East Java occupies the eastern half of Java island, with Surabaya as its administrative capital. Aside from being the second largest city in Indonesia as well as a major industrial center and port, East Java is also known for its myriad of mountains and volcanoes.
Mount Bromo
Located within the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, Mt. Bromo is arguably East Java’s most recognisable volcano. It is 2,329m high and sits inside the massive Tengger caldera (approximately 10km), surrounded by the Laut Pasir (Sea of Sand) of fine volcanic sand. Looking as if its top has been blown off, Mt. Bromo constantly belches a thin wisp of white sulphurous smoke.
Located within the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, Mt. Bromo is arguably East Java’s most recognisable volcano. It is 2,329m high and sits inside the massive Tengger caldera (approximately 10km), surrounded by the Laut Pasir (Sea of Sand) of fine volcanic sand. Looking as if its top has been blown off, Mt. Bromo constantly belches a thin wisp of white sulphurous smoke.
Tourists wake up early morning to take the 4WD down to Mt. Panajakan opposite for the famous morning sunrise which sees Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batok and the distant Mt. Semeru bask in the morning glow of the rising sun. The 4WDs then continue to the foot of Mt. Bromo where it’s a 20 minute walk across the sea of sand to the base of Mt. Bromo, before ascending over 200 steps to the summit. The local Tenggerese folk also operate horse rides across the Laut Pasir for those who prefer something a little more comfortable.
Mount Semeru
Also known as Mahameru, or Great Mountain, Mt. Semeru is 3,676m high and definitely one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. Lying at the southern end of the Tengger volcanic complex, it erupts reliably and disperses clouds of steam, ash and stone into the atmosphere every 20 minutes or so. Summit treks are available and start from the village of Ranu Pane in the north. However, permits are required and this mountain is more often closed due to its volatile nature.
Also known as Mahameru, or Great Mountain, Mt. Semeru is 3,676m high and definitely one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. Lying at the southern end of the Tengger volcanic complex, it erupts reliably and disperses clouds of steam, ash and stone into the atmosphere every 20 minutes or so. Summit treks are available and start from the village of Ranu Pane in the north. However, permits are required and this mountain is more often closed due to its volatile nature.
Mount Ijen
Another one of East Java’s popular volcano mountains, Mt. Ijen is located in the Ijen volcano complex, about 300km east of the Mt. Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. Home to a one kilometre wide turquoise coloured acid crater lake, Mt. Ijen can be hauntingly beautiful. The lake is also the site of a labour intensive sulphur mining operation, in which sulphur laden baskets are carried by hand from the crater floor to the sugar refinery at the foot of the mountain. Typical loads range from 70-100kg and most miners make this journey twice a day, earning about USD$5 for each run.
Another one of East Java’s popular volcano mountains, Mt. Ijen is located in the Ijen volcano complex, about 300km east of the Mt. Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. Home to a one kilometre wide turquoise coloured acid crater lake, Mt. Ijen can be hauntingly beautiful. The lake is also the site of a labour intensive sulphur mining operation, in which sulphur laden baskets are carried by hand from the crater floor to the sugar refinery at the foot of the mountain. Typical loads range from 70-100kg and most miners make this journey twice a day, earning about USD$5 for each run.
Best time to go
The dry seasons from May to October are the best times to visit East Java when temperatures are cool and rainfall is minimised.
