Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is in East Java, Indonesia, inside the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The closest cities are Malang, Surabaya, and Probolinggo. 

The dry season (May to October) is best for clear sunrises. July and August are the busiest months, so for fewer crowds, visit in April-May or September-October (avoid weekends and holidays).

If you visit in the rainy season (November to March), expect fog and possible road closures. The rain makes the Sea of Sand muddy, and open jeeps offer little shelter, so we wouldn’t recommend visiting during this time.

It’s one of the most photographed places in Indonesia. It’s beginner-friendly (just 20 minutes of walking required) and offers spectacular volcanic landscapes (looks like Dune!). Even travellers who dislike crowds say that jostling with others at Mount Bromo is worth it for those unreal views.

The area is also home to the Tenggerese Hindu community, who hold annual ceremonies at Bromo's crater and the nearby Hindu temple in Ngadisari - so it’s also an important spiritual site to the locals! 

Bromo does get crowded! We really don’t like crowds, so here are our four main tips:

1. Avoid weekends and Indonesian holidays, as it’s a popular spot for locals.
2. Opt for a less popular sunrise viewpoint, like Mount Penanjakan II, or visit at sunset instead.
3. Stay overnight in Cemoro Lawang so you can reach the viewpoints before the day-trippers arrive. Some tours can even get you there an hour earlier for the best spots.
4. For a quieter experience, hike Mount Batok, next to Bromo Volcano, for a different perspective.

Yes, it’s still very much active, erupting about once every three years on average. The local authorities closely monitor it, and will close areas if there’s an eruption warning.