The journey
Five days from Surabaya's old trading quarters to the otherworldly crater of Mount Bromo at sunrise, a highland plantation, and the blue-flamed sulfur mines of Kawah Ijen, ending with a ferry crossing to Bali.
East Java: Volcanoes & Culture is a fast-paced introduction to one of Indonesia's most dramatic corners. Wander Surabaya's Chinatown and the old Arab quarter of Kampung Ampel, then rise before dawn to watch the sun crest over Mount Bromo's Martian landscape from the rim of its crater. Cross the highlands to a spice and coffee plantation in Kalibaru, then trek to the crater rim of Kawah Ijen, one of the most spectacular volcanic sights on Earth, before crossing the Bali Strait by ferry to finish the journey on Bali's shores.
Highlights
- Explore Surabaya's Chinatown, the historic Arab quarter of Kampung Ampel, and the Old Sunan Ampel Mosque
- Rise before dawn to watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo's otherworldly volcanic landscape
- Trek across the sea of sand to the rim of Mount Bromo's active crater
- Tour a 90-hectare spice and coffee plantation in the highlands of Kalibaru
- Trek by 4WD and on foot to the crater rim of Kawah Ijen, one of the most spectacular volcanic sights in Indonesia
- Cross the Bali Strait by local ferry, arriving on Bali's western shores to continue the journey
Included
Accommodation
4 nights across Surabaya, Bromo, Kalibaru and Banyuwangi
Activities
Surabaya Chinatown and Red Bridge · Kampung Ampel and the Old Sunan Ampel Mosque · Pasar Pabean spice market · Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint at Penanjakan · Mount Bromo crater rim trek · Margo Utomo Agro Resort spice and coffee plantation tour and tasting in Kalibaru · Kawah Ijen crater trek · Ketapang to Gilimanuk ferry crossing
Also included
Private air-conditioned vehicle transfers with English-speaking guide throughout · all entrance fees and activities as indicated · breakfast daily from Day 2 (4 total), plus 4 lunches
The route
Five days across Indonesia
4 stops · Surabaya to Banyuwangi
Surabaya
Bromo
Kalibaru
Banyuwangi
Stop 1 of 4
Journey's end
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Stop 1 of 4
Day by day
The route in detail
Day 1
Arrival in Surabaya
Arrive at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya on an afternoon flight, where a local guide and driver will be waiting for the transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for independent exploration, a local meal, or simply relaxing at the hotel. Dinner is at leisure this evening. Overnight in Surabaya.
Day 2
Surabaya City Tour to Mount Bromo
After breakfast and checkout, spend the morning exploring Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city and the gateway to Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen. Walk the busy streets of Chinatown and its landmark Red Bridge, then continue to Kampung Ampel, the old Arab quarter settled by 15th-century traders who first brought Islam to Java, ending at the Old Sunan Ampel Mosque, founded by one of Java's nine Muslim saints. Wander the colourful Pasar Pabean spice market before lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, depart for Mount Bromo, passing the coastal town of Pasuruan before a scenic mountain drive to the edge of the Bromo Tengger caldera. Check in at the hotel in the late afternoon, with dinner at leisure this evening. Overnight in Bromo.
Day 3
Mount Bromo Sunrise to Kalibaru
Rise before dawn for one of Indonesia's most unforgettable sights: the sunrise over Mount Bromo's Martian-like landscape. Travel by 4WD jeep to a viewpoint at Penanjakan to watch the sun crest over the volcano, then continue down into the mist-covered caldera. From the jeep's drop-off point, walk 45 minutes across the sea of sand to the base of the crater, then climb a further 15 minutes to the rim of the active Bromo crater for an otherworldly view. Return by jeep to the hotel for a hearty breakfast and time to refresh, before a scenic full day of driving to Kalibaru, with a lunch stop and photo breaks along the way. Overnight in Kalibaru.
Day 4
Kalibaru Plantation to Banyuwangi
After a leisurely breakfast, take a 90-minute tour of the 90-hectare plantation gardens of Margo Utomo Agro Resort, learning about the cultivation and harvesting of coffee, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, cocoa and coconut, before a tasting of the finished products. After an early lunch and checkout, continue to the Banyuwangi region near Mount Ijen, with the rest of the day free at leisure. Dinner is at leisure this evening. Overnight in Banyuwangi.
Day 5
Kawah Ijen to Bali by Ferry
Rise early for the journey to Mount Ijen, one of Indonesia's most spectacular natural wonders, with breakfast served at the hotel or provided as a picnic box before setting off by 4WD jeep. After a 90-minute drive, reach Paltuding Base Camp at 1,850 metres for the 3-kilometre trek to the top. At the crater rim (2,385 metres), take in the vast, steaming crater lake, one of the most acidic in the world, and watch the sulfur miners at work carrying blocks of sulfur up from the mines below. Return to base camp and continue by road to Banyuwangi for a late lunch. In the afternoon, cross the Bali Strait by local ferry from Ketapang to Gilimanuk, arriving on Bali's western shores to continue the journey.
Moments
Along the way
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