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Mount
Bromo East Java Indonesia
A
Spectacular Volcanic Landscape in East Java
Mt. Bromo &
Semeru
The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers some 800
square kilometers in the centre of East Java. It is the
largest volcanic region in the province and there stands
Mt. Semeru, which rises 3676 meters above sea level. At
its northern end is the spectacular Tengger Caldera,
Java's largest, with its 10 km barren desert-like sea of
sand. Within the caldera rise the deeply fissured volcanic
cones of Batok and Bromo, the latter is still active with
a cavernous crater from which smoke blows skyward.
Temperatures at the top of mount Bromo range about 5 to 18
degrees Celcius . To the south is a rolling upland plateau
dissected by valleys and dotted with several small scenic
lakes, extending to the foot of Mount Semeru, a towering
grey forest-skirted cone dominating the southern
landscape.
Tengger sandy area has been protected since 1919, and its
believed to be the only conservation area in Indonesia,
even probably in the world possessing a unique ocean and
sand at the attitude about 2000 m above sea level. There
are several mountains inside the calderas namely: Mt
Watangan (2,661 m asl)., Mt Batok (2,470 m asl), Mt Kursi
(2,581 asl), Mt Watangan (2,661 m asl), and Mt Widadaren
(2,650 m asl).
On the fourteenth day of the Month Kasada, the inhabitants
of Tengger Mountain range gather at the rim of Mount
Bromo's active crater to present annual offerings of rice,
fruit, vegetables, flowers, live stock and other local
produce to the God of the Mountain, as adherents of
religion combining elements of Hinduism and Mahayana
Buddhism the Tenggerese ask for blessing from the supreme
God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. This ceremony called Kesodo
Ceremony.
While the Great Mountain or Semeru offer a wonderful place
to 3 days hike. Serenity of small lakes and large meadows,
a three hours struggling through loose screw to the peak
and breathtaking views from peak Semeru explodes every
half hour and sends billowing smoke upwards. These gases
and belching lava make Semeru dangerous " stay well away
from the vent. The fine scenery and bracing climate, easy
access and reasonably visitor-oriented facilities make
this one of the most popular reserves in Java.
Getting There and Away
Bromo Tengger Semeru can be reached by private and public
vehicle. There are four gates to access the place,
Probolinggo, Wonokitri, Ngadas and Lumajang. Probolinggo
approach is the easiest and by fat the most popular route,
especially if you go by public bus, Wonokitri is the
closes and the easiest one if you go by private vehicle
from Surabaya (5 hours journey). To get closer to Mt.
Bromo you must rent 4x4 vehicles (there are many 4x4
vehicles rental there).
Where to Stay
There are a few options that you can choose to stay. You
can stay at The Bromo Guest House which is located at
Ngadisari that lies 3 km from the crater rim. Or you can
choose other hotels at Cemoro Lawang because it this
situated at the crater rim.
Other Things to See or Do
Walking on the sea of sand and stepping up on the 249
steps to rim is worth to try. Enjoying the unique crater
in crater, watching the dawn at Bromo is the main
attractions in the area.
Dining Guide
Its kindly hard to find some food at night, because mostly
of warung are closed after 7.30 pm. If youre in Wonokitri
area, theres some warung in Tosari market, which still
open at 7-9 pm.
Souvenir Tips
There are many souvenir shops around Mount Bromo
viewpoints who are selling T-shirts, scarf that are made
from wool and others. There are also street hawkers who
are selling these things too at the caldera area.
Moving Around
You can moving around on foot and normally it will takes 2
hours, or you can ride a horse or even rent a jeep (for
this two, you are suggested to ask first and make a
negotiation)
Travel Tips
Necessities for the trip include a torch, warm clothing,
comfortable trekking shoes, and glove as a protection
against the freezing temperature which hovers between zero
to five degrees Celsius (33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you buy or rent something please Bargain.
Sunrise starts at 5.00 am till 6.00 am (If weren't
cloudy), so you may leave from your hotel or guesthouse at
3 am or even less than that.
Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that
you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from
your places of stay.
Otherwise, you can buy some food and drink on the nearest
markets for your supply before you start your activities
on mountain.
If you're come in the right time, you may possible to
watch the annual ceremony of Kesodo.
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