Everything You Need to Know About East Java

Intro to East Java

East Java (Jawa Timur) has the most insanely iconic landmarks and is a photographer’s dream. Here you’ll find volcanoes that look like they’re out of a movie, the most beautiful waterfall in Indonesia and more! 

Here is our full travel guide of what you need to know about travelling East Java, plus our favourite sites!

Why Do People Go to East Java?

If you love natural wonders and seriously “wow” views, this East Java roadtrip is perfect for you! Most people come here for the two epic volcanoes (Mt Bromo + Ijen), and also the most beautiful waterfall in Indonesia, Tumpak Sewu waterfalls. 

The most popular landmarks:

• Bromo: Enjoy a beautiful sunrise over misty volcanic ridges. You can see three different volcanoes in one view at sunrise points. After that, you can ride a jeep, hike, or even ride a horse to the Bromo crater rim.

• Ijen: For the turquoise crater lake, the rare blue flames, and see the sulfur miners at work. 

• Tumpak Sewu: A waterfall that’s so huge that you can barely open your eyes when you reach the bottom of the waterfall (you will get absolutely drenched with how much water was splashing at the waterfall base!). Multiple tiers + lush jungle surroundings makes it such a unique visit.
  

How Long Do You Need in East Java?

The recommended trip length would be at least 4D3N to cover the main highlights. This gives you a bit of breathing room for travel. But if you’re rushing, a 3D2N trip works too! Expect very long drives - you could be driving 6-8 hours to get to each highlight. 

If you have more time, you should definitely consider staying longer at each area of your journey. There are many other things to do, more viewpoints, waterfalls, or villages to explore (see below!) 

How to Get Around East Java

East Java is not like Bali where you can just Grab your way around. Distances are long, public transport exists but is complicated once you leave the major cities, and a lot of the best spots are in the middle of nowhere.

You have three options:

1. Get a private driver / tour (most common)

• Easiest if you want to do Bromo + Tumpak Sewu + Ijen in a few days.
• Your driver picks you up from Surabaya / Malang / Banyuwangi, drives between all the spots, and arranges local guides at each location.

If you book through Seek Sophie, our partners handle:

• Transport between each city
• Local guides at Tumpak Sewu and Ijen (Bromo guide can be hired as an add on)
• Accommodations
• All documents, insurances, and gears needed for your trip

2. DIY with public transport (for slower, flexible trips)

This option works if you:

• Have more time (5–7+ days)
• Don’t mind piecing together trains, local buses, and occasional car hires

Rough idea:

• Train or fly into Surabaya or Malang
• Use trains/buses between cities (e.g. Surabaya → Malang → Probolinggo → Jember/Banyuwangi)
• Then hire local drivers/gojeks from each town to reach Bromo viewpoints, waterfalls, or Ijen.

3. DIY with rented vehicles (for slower, flexible trips)

• You can also rent a car and drive on your own, but do note roads are windy and you should be a very experienced driver to go down this road (pun intended!). Motorbikes are also an option for those that don’t mind the pummeling rain. However if you want to just focus on the main highlights, hiring a car and driver is a really good idea.

When’s Best to Go

• April–October (Dry Season): Shoulder season (Apr or Oct) would be best as you can expect big crowds for anything beyond. Avoid public holidays, weekends, and summer holidays for fewer crowds!
  
• November–March: Still doable if you had lots of time to spare so you can chill and wait for good weather to enjoy the views. There are people who spend 2 weeks exploring multiple times just to catch different views at Mount Bromo (which has lots of view points to explore!)

East Java Top Sights

Madura Island

This hidden gem of an island sits in plain sight just off the coast of Surabaya. The Madurese people, are known through out Indonesia as hard working migrant laborers, while on the home island they rely on cattle raising and salt panning. You can observe people engaging in both by visiting the salt fields or attending the bull racing festival which takes place between July to October.

