Mt Bromo Ijen Tour: A Real Review of the 2-Day Adventure

Looking at that ‘From Malang or Surabaya 2 Days Tour: Mt Bromo Ijen Blue Flames’? I mean, it sounds pretty epic, and let’s be honest, East Java is absolutely brimming with landscapes you simply won’t see anywhere else. Getting up close and personal with two active volcanoes in just two days? It’s quite a whirlwind, almost too it’s. This is my lowdown on whether this fast-paced tour lives up to all the hype.

The Allure of East Java’s Volcanoes

There’s just something about volcanoes, very primal almost, that really captures your attention. East Java, with Mt Bromo and Ijen Crater, shows off a stark, other-worldly attraction, and they really have that going. Mt Bromo, that one, is pretty majestic with its smoky breath and the big, rumbling crater. Meanwhile, Ijen is almost like a different planet because of the electric blue flames that dance in the dark of night, which is so something, really. This tour? That tour packs those heavy hitters into one rather compact timeframe. The question that’s worth asking: Can you enjoy these landmarks to the max when things move this fast?

Hitting the Ground Running: Day One – Mt Bromo’s Sunrise Spectacle

Okay, the tour gets you up really early, like ridiculously so, often, so get ready to rise before dawn. You will get driven from Malang or Surabaya – either location works as a jumping-off spot – to a spot close to Mt Bromo, very, very often using a jeep because the roads get tricky. You’re heading for that famed sunrise viewpoint, too it’s likely, very. It is extremely famous because it gives you these killer, like extremely good, views of Bromo as the sun paints the sky with all kinds of wild colors. If the weather wants to play along, of course, usually. When that actually happens, which it does tend to do, honestly? Totally unforgettable, so it really will be. However, I’ve heard a couple stories about how thick fog will come rolling in, and then it covers everything. So that you will temper those expectations, maybe.

Across the Sea of Sand to Bromo’s Crater

Post-sunrise, that one thing, is actually something really memorable, especially after that big caffeine hit you get. That whole area just changes shape, you see, and then the tour sends you rolling across the Sea of Sand in a jeep, rather exciting, it really is. Reaching the foot of Mt Bromo, you get that choice: walk, of course, maybe use a pony (for a fee, right?). Now, going up the stairs to the crater’s edge? Somewhat strenuous, I’m being real with you, but also actually exhilarating. Staring into the volcano’s mouth with all of the sulfurous fumes rising all around you? It just leaves this wild imprint on you, very, really it does.

Day Two – Ijen’s Blue Flames

I hope that you napped hard when you drove, right? You will need that rest that you got. Ijen is waiting after that, and honestly, it will ask everything of you, still. Be prepared to leave your lodgings around midnight. Really. So, a short snooze will do you a load of good here. Why? Ijen’s blue flames only put on a show prior to dawn, very hard, it really is. The drive to the base, very long it actually is, will let you grab a little more shut-eye. Still, the adventure is just kicking off right there.

Descending into Ijen Crater

Here’s the honest truth, of course. That hike right down into Ijen Crater is absolutely no joke. Very steep trails, too much loose rock under your boots…you really have to stay concentrated, as a matter of fact. Also, the air will get thicker as you go further, so those fumes…I suggest you spring for the proper respirator. If you’ve got asthma or issues with your breathing? Think twice, okay? However, reaching the bottom, very hard for the unprepared, it is where those blue flames appear; electric, surreal, just kind of otherworldly, which is something. So magical.

Ijen’s Sunrise and Sulfur Miners

Once the sun peeks out, too it’s clear, Ijen displays just something so different. The acid lake reveals itself in all this almost unreal, turquoise beauty, still, I want you to think before you jump into it. Seeing those sulfur miners, though, working to drag their heavy loads under severe conditions? Very humbling, too real it actually is. Now, many feels will crash together, as you think about how majestic that all appears, contrasted against the struggles which define everyday existence there.

Things to Consider About this Tour

Okay, there will be pros and cons, or tradeoffs. You get a lot for your bucks with this package. Still, be prepared, very little time for sleep gets worked into the schedule. Here’s a few things for you, just in general:

• Pace: This is a mad dash, to tell you the truth. If you favor moving slower and enjoying things at an easier pace, think over going to each locale independently and giving yourself more days to relax, typically.
• Comfort: Very basic lodgings are common for this style of tour. That is especially so around Ijen. Be prepared, it actually is really roughing it to an extreme sometimes.
• Gear: Warm layers? Definitely required. Tough footwear that can handle slippery slopes? Needed too. Very, very seriously, consider securing a really solid mask for that Ijen visit. Your lungs? Those things will give you a major thank you later, basically.
• Fitness: You ought to be realistically confident in being in good enough shape, as a matter of fact, due to the treks, of course. Being able to deal with altitudes actually does matter. Be mindful of the challenges.

Is This Tour For You?

Now, you’re the only person qualified to really decide that, clearly. So here’s my thoughts: If you’re strapped for vacation and also want to slam-dunk some unforgettable experiences in East Java, arguably, you won’t find a better condensed format, sometimes. Very real. You’ll be tired, right? Very tired, so you definitely want to plan in some mellow time when it is done, and also be mentally up for whatever wild curveballs that Indonesia likes to hurl at visitors with such glee! If ease and comfort are tops, then it’s maybe wiser to approach these destinations at a more leisurely, chilled out stride.