September 2000 - Malang and Mt. Bromo, East Java, Indonesia We used Malang, a city the mountains with a cool atmosphere, as a base for our trip to the volcano, Gunung Bromo.  Leaving Malang at 1:00 a.m., we set off on a bumpy two and a half hour drive to the peak of Gunung Penanjakan.  This viewpoint on the slopes of Tengger Massif is the best place to witness the spectacular sunrise over Gunung Bromo.  The caldera of Tengger Massif contains three volcanos, Bromo, Batok and Kursi.  These three volcanos formed in the remnants of what must have been one of the world's great volcanos, Gunung Tengger, after its eruption.  Also in the crater, surrounding the three volcanos, is a vast flat sea of lava sand somewhat resembling the deserts of the American west.  Further south, this whole supernatural moonscape is overseen by Gunung Semeru, the highest mountin in Java and the most active volcano in the highands, erupting approximately every 30 minutes.

Mt. Bromo in the foreground with Mt. Semeru in the background beginning to erupt.

As the sun rose, more of the volcanic landscape came into focus.  Even though there may be crowds at this sunrise viewpoint, this event is peaceful and deeply moving.

Stepping out of the van at the lookout point at 3:30 a.m., we were astonished at the brilliance and abundance of stars in the sky.  We had never seen so many stars before.  As the sun rose over East Java, the volcanic landscape became more and more visible revealing the volcano's textures and details and the mist hanging over the sand sea.  For two hours we watched the sun rise over the smoke billowing Gunung Bromo and the periodic eruptions of Gunung Semeru.  We found it hard to tear ourselves away from this inspirational sight but we were anxious to drive down to the crater and through the sand sea so we could climb to the rim of Gunung Bromo.  A 30 minute drive took us to the base of Bromo and a steep 5 minute walk took us the rim of the volcano.  From this vantage point, we were able to view Bromo's angry, steaming crater and the breathtaking landscape of the area.  After spending an hour walking along Bromo's rim, we made our way back to Malang for much needed sleep.

Our van drove to this plateau where we walked up the outside of the crater.

The sides of the craters show the scars of ancient lava flows and eruptions.

Instead of walking up the side of the crater, you can hire a horse and rider to take up.  We recommend the walk, it is not too difficult and not as chaotic.

Looking down into Mt. Bromo's crater.

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