Trowulan Archeological Site

Here in the city of Mojokerto, you can find the remnants of the Majapahit Empire which reigned from the 13-16th century. It is the last of the Indianised Kingdoms of Indonesia and is credited for ushering in religious harmony and making the archipelago a major trading power. In Trowulan you can find various structures such as ritual bathing pools, Hindu and Buddhist temples and even a museum which houses various artifacts showcasing the empire’s ingenuity.

Coban Rondo State Forest

A bit further west to Malang, you will find the small town of Coban Rondo. This place is far off the tourist trail, but is loved by locals for weekend getaways. It has a beautiful pine forest nearby and a few great accommodations with views of the nearby valley. Here you can also enjoy nature by taking an ATV ride or strolling along a forested path.

Surabaya City

The international airport for East Java is here. You can either fly from Jakarta into smaller towns like Malang or Banyuwangi, but Surabaya is the only city w international flights in East Java. The city of Surabaya has lots of fun things to see, you can spend an afternoon here observing how local city folks live their life, definitely check out Warung Bu Kris for seriously yummy ayam penyet. There's alot of good food here, and you should get your Indonesian food cravings fixed like satay with yummy rice cakes, lontong balap, rawon, and more.

Malang City

A rather small town with a blend of traditional Javanese and Dutch colonial architecture. It doesn’t require a lot of time, but is a fun and manageable town to walk around and get some Bakwan malang, a unique meatball soup with tofu puffs and and fried wantons. If you want to get some sightseeing done, you can consider visiting the Malang market and the Museum Angkut, where you can find picture perfect vintage cars.

Selotapak

Beautiful rice fields, super quaint and quiet. Go on a weekday, and you will find maybe 5 other people around. There are plenty of nice homestays and even a waterpark (more of a locals tourist attraction). Spend the afternoon wandering the fields, have lunch or tea, chill, and catch the sunset at Rustic Market Valley View, and retreat to Arvorest Wood for a cosy and beautiful stay surrounded by nature.

Rainbow Village

Located in between Ijen volcano and Bromo, the village of Jodipan was not always so colorful. It got its colors some years ago in an effort by a few young people to attract more tourism to the area and prevent it from being destroyed. If you have some time, you should stop by and support their efforts! 

Madakaripura Waterfall

A few hours away from Surabaya, it’s a great midway stop when on a Mt Bromo or Tumpaksewu tour to stretch your legs and see a beautiful waterfall. If you are following this list West to East for your road trip, you may consider skipping this stop, as it will be out of the way getting to Mount Bromo.

Mount Bromo

Most East Java road trips start with the obligatory visit to Mount Bromo. And despite the crowds, we think it’s still worth your time to kick off your trip there. The panoramic views at sunrise from Kingkong Hill are otherworldly, walking through the sea of sand makes you feel like you’re on another planet and the opportunity to check out an active volcano  right at the crater rim is second to none. If you would like more information about visiting Mt Bromo, you can check this article where you can also find the right Bromo tour. 

Tumpaksewu Waterfalls

Located in Probolinggo, Tumpaksewu waterfalls, or thousand streams waterfall in the local language, is just about 3 to 4 hours away from Mount Bromo, and absolutely worth the extra hours journey. You can observe these waterfalls from a few different angles: one from a viewing platform that you can get to by walking 10 minutes on a paved path and the other being at the base of the falls which you can reach by climbing a fairly steep dirt path for about 700 meters. We highly recommend committing to the 2 hour trekking for the best views. For more info, you can check out this article. 

Goa Tetes

Just a few hundred meters from the foot of Tumpak Sewu waterfalls, you will find Goa Tetes waterfall which are unique as they are falling over a small cave which are super fun to explore. It’s just a small detour from your way back to the entrance of Tumpak Sewu and at an extra IDR 5000 or so, it’s a great way to pack in more sites.

Kapas Biru Waterfalls

Just around the corner from Tumpak Sewu is Kapas Biru waterfall. Most people come to see it from a viewing point across the way, where they can sit in a stream and watch the waterfall with Mt Semeru in the background (if you are lucky and it’s not too cloudy!) But personally, we felt it can be a little tourist-trappy. Most people come, pay the entrance fee, line up for the same photo spot, snap their shot, and go off! Keep in mind it might get crowded, especially during the weekends, as it’s popular with locals. 

