't prepared to get into the water, so I just asked for a quick rinse of my head and body.

After leaving the sacred water temple, the exit path is full of vendors, even more than the Ubud market.
The goods are similar, but more importantly, they are several times cheaper. If you have a program to pass by here, I recommend stopping by to buy something.
It's much cheaper than the Ubud market.

After finishing our walk, we were about to leave when my brother suddenly remembered that he had left his passport at the hotel the day before. It was as if something had prompted him to remember after saying the sentence "We need to go back to the hotel first." Within 3 minutes, the car we were in turned left once, and the hotel was on the right-hand side. It was as if a Doraemon door had opened in front of the hotel, and we immediately got the passport back. It gives me goosebumps just talking about it...

Translation:

The journey to the water temple, located 41 kilometers away, took nearly two hours. With an entrance fee of 60,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately 144 Thai Baht), we arrived just as the sun was setting, leaving little time for photography.

Additionally, if you wish to fly a drone here, you must pay an additional flight fee of 500,000 IDR / 1200 Baht.

Translation:

Considering the remaining balance in my wallet, approximately 200,000 IDR, and the increasingly overcast sky, it seems prudent to abandon the plan.

The Indonesia trip ended with exhaustion. We flew back to Thailand at 1 am. It was a more challenging trip than any other we've taken.

Thank you for reading to the end. I appreciate the information provided by all the participants in the trip.^^