Bromo Ijen Tour Review: Is The 3-Day Trip From Surabaya Worth It?

Okay, so you’re maybe looking at this “3d2n Bromo Ijen Falls Escape Easy Trip From Surabaya” thing, huh? You are thinking it could just be the thing to check off some big bucket-list adventures, yet you also want to be fairly certain you aren’t signing yourself up for some kind of travel nightmare. Right? Well, having done pretty much the same thing a few months ago, I’m happy to lay down what happened, what was seriously great, and what you possibly need to watch out for. Get ready, ’cause this is truly going to be a deep dive into what you might honestly expect.

What This Tour Promises: A Quick Look

First things first, basically what’s up with this whole tour? Like your typical whirlwind adventure, it gives you Mount Bromo’s impressive sunrise and Ijen Crater’s otherworldly blue flames all within 72 hours. You will find that most tours throw in transport from Surabaya (perfect if, arguably, you are flying in or out from there), lodging, plus guided treks. So, you get a reasonable schedule and what almost seems like minimal hassle, hitting two absolute must-sees in East Java, all kind of without having to figure everything out completely by yourself. Sound tempting? Sure thing, if you’re anything like me, which is probably why you are here in the first place!

Day 1: Surabaya to Mount Bromo—The Long Haul

Day one’s like, you know, a whole lot of driving. Picture this: you’re leaving Surabaya – often very early, so be ready for like your 5 AM pick-up. It could even be earlier, seemingly depending on your group or operator, or, I guess, the day of the week. That said, brace yourself, cause it’s potentially a solid 4-6 hour drive to get to the Bromo vicinity. The views out the window? Often shifting between somewhat chaotic cityscapes and rural scenes, that kind of give you a first look at Java’s landscape. Okay, it’s admittedly not consistently scenic.

On arriving near Bromo, very much expect your lodging to be relatively simple. Most places really are guesthouses. It is important to set your expectations; do not picture fancy spas or anything! So, they are reasonably clean and should have what, like, you know, a bed and a private bathroom? It could be enough for a short stay. Then, in the afternoon, many tours possibly add a chill activity like a visit to Madakaripura Waterfall. It is kind of gorgeous and really worth seeing if that, basically, is offered, although you know you should also prepare for a bit of a scramble to get there and get back.

Day 2: Bromo Sunrise and the Trek to Ijen

Okay, rise and shine! It’s like stupid early – that means maybe around 3 AM – for your Bromo sunrise mission. You get hauled in a jeep with the rest of, like, your tour group to a very high viewpoint. I can promise, all jostling for space basically goes out the window as the sky begins to sort of turn colors. Waiting there in the chilly air, you could see the sun peek over the horizon, just, well, lighting up Mount Bromo and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Sure, it might be packed with other tourists, yet watching this natural spectacle makes you quickly understand why truly everyone bothers.

After sunrise, that’s when it is time to get much closer and really personal with Bromo. Like you literally drive down to the sea of sand and then sort of hike up to the crater rim. It is reasonably straightforward, even though it involves some stairs, and so it’s worth it to peer into the steaming crater. Be sure you have got your mask! Also know, you have this potentially strong sulfuric smell, like your nostrils being assaulted by rotten eggs. The views? Spectacular, absolutely worth it.

Now, so get back to your lodging to eat what is reasonably a fast breakfast and freshen up a little, you’ll have a whole new long drive ahead of you, seemingly aiming for Ijen. It’s probably around 4-6 hours again. Like seriously, a solid chunk of the day dedicated to just sitting in a car. When, too, you reach the Ijen vicinity, again anticipate some sort of relatively simple lodging. Very similar, probably, to the Bromo digs, however that just sort of makes sense. Try to catch a reasonably early night because – you knew it was coming, surely – your Ijen hike really starts in the middle of the night!

Day 3: Ijen’s Blue Fire and Return to Surabaya

Right, so it’s another insanely early start, more or less kicking off maybe around midnight. You’re heading to Ijen Crater for, you know, a reason only very crazy folks would get out of bed at that hour: the blue fire. So, the trek down into the crater is supposedly quite challenging, often steep and rocky, and, yes, you will actually need a headlamp. The air could be increasingly thick with sulfuric fumes; I do hope your tour actually provides a gas mask, though some provide surprisingly ineffective ones.

It is likely the blue fire comes from burning sulfuric gas. What? I know. When that phenomenon could be honestly somewhat diminished based on weather conditions, you still seemingly experience a pretty surreal landscape. I really was trekking among miners carrying heavy loads of sulfur up and out of the crater – a very hard and truly humbling sight. Once daylight comes, so it lights up the turquoise crater lake, adding, actually, to Ijen’s unearthly beauty.

Going back up from the crater might feel much harder than the walk down (duh, I guess?), that’s the elevation change. I found it pretty rewarding once I completed it. Post-hike, with luck there’ll be breakfast, and you’ll then hop on one final multi-hour ride back to Surabaya. Expect what seems like arriving sometime in the late afternoon or early evening, tired, very grubby, but ideally filled with stories plus incredible photos.

What I Wish I’d Known Beforehand

Okay, you know, what is something I wish I potentially understood beforehand? I really think being ready for the physical demands. Now it looks great on Instagram, but climbing up and down volcanoes seriously is not just a stroll in the park. Work on, basically, your stamina ahead of time. Two, seemingly bring warmer clothes! Those viewpoints get surprisingly chilly early in the morning.

Another thing: the gas masks, you know, might not be of that good of a quality. Looking back I really wonder whether bringing a more dependable respirator potentially would have made that Ijen climb way more comfy. Finally, those long drives between places, it might pay to bring some books, podcasts, even downloaded series. Make, too, sure your phone’s totally charged.

So, Is This “Easy Trip” Really Easy?

Alright, the elephant that seemingly no one mentions: the “easy trip” description. What do I think? Arguably, it is reasonably relative. The tour potentially handles all logistics, which is really worth a lot, honestly reducing any kind of planning stress. That is where the “easy” is mostly at, seemingly. However, what is physical-exertion wise? You should probably recognize this involves some tough hikes plus almost no sleep, that, possibly, aren’t really easy for everybody.

Like who’s this likely perfect for? So, very active people willing to sacrifice comfort in order to see spectacular sights in fairly a short time. Possibly people, basically, on a moderately tight schedule who do not want to sweat the small stuff concerning transportation. And it may not be as cool for folks looking for that completely relaxed vacation experience, so people who actually dislike early wake-up calls, or what appear like mobility limitations.

Cost and Value: Are You Getting What You Paid For?

When it concerns value, I honestly reckon you will get reasonable bang for your buck – just mostly depending on what you anticipate from this trip. Typically these packages seemingly go for somewhere in the range of $200-$400, based on what the tour company is potentially including plus the lodging style you opt to use. Is that including transport, accommodation, plus entry fees? So, in comparison to organising each and every single thing on your own, mostly it will be a fairly sweet deal. Be sure, too, you are asking about costs that seem additional: foods that you enjoy, surely tips for your guide and driver.

The Verdict: My Honest Recommendation

Doing that 3d2n Bromo and Ijen trip from Surabaya? It is like seriously something I’d encourage given that that sounds thrilling to you. Very likely, I really appreciated minimizing all logistics, plus watching these unbelievable sunrises was really unforgettable. Be sure that too you will potentially prepare to feel physically exhausted and fairly okay with pretty basic accommodation. When setting hopes high, you have an adventure which can easily stick with you. Oh, and one bonus recommendation: Bring, potentially, your camera because you may truly capture some outstanding things!

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