What comes to your mind when you hear the word "Indonesia"? 

You might think of towering volcanoes, sprawling rice fields, and serene beaches. That's not wrong. But visiting this country truly brings these visions to life. The landscapes are magical, breathtaking, and stunning. And this is evident in the volcanic wonders of Mount Bromo and Ijen. A trip there captures the essence of Indonesia's natural beauty. This is why so many travelers can't stop talking about it.

The views over Mount Bromo are iconic. And the landscapes are nothing short of dramatic. The sunrise here is a must-see. The sight of the volcano at dawn makes every challenge worth it. Standing at the crater's edge, you will feel the raw power of nature.

Then there's Ijen. It is located further west in Java's volcanic expanse. The journey from Bromo might be long but it's worth it. The arrival is breathtaking. Many resorts in Ijen also offer views of three volcanoes, rice paddies, and the Bali Strait. An early morning trek to the crater's edge reveals the blue sulfur lake. It's an unforgettable sight. Unlike Bromo, Ijen is less crowded. It offers a peaceful encounter with one of nature's wonders.

If you plan to visit Bali, a Bromo-Ijen tour is a no-brainer. They are a must-see whether you take off from Yogyakarta, Surabaya, or Malang. Those destinations serve as an extraordinary prelude to the magic that awaits in Indonesia.

Getting to Mount Bromo and Ijen

Here's how to reach Mount Bromo and Ijen from Malang, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta:

From Malang:

Getting to Mount Bromo from Malang is easy due to its proximity. The journey takes 2 to 3 hours. You can arrange for a tour that picks you up from your hotel in Malang. It often departs at night to arrive at Bromo in time for the sunrise. You can also take a shared minibus or taxi to Tumpang village. From Tumpang, you'll need to switch to a 4WD Jeep to navigate the terrain to Bromo's viewpoints. You can stop by Mount Penanjakan. 

Traveling to Ijen Crater from Malang involves a longer trip. It takes around 5 to 6 hours by car to reach the gateways. Most opt for a tour package since it simplifies the logistics. The tours typically include transportation from Malang to Banyuwangi or Bondowoso. If you prefer public transport, you'd first travel to Banyuwangi or Bondowoso. Then, find local transport or join a guided trek to see the blue fire and the turquoise lake at Ijen.

From Surabaya:

If you plan to fly to Indonesia, we suggest landing in Surabaya. The city will be the most convenient first stop before heading to Mount Bromo and Ijen.Mount Bromo is about a 3- to 4-hour drive from Surabaya. You have several options to get there:

1. Join a tour with overnight accommodation near Bromo.
2. Hire a private car for a more personalized travel experience.
3. Take a train to Probolinggo, a minibus or taxi to Cemoro Lawang, then a jeep to the Bromo viewpoint.

Tours from Surabaya are popular. They manage all aspects, from transport to timing for the sunrise. Those tours  often combine both Bromo and Ijen. Ideally, you'll visit Bromo first by car, then head to Ijen. This itinerary is ideal for a 3- to 4-day trip.Reaching Ijen from Surabaya takes 6 to 7 hours by car. You can find plenty of all-inclusive packages that offer lodging, transport, and a guide. If going independently, take a bus or train to Banyuwangi first. Then, arrange local transport to the Ijen trailhead for the trek.

From Yogyakarta:

The journey from Yogyakarta to Mount Bromo is the longest. It's around 8 to 10 hours by car. Most travelers fly to Surabaya or Malang. Then, they proceed as described above. They also might join a multi-day tour that includes all transport. You can take an overnight train to Probolinggo or Surabaya. Once you've reached Bromo, getting to the crater or sunrise point remains the same as from other starting points.Traveling to Ijen Crater from Yogyakarta takes 12 to 14 hours by road. Many fly to Surabaya or join an organized tour that breaks the journey into segments. Those tours often visit Bromo before heading to Ijen. Some tours typically conclude in Bali. Check out our exclusive offers for the Yogyakarta-Bromo-Ijen tour package.Consider the time of day for departures for all locations, especially for Bromo's sunrise. You should also considere the physical demands. Trekking Ijen's crater to see the blue flame at night would be tolling.

Tips for Your Bromo & Ijen Tours

Traveling to Mount Bromo and Ijen from Malang, Surabaya, or Yogyakarta is more complicated than it seems. It requires careful planning of itineraries and budgets. Here's how to organize your journey.Your trip should start with a late-night or early-morning departure to catch Bromo's iconic sunrise. After exploring the Bromo crater, you could return to your starting point. But you could continue to Ijen for the next day's adventure. This schedule would have more physical demand. But it maximizes your time at both locations.

When considering costs, shared transportation from any of the three cities to Bromo can range from about $15-$30 per person from Malang. It might cost $80-$130 for a private car or tour from Surabaya or Yogyakarta for 2-4 people. Moving from Bromo to Ijen would add another $65-$100 from Malang or $100-$165 from Surabaya or Yogyakarta. Entrance fees for Bromo and Ijen are roughly $15 and $10 per person, respectively. Accommodation near these sites can vary from $20 to $45 per night. Costs in urban areas like Surabaya may be higher.

Budget around $65-$265 per person for an all-inclusive estimate from any starting point. This should cover transport, entrance fees, and 2-3 days of accommodation. The cost may vary depending on your starting city, travel method, and whether you're staying overnight at the volcanoes.Those estimates don't include food, souvenirs, or any unexpected expenses. If starting from Yogyakarta, add the cost of getting to Surabaya or Malang. It could be around $35-$70 by train or flight.

Remember, these are approximate costs. Those prices can fluctuate with exchange rates, seasons, and negotiations. Always prepare for additional spending. This is a must if you extend your stay or indulge in local cuisine and crafts. 

When planning your Bromo and Ijen trip, remember to:

• Pack for cooler temperatures, especially for early treks.
• Bring warm clothing.
• Wear good hiking shoes.
• Equip yourself with a flashlight for the Ijen trek and a gas mask for the sulfur fumes.
• Check weather forecasts to plan accordingly.
• Stay hydrated. Bring water and snacks for energy.
• Be aware of altitude sickness. Take it slow if needed.
• Use protective gear like gloves and a scarf for comfort.
• Charge your camera or phone, and carry spare batteries.
• Respect local culture by dressing and behaving appropriately.
• Have local cash (IDR) for transactions in remote areas.
• Protect against the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Practice sustainability and leave no trash behind.
• Consider hiring a guide for better experience and safety.
• Get travel insurance for adventure activities.

Plan Your Trip with Us for

Let us take the hassle out of your trip planning. With YKExplore, you can dive into the adventure. We will take care of every detail. You can get the most out of your visit with our local guides. They know these landscapes like the back of their hand.

Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your tour with us now, and let's make your Indonesian volcano adventure genuinely spectacular.contact us for your unforgetablle journey visit mount bromo and ijen volcano