Indonesia > Climbing the Bromo

Today one of the highlights of the trip is on the schedule: the climb of Mount Bromo. Mount Bromo is an active volcano. The volcano sits within a larger Tengger crater from an earlier eruption. I drive about two hours by bus to Gubukklakah. Here I transfer to a 4x4. Before departure, a family offers me tea with homemade pastries.

Indonesia - By offroad vehicles to the crater rim at Bromo valley

I climb into the back of the open 4x4 and remain standing. As the vehicle quickly gains altitude over the rough road, I try to hold on tightly. The higher we go, the denser the cloud cover becomes. I also feel the temperature drop. Such a pity for the view that it’s so cloudy. Halfway up, we take a short break. I visit a small village on the mountainside. The predominantly Hindu population lives on the volcanic crater because the soil here is very fertile. They accept the risk of an eruption. When the 4x4 reaches the top of the crater, I see a vast plain within the Tengger crater. Fortunately, the cloud cover here is less dense. The size of this inactive crater is enormous—I can barely see the opposite side. I get out and start my walk. Following the path, I descend into the crater. Along the sides of the path lies gravel and volcanic ash. The further I go, the more ash accumulates. The 4x4s follow along. Those who wish can drive further down to the foot of Mount Bromo. I continue walking. Eventually, when the vehicle is ready for me, I ask the guide how far it is to the summit.

Indonesia - The active crater of Bromo volcano

He estimates about an hour of walking and climbing. I’ve already been walking for two and a half hours. I decide to continue on foot. My guide, Nunu, leads me to a shortcut. Here there is only volcanic ash—no vegetation remains. The volcanic landscape reminds me of a lunar landscape, a bare gray plain. As I approach Bromo, the trail leads over ash dunes. Sometimes I have to descend sharply, then climb again. I get quite covered in dust. Before I know it, I’m on the path to the top of Bromo. Thanks to the shortcut, I don’t start from the parking area but am already well on my way up. With the other tourists, I cover the last stretch to the summit via a staircase with 250 steps. The view at the top is breathtaking. I see white sulfur smoke rising from the crater. Many local tourists are also at the top. Several want to take photos with me at this special spot—no problem. The final stretch back to the hotel is by car. I cross the valley and climb steeply on the other side. The Lava Lodge sits right on the crater rim. From the terrace, I have a view over the crater valley with Mount Bromo in the center. I eat early and go to bed before 7:30 p.m. Tonight, I’ll wake up early to watch the sunrise.