Bromo Indonesia: The 'Why' and the 'How' (26-28 June 2010)

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These are some reasons why people come to Bromo:

The beautiful viewThe sunriseThe Bromo craterMoreover, in the area, you can also go to the dessert, savanna, Makadipura Falls, climb Mount Semeru (The tallest mountain in Java), horse riding and other activities.

What about the ‘how’? How to get to Bromo? How to stay there and other ‘how’ relates the Bromo visit. Well, based on my own experience, the asking around and some readings; here are some info on Bromo.

What is Bromo?
Located in the Tengger Caldera at 2329 meters, Bromo is an active volcano part of Tengger massif with mountains such as Semeru, Pananjakan, Batok and others. The Bromo highlands are famous for its great view and cultural heritage, because it also become an important centre for traditional Hindu Javanese beliefs. Bromo is the most popular tourist attractions in East Java, Indonesia.*
The closest village to Bromo is Ngadisari, so most people will stay in Ngadisari before visiting Bromo.

What clothes to prepare?
During the night to dawn, the temperature could drop to zero celcius. So, if you plan to see the sunrise, better have the right clothes.
However, you can buy mittens, hats and other articles there with good price; and rent the jacket as well.

How to get to Ngadisari?
For you who need privacy may rent a nice wagon (e.g. Toyota Innova) from Surabaya for around 600,000 Rupiahs nett includes driver. The trip will take around four hours.
However, if you feel like saving money, go to Probolinggo (Closest town to Bromo) and then hop on the public transport in Probolinggo Banyuangga Terminal to Ngadisari. It will cost you around 20,000 Rupiahs. Sorry, I don’t know the rate for bus from Surabaya to Probolinggo.
Otherwise, drive yourself there and be your own driver!

The view from Surabaya from Bromo is also worth considering ....

The Muddy city of LapindoOld buildings .... I like the roofs better than the whole house :-)The hills and the mountains …
Where to stay while in Ngadisari?
The nicest accommodation (That I know of…) is Java Banana Lodge. The lowest rate is around 750,000 Rupiahs per room night. The higher rate? …… I don’t even want to imagine it!Middle and budget rate hotel is also available. The local also rent their house and rooms.
Where to eat?
There are many places to buy food. Good for tourists … ans of course good for kids … Otherwise, you can always buy from the hotel.

How to transport around Bromo area?
You need a 4WD vehicle to go to the mountains. If you don’t have your own car, you can use ‘Ojek’ service (Motorbike taxi) or rent a Jeep. One Jeep fit for up to seven medium size passenger.(Please note that the Jeep is the 'Red creature'.... not the 'Black and white creature')

However, walking around Ngadisari can be done on foot.

What’s the transport rate?
From Ngadisari to Mount Pananjakan (Best place to see the Sunrise), Bromo crater and back to Ngadisari; the standard Jeep rental is 275,000 Rupiahs include driver. Some people use Ojek and pay around 100,000 Rupiahs.

If you want to travel with Jeep just to the crater and return, the rate is 165,000 Rupiahs.

What about the Horse Riding?As the horse riding is done from Poten Temple (A very old temple) to the bottom of steps of Bromo crater. Return rate is 125,000 Rupiahs. One way is 60,000 Rupiahs.

If you feel like walking and dying in the middle of your walk and thinking a horse will save you ….. You can negotiate the rate :) But please be gentle … Bromo people are very nice and polite, so spend a bit money would be nice.

What mostly become the ritual?
It is better to arrive at the hotel before dark so it will give us time to rest.
When arriving the hotel, book the Jeep at the hotel to take to Bromo or if you prefer motorbike, you can ask the hotel as well. Once the vehicle is confirm, have your dinner and sleep.

Later, you will have a wake up call at three in the morning. Please dress up as recommended and meet up with your Jeep driver (they usually wait at the hotel). The jeep will take you to Mount Pananjakan View Point to see the sunrise. Don't be surprise to see so many sunrise hunters there.Finish viewing the sunrise? Do not forget to take picture of surrounding mountains and pictures of yourself and family too.Then, the driver will take you to see the Bromo Crater. The Jeep will drop you not far from Bromo mountain and Poten Temple. You may choose to walk or ride a horse to where the bottom of Bromo steps are located.(Look up, feels like going up to heaven? ...)

