Travelling from Yogyakarta to Mount Bromo is now quick and convenient. Mount Bromo is relatively close. It is only around 285 km away. 

This has made Mount Bromo a highly sought-after tourist destination. The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park attracted 368,000 visitors in 2023. This was an increase from 318,919 in the previous year. Both domestic and international travellers contribute to its popularity.

Mount Bromo spans three districts. They are Probolinggo Regency, Pasuruan Regency, and Malang Regency. Each location grants entry to Mount Bromo and has unique benefits and drawbacks. 

If you choose to access Bromo via Pasuruan, you can enjoy a stay at the Plataran Bromo Hotel. Meanwhile, a route through Probolinggo is perfect if you plan to visit the Madakaripura waterfall. If you choose the Probolinggo route, you can enter Mount Bromo via the Cemorolawang entrance, famous for its superb hotels. Those hotels offer stunning views across the Bromo crater. 

But Malang is the most accessible city when heading to Mount Bromo. You can reach Malang by train or overnight bus. If you're willing to spend more, flying is also an option since Malang has its own airport. But there's a catch. We will explore this later on.

So, what makes Mount Bromo so special? 

You might have seen or heard about its breathtaking vistas online. However, that's just the beginning of its allure.

Mount Bromo is an active volcano named after the Hindu god Brahma. Local Hindu Tenggerese consider this mountain sacred. During the annual Yadnya Kasada ritual, they offer fruits, rice, vegetables, flowers, and livestock. This festival occurs somewhere between July and August.

The volcano is a year-round destination, but it has unique seasonal attractions. In the dry season, visitors enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets. The rainy season turns the landscape into lush greenery. Teletubbies Hill is a highlight. It spans over 300 hectares of vibrant lavender bloom.

Mount Bromo also appeals to various groups. The leisure activities suit all kinds of travellers. However, parents of young children should take extra precautions.

How to get there

Mount Bromo is widely accessible from Jogja. There are also numerous transportation options available. You can get there by land or air.

However, since Malang is the easiest route, we will explore it more than the abovementioned routes.

Many travellers take the train from Yogyakarta Tugu Station to Malang Station. This journey takes around six hours. Economy class tickets start at approximately US$17. The luxury train costs about US$100. This also shortens the trip to five hours. 

Another option is to travel by bus or private car. The bus ride from Jogja to Malang takes about 12-15 hours. It costs around US$17. If you're driving, expect an average journey of 10 hours. But this depends on the route and stops. 

You can also charter a private car from Jogja to Bromo. Depending on the car type, this costs around US$160 for a 6- to 7-hour ride.

You can also fly to Mount Bromo. Your possible stops include Juanda International Airport in Surabaya and Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport in Malang. 

But here's the catch. You won't find any direct flights from Flights from Yogyakarta to Malang or Surabaya. All flights must transit in Bali or Jakarta and take about six hours. Airfare ranges from approximately US$137 to US$200 for economy class.

When you land in Surabaya or Malang, you'll need another public or private transportation to reach Mount Bromo by land. Malang to Bromo takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Surabaya to Bromo takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

As we mentioned earlier, you also have several land route options for Mount Bromo. Bus travellers often favour the route through Probolinggo, which passes through the beautiful and tranquil Ngadisari village. There’s also a train from Jogja to Probolinggo. The train journey takes 7 to 8 hours and costs around US$5 to US$12.

Where to stay

If you're planning to visit Mount Bromo, we suggest staying nearby. This will make catching the sunrise a breeze.

Many tourists opt for a stay in Probolinggo before heading to Mount Bromo. The city also has some of the best hotels. We recommend going with Lava View Lodge, which offers an undisturbed beautiful view of the majestic Mount Bromo. Or, go with Joglo Kecombrang, a hotel that evokes your inner mountaineering spirit. If you're looking for a touch of luxury, Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo offers modern comforts amid stunning natural scenery. 

If Pasuruan is your choice of route, you should check out the lush and soothing Lereng Bromo Hotel in Wonokitri and the chic Plataran Bromo. Meanwhile, in Malang, Hotel Santika Premiere is one of the best options. Car rides from this 4-star hotel take around 1.5 hours to Bromo.

Or, for a truly immersive experience, consider staying in a homestay in villages like Ngadisari in Probolinggo or Wonokitri in Pasuruan. You can immerse yourself in the local Tenggerese culture while at it.

There's another benefit of staying in nearby villas. The staff or locals often help tourists arrange a private jeep tour. Once the jeep is booked, the driver arrives around 3 AM. They will take you to the sunrise viewpoint. 

Things to do

Mount Bromo offers a wide range of activities for you to enjoy. One highlight is the breathtaking sunrise. The best spots for this are Penanjakan 1, Bukit Cinta (Love Hill), and Bukit King Kong (King Kong Hill). Penanjakan 1 is famous for its elevated view. Bukit Cinta and Bukit King Kong are great places to explore nearby attractions.

For nature lovers, check out nearby waterfalls. We encourage you to visit Coban Pelangi, only accessible through Malang, and Madakaripura, only accessible through Probolinggo. If you're up for a walk, local villagers invite you to explore their villages and enjoy the sights.

For a different adventure, consider Mount Ijen. This mountain 140 km away. You'll witness the famous acidic lake and blue flames at night. It's a unique experience. Fun fact: the local community relies on sulfur mining here for their livelihood.

Tips when travelling to Mount Bromo

Visiting Mount Bromo offers a spectacular experience, but preparation is key. Here are essential tips to help you make the most of your trip:

1. Visit Mount Bromo during the dry season. Most attractions are accessible then.
2. Always check the weather before trekking, as conditions at Mount Bromo can change. It might be dry and cold or rainy in the morning or afternoon.
3. When trekking, carry only essential items. The path to the sunrise viewpoint is challenging. Essentials might include bottled water, a camera, and some cash.
4. Cash is crucial in the area since locals rarely use electronic payments. It's needed for entrance and parking fees, and local stalls only accept cash.
5. No matter the season, it's always cold, so wear a warm jacket. Bring an extra if you're sensitive to cold.
6. Wear a mask to protect against sandstorms, especially in the savannah. While usually predictable, unexpected sandstorms can occur.
7. Do not take food or drinks set out as offerings. These are part of Tenggerese cultural beliefs and are usually placed on the ground near the mountain. Offerings typically include vegetables, fruit, flowers, and livestock.

Wrap up

Planning a trip to Mount Bromo can be fun and satisfying, but it also takes work. To have the best time, it's important to learn about the area before you go. You should also know how to get there and where to stay while you're there. Plan ahead of time what you'll do during your stay. 

Planning a travel itinerary may sound like a lot of work for some. However, many travel agents can help. Take us, for example. We're here to help you plan your trip and make it hassle-free. 

We know everything there is to know about a Mount Bromo trip and have an all-inclusive travel plan for everyone. Are you a solo traveller? No problem. Are you a family of four? We've got you. Are you a big corporate group? We have professional staff to take you. 

Pack your bags and enjoy the journey!