Air Terjun Kabut Pelangi Waterfall

This is another waterfall around the corner from Tumpak Sewu that is nestled in the corner of a lush green canyon. One of it’s unique features is the position in which it is located has the sun hit it just right to make for a most amazing rainbow effect. In fact the name translates to “rainbow mist waterfall”.

Mount Semeru

Another gem close to Tumpaksewu is Mt Semeru which is the tallest mountain in Java and as a bonus, it’s also active! Because of the recent activity, it’s not possible to climb it, however you can arrange for a sunrise tour from the nearby town of Pronojiwo . Best option is to hire a jeep which will take you for the sunrise and then bring you around the surrounding ares which will take you through pine forests and lava fields. 

Pulau Merah (Red Island Beach)

A picturesque beach known for a hilly island located just 100 meters from shore making for incredible views, especially during sunset. This beach is also great for surfing. You can rent a surfboard from the local shops.

Sukamade Beach

If you are looking for a way to see some turtles, you should make a detour on your way to Ijen to Sukamade Beach. Run by national park rangers, this program helps to preserve turtle hatching grounds and make sure that more hatchlings have a chance at survival. 

Mount Ijen

Located outside of Banyuwangi town (or accessible by Bondowoso as well(, Mount Ijen is locally known as Kawah Ijen. It is both an incredible natural phenomenon  where you can observe blue fire spitting from it’s crater depth as well as witness an active sulphur mine. Here local men climb up and down the rocky terrain carrying up to 100 kg of sulphur blocks from the Ijen crater. 

Baluran National Park

Quite close to the ferry port to Bali and Mount Ijen, Baluran is a unique landscape in the island of Java. It’s savannah like environment is reminiscent much more of an East African national park than anything in South East Asia. If you are looking you may even see some deer striding by as you drive around the park. 

FAQ

What’s a good extended East Java Itinerary?

Day 1 : Start from Surabaya and do a day trip to Madura Island

Day 2: Head to Trowulan for a late morning stop and head to Coban Rondo for overnight

Day 3: After a morning of exploring the surrounding area, head to Malang.

Day 4: Explore Malang and head to Jodipan on your way to Cemorolawang for overnight stay

Day 5: Wake up early for Mount Bromo sunrise, followed by exploring the rest of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and star heading toward Pronojiwo

Day 6: Head to Tumpak Sewu waterfall, visit Goa Tetes on your way back. Also see Kapas Biru waterfall.

Day 7: Wake up early for a sunrise jeep tour with the views of Mount Semeru and head out to Sukamade Beach - it’s a long drive!

Day 8: Spend the day at Sukamade Beach

Day 9: Head to Red Island Beach for an afternoon of lounging at the beach or surfing

Day 10: Arrive at Banyuwangi, and sleep early to wake up at midnight

Day 11: Wake up at midnight and head to Mt Ijen for sunrise views, head to Baluran National Park in the afternoon if you have energy, if not, save it for the next day.

What if I wanted to extend my trip beyond East Java?

If you’ve got extra time and want to extend your trip, Central Java to the west and Bali to the east are the classic choices.

For Bali, a fast boat from Banyuwangi gets you off Java and onto the island within hours, which is the perfect place for soaking up the best of beach life.

Yogyakarta in Central Java is another gem, especially if you’re into temples, art, and culture. Borobudur and Prambanan are must-sees, and the city itself has a relaxed, artsy energy that’s a nice contrast to East Java’s rugged landscapes.

What should I pack?

East Java has a varied landscape and climate. You might be sweating like crazy on the beach in Sukamade but freezing at Kingkong hill at sunrise. Best to pack lots of layers, sunscreen, sunglasses and hats and most important comfortable shoes for trekking. You should also consider flip flops for the beach. A rain poncho is a must!