If you wish to ride a horse to the crater, please bring something to cover your mouth and nose as the area is sandy … And the horses do ‘their business’ every where …

To get to the top of Bromo Mountain, you have to walk up the 250 steep steps. Tiring, but the view from the top is breath taken. Can you spot the Poten Temple from the picture?After the crater, with extra Rupiahs, you may ask the driver to savanna, dessert or other part of the National Park or just get to know the people of Bromo
So, what do you think? Put Bromo in your next vacation plan and experince the beauty!


*) Part of info is sourced from Java Banana Cottage brochure

Time Travelling in Jogjakarta Indonesia (21-23 June 2010)

I have been to Jogja (Short name for Jogjakarta) many times. But my current visit is special, because I have my two kids, Lulu (11) and Lilo (5) to go time travel. Yes, being in Jogja just like being in a time traveling machine.

First, when you drive up north, you will face ‘the mighty’ Mount Merapi. The active volcano have been in there for million of years. On a clear day, we can see the smoke comes out its top.Then, about one hour drive northwest from Jogja, Borobudur Temple stands. The one of world biggest Buddhist shrine was built in the eight century.I won't say much about Borobudur. Just surf the internet and we can get all info about it.

Next, we drive across Jogja to visit the ruin of Keraton Ratu Boko (Palace of Queen Boko) which is located on the hill and built in the seventh century. Yes, we could only find little remain of a palace, what actually left is the gate and the rest which has been ruined thru time.However, even with the ruin, sitting on the higher part of the hill looking down at it gave us the thrill, the thought of how the people live when the palace still standing.Abount three kilometers north of Ratu Boko, we can find another of Jogja's ‘signature’ temple, the PrambananPersonally, I like Prambanan better than Borobudur because of its graceful shape and its legend.It is said that the temples were built by a King who has conquered the Ratu Boko kingdom. It was started when the King wants to marry the Princess of Ratu Boko named Loro Jongrang. The princess, who actually did not want to marry the King, tried to trick the King by asking him to build a thousand temples in one night. Magically, the King was able to build almost as many by the help of night genies. Fearing that he could fulfill the wedding condition, the Princess did everything to get rid of the genies by making the morning came sooner. The King found out that the Princess has cheated and turned her into stone which reside in the 1000th temple and she is still there until now.It is up to you to belive in the legend or the fact that Prambanan is actually built by Rakai Pikatan, the King of Mataram, in year 850.

Closed to Prambanan, by paying 5000 Rupiah (Or 50 US cents), a carrier will take us to another complex of temples called Candi Sewu (A thousand temples). Don't get confused, these temples are not part of Prambanan. Our time travel move to the heart of Jogja, to the Sultan Palace (or the local call it Keraton) which is built in 1750s. Currently, the Sultan of Jogja is the only Sultan who still reigns a kingdom in Indonesia. However, the authority is more to ceremonial.In a walking distance from the Sultan Palace, it would be a pitty if we don't shop in Malioboro Street. The busy street has been there since 1758 as the 1st Sultan of Jogjakarta established it as trading area.Right in the corner of Malioboro, Vredeberg Fort stands. The fort was built by the Dutch and the Sultan of Jogja in 1760-1787 as a sign or peace and friendship. Ironic isn't it, building a fort for friendship? I don't understand how people think back then.Finally, at the opposite site of the Vredeberg, there is 'Gedung Agung' or the Great Mansion. The beautiful building is now one of Indonesia State Palace. It is built in the 18th century by the Dutch. Well, we have seen how Jogja transforms from millions years in Merapi to the 18th century Dutch colonial. How about now?

Look around ..... Indonesian kids are now taking in charge.

One does farming, happily making sure the country is well fed. Lulu is actually learning how to plant rice in one among many traditional villages in Jogja who offer this rare activity.: .... I love Lulu's smile :-) ...

And this other one is standing tall to guard the heritage.:...Watch your belly Lilo ...