Located in East Java, Mount Bromo, part of the Tengger Highlands, is probably one of the most enchanting peaks in Indonesia. It provides tourists with a spectacular feeling of looking at the end of the world, especially during sunrise.

There are three mountain peaks located at the Tengger Highlands. Mount Bromo (2392m), being the most famous, is located on the centre of Tengger Highlands caldera and is surrounded by a sea of sand. Guarding Mount Bromo from the north and south, Mount Batok (2440m) and Mount Kursi (2581m) emerged. This whole area is simply referred as Mount Bromo by the locals.

According the legend, Mount Bromo existed because of an act of unfulfilled love. An ogre dug the Tengger crater with half a coconut shell to prove his love to a princess. The ogre needed to complete this task in a single night to gain the right to wed the princess. Looking at the possibility that the ogre can actually succeed, her father, the King, ordered his servants to start pounding rice, indicating that the morning has arrived. Cocks started to crow and the ogre believed that he had failed. Before dying of exhaustion, he threw away the coconut shell and it becomes Mount Batok and the surrounding trench become the sand sea around Mount Bromo.

There are a few different inland routes you can take to view this spectacular volcanic landscape:

• Probolinggo route

  This is the most famous and easiest route to take. Going from Probolinggo to Sukapura, Ngadisari, before approaching Cemoro Lawan, the outer post of Mount Bromo. This whole trip might take about 1 ½ to 2 hours to reach the top of Mount Bromo. Make sure to leave early because you don’t want to miss the sunrise at the top of mount Bromo.

• Wonokitri route

  This is an alternative route that many people take to view Mount Bromo from the top of Mount Penanjakan (2770m), the highest point located at the outer rim of Tengger Highlands. From here, you will be able to see the extraordinary view of Mount Bromo in the foreground and Mount Semeru (3676m), the highest mountain in Java, in the background. You can descend Mount Penanjakan to the base of Mount Bromo by renting a 4WD car.

• Ngadas and Lumajang Routes

  These are the more difficult routes because of its difficult access. However, if it is adventure you are looking for, Ngadas and Lumajang routes are worth taking. You will need to hop on local transportation to get to Mount Bromo from Ngadas or Lumajang. Many people actually takes the Ngadas route to hike Mount Semeru.

The best time to visit Mount Bromo is during Indonesia’s dry season (April to October) so that you can have a clear view of the landscape. Start your trip to Mount Bromo early because you don’t want to miss out on sunrise. You will be seeing the most breathtaking volcanic landscape and you will feel like you’re at the end of the world! Mount Bromo is truly an Indonesian Hidden Gem.

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