On this overland route, we offer an alternative to the long drive to Bromo, with a stop in Sangiran.
Day 1: Tracing ancestors
After a 3-hour drive, we arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sangiran is where fossils of the early Javanese man—Homo erectus, one of the world’s oldest human ancestors—were discovered, offering vital clues to human evolution.
We’ll visit the captivating museum and take a walk on small paths around the nearby villages to explore the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique nature like salty springs, lush rice fields, and a scenic hill dotted with ancient graves. We’ll also visit a small-scale home industry tucked into this remarkable environment.
After enjoying a traditional local lunch, late afternoon we continue our journey with a 2-hour drive to Madiun, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 2: To the Edge of the Caldera
After breakfast, we begin a 5-hour drive to Cemoro Lawang, the closest village to the edge of the spectacular Tengger Caldera. In the late afternoon, we descend into the vast sea of sand and hike up to the rim of Mount Bromo. As the sun sets, take in the surreal beauty and emptiness of this otherworldly landscape.
Day 3: Sunrise over Bromo & its Landscape
In the early morning light, we take a jeep to a viewpoint to witness the legendary sunrise over Mount Bromo, a magical moment not to be missed. After breakfast, we continue our journey to Bondowoso, a historical small town.
Day 4: The Ijen Crater Experience
At dawn, we set off on a rewarding hike (2 hours up, 1 hour down) to the rim of the Ijen Crater, home to a breath-taking turquoise crater lake. Here, you’ll witness the extraordinary sight of sulphur miners carrying heavy loads through the volcanic landscape, a testament to human endurance. In the early afternoon, we take you to the harbour to catch your ferry to Bali.
