Hike Mount Bromo

Many hikes are available in the area, and most if not all of them can be completed without a tour guide (regardless of what the tour operators will tell you).

Perhaps the most common hike can be completed in a morning and begins at the sleepy little town of Cemoro Lawang, descending down the caldera rim into the sea of sand, crossing this vast expanse of an almost moon-like surface, and then climbing the small volcano of Bromo. It is quite popular among tourists to opt out of the walking part and hire a horseback ride from one of the local riders.

The second hike and by far the best is the 3 hour hike to the viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan. The views and ensuing sunrise from this viewpoint is by far the most amazing sunrise I have ever seen and is well worth getting up super early (3am) and braving the cold temperatures!

A tip for people wanting to avoid the crowds would be to do the sunrise hike regardless of crowds but do the Bromo hike later that afternoon. It's a big day on the legs, but the vast majority of people do the Bromo hike mid morning, hence you would have the place to yourself.

Remember to pack warm gear. I made the terrible mistake of not packing any warm weather gear on my tour of Southeast Asia, after all why would you? With sunny hot humid days on the forecast for the foreseeable future the thought of a beanie was unbearable! However, what I completely forgot to take into account is the altitude in which these volcanoes are situated. Thankfully the local markets and shops in Cemoro Lawang sell hand knitted woolen scarves, beanies and gloves as well as a range of second-hand ski clothes.