Journey to Bromo
After an unforgettable night at Sukamade Beach observing turtles laying eggs under the full moon and releasing hatchlings at sunrise, our group of five continued the journey to Mount Bromo via Probolinggo. We stopped briefly at a friend’s home in Banyuwangi to freshen up and change vehicles. From Banyuwangi, there are two routes to Probolinggo — via Jember or Situbondo. On advice, we chose Situbondo for its smoother roads. The drive lasted about 6–7 hours, filled with card games, snacks, and lively conversations. Along the way, we stopped at Kraksaan for seafood dinner before reaching the hotel near Bromo late at night.
Sunrise at Penanjakan
At 2:30 am, the hotel clerk woke us for the sunrise tour. By 3:15 am, we boarded a Hardtop jeep to Penanjakan viewpoint. Despite the crowds, the anticipation was high. As dawn broke, the sky transformed into a canvas of blue, red, and gold. From the cliffs, we admired Mount Bromo’s smoking crater, Mount Batok’s towering cone, and Mount Semeru rising majestically in the distance. The panorama was breathtaking, a natural masterpiece that felt like standing inside a painting.
Exploring Bromo Crater & Teletubbies Hill
After sunrise, we descended to the Sea of Sand to climb Bromo’s crater. My friends rode horses while I stayed at the parking area, enjoying hot meatballs and chatting with locals. Nearby stood Poten Temple, a sacred Hindu site where the Tengger community holds the annual Kasodo ceremony. Later, we visited the rolling green savanna known as Teletubbies Hill, perfect for photos and relaxation. Our final stop was the Whispering Sands, a desert‑like expanse formed from volcanic ash, before returning to the hotel for lunch.
Madakaripura Waterfall
In the afternoon, we set out for Madakaripura Waterfall, a legendary site linked to Gajah Mada, the prime minister of Majapahit. The journey involved a 40‑minute drive and a 30‑minute trek along rivers guided by locals. The waterfall resembled endless rain, drenching every visitor. Umbrellas and raincoats were available, but sudden showers made the area risky for flash floods. After quick photos and tea at nearby stalls, we returned safely despite heavy rain.
Evening at Bromo
Originally, we planned to stay at a homestay near Pekalen River for rafting the next day. However, due to concerns about mosquitoes, we decided to spend another night at the hotel on Bromo’s slopes. The rain had cleared, leaving us to enjoy the cool mountain air. Over tea and conversation, we reflected on the day’s adventures. Tomorrow, after breakfast, we would continue to Probolinggo for rafting at the Pekalen River, closing another chapter of our East Java journey.
Continue:
#1: The Trip to Ijen Crater – Enjoy amazing Blue Fire from Singapore – part 1
#2: Sukamade Trip – Finding turtles and The Best Activity In Sukamade – part 2
#3: From Sukamade beach to Mt Bromo – part 3
#4: Rafting Adventure at Pekalen River – Last part of 4
