Bromo (Gunung Bromo) is one of the most famous and visited volcanoes in Indonesia. It is located on the Tengger Plateau in the east of Java Island, in the heart of the national park of the same name. Although the volcano is only 2,400 meters high, its power and symbolism attract travelers from all over the world.
Features of Mount Bromo
• Tengger Caldera: Bromo is located inside a giant caldera about 10 km in diameter. The flat sandy floor of the caldera, known as the “Sea of Sand” (Lautan Pasir), creates a unique landscape.
• Active volcano: Bromo is an active volcano, with its last eruption occurring in 2016. Sulfurous smoke constantly rises from its crater.
• Sacred place: For the Tengger people, Bromo is a sacred volcano. Annual sacrificial ceremonies are held here, known as Yadnya Kasada.
Legend of the volcano
According to local legends, in the 15th century the rulers of a Hindu kingdom, Joko Seger and Roro Anteng, fled to the Tengger valley to escape Islamization. The gods helped them establish a new kingdom and granted them many children, but demanded that the last child be offered as a sacrifice. When the couple broke their promise, the volcano awoke, and the youngest prince threw himself into the crater to save his people. In memory of this event, the locals continue to bring offerings to the gods every year.
Yadnya Kasada ceremony
Every year the Tengger people climb Mount Bromo to throw offerings into the crater: food, money, flowers, and even livestock. Some tourists visit the volcano at this time specifically to witness this unique ritual.
How to visit Mount Bromo
• Cemoro Lawang village: This is the closest point for visiting Bromo. From here, both hiking and jeep tours are organized.
• Best time to visit: June–September is the dry season, providing the most comfortable conditions for trekking.
• Viewpoints: The most popular sunrise spots are Penanjakan 1 and Penanjakan 2, offering panoramic views of Bromo, the caldera, and neighboring volcanoes.
Useful tips
- Equipment
• At sunrise, temperatures can drop to 0°C. Bring warm clothes or rent a jacket on-site.
• Wear comfortable trekking shoes and take a flashlight for the early-morning climb.
• Protect your face from dust with a mask or scarf. - Costs
• Entrance to the national park: 220,000 IDR on weekdays, 320,000 IDR on weekends.
• Jeep rental for a tour across the plateau: starting from 500,000 IDR per vehicle. - Caution
• Avoid unlicensed guides and check reviews before booking a tour.
• Be careful on the caldera floor: volcanic dust and steep slopes can be hazardous.
Why visit Bromo
Bromo is not only a natural attraction but also a place where you can experience the living history and culture of Indonesia. The power of nature, the unique Kasada ritual, and the breathtaking sunrises over the caldera make visiting Bromo an unforgettable adventure.
Mount Bromo is located here
