Mount Bromo, located in East Java, Indonesia, is a captivating and otherworldly destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list.
In this Mount Bromo guide, we will show how to hike Mount Bromo for free and we’ll delve into the advantages and disadvantages of solo hiking for free versus opting for a Mount Bromo tour.
When we mention “free,” it doesn’t mean an absolute zero cost. You’ll still need to budget for accommodation and transportation.
Unless you’re the most hardcore adventurer and opt to walk 100 kilometers and sleep rough. If that is the case, then my friend, your outstanding effort truly merits significant praise and we would love to hear from you!!
Mount Bromo Facts
Situated on the Ring of Fire, Indonesia is home to numerous volcanoes. Specifically, there are 117 volcanoes in this region, and of these, 74 are active making it the most volcanically active country in the world.
QUESTION – Which country can claim the greatest number of volcanoes, both active and inactive ones? Find out the answer below!
Of all these volcanoes, Mount Bromo arguably stands out as the most breathtaking one to look at. According to legend, the volcano originated from the ashes of a courageous prince who was sacrificed to the gods in order to save his kingdom.
Standing at a height of approximately 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) above sea level Mount Bromo is not the highest peak in the area, but definitely the most well-known and most visited due to its unique landscape and accessibility.
The name Bromo comes from the Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, who is the Hindu god of creation, and what a landscape he created!
If you have the time, why not include this Mount Bromo hike as part of the perfect Java 7-Day Itinerary?!
Getting to Mount Bromo
If you are planning to hike Mount Bromo for free, then the best place to base yourself is a village called Cemoro Lawang. Both Mount Bromo and the famous King Kong Viewpoint are located a few kilometers walk from Cemoro Lawang.
The closest airports are located in Surabaya and Malang, with Surabaya serving international flights and Malang exclusively handling domestic flights.
For more details and an answer to all your questions such as: getting to Cemoro Lawang, how long to stay, where to stay when hiking Mount Bromo, and the best time to visit Mount Bromo, read this article – Mount Bromo Everything you need to know
How To Hike Mount Bromo For Free
How to hike Mount Bromo for free means you will NOT be taking a Mount Bromo tour, or one of the many local transport options that offer a ride to the base of the mountain.
To cut out on Mount Bromo tour or motorbike taxi expenses, you will simply hike from Cemoro Lawang to Mount Bromo. Entering Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park on foot is very easy, straightforward, and free of charge.
The pricing for a Mount Bromo tour typically ranges from 60 to 120 Euros per person when departing from Surabaya or Malang. If you want to take a Mount Bromo tour from Cemoro Lawang, prices will start from 30 euros per person, depending on your negotiation skills. The cost of a motorbike taxi is 100.000 Rupiah per person one way.
Use the following link for all the information you will need for your Indonesia holiday.
Entry Fee To Mount Bromo
The next cost to cut out is the entry fee. To access the volcano area, the entrance fee per person is 220,000 IDR or 15 euros on weekdays and 320,000 IDR or 20 euros on weekends.
Normally, if you are on a Mount Bromo tour, the car will stop at the ticket office gate so you can buy your ticket. However, two tracks bypass this gate.
These routes are all pretty much the same and very easy walks. Hike downhill into the Sand of Sea, which is all flat terrain, and make your way to Mount Bromo.
The base of Mount Bromo is approximately 3 kilometers away, and from there, you begin an uphill descent, with the final section involving 250 steps. Once at the top of Mount Bromo, you will witness and hear the rumbling from Mother Nature’s core!
The first route to hike Mount Bromo for free we will tell you about starts at the Hotel Cemara Indah. Enter the parking lot turn right and follow the pathway that guides you down towards the Sea of Sand.
The second option to hike Mount Bromo for free is to walk to a location known as Asrama Polisi Kehutanan, an old abandoned police post. Search for it on Google Maps, once you get there, take a right for approximately 20 meters, and then make a left onto the main road and follow the hill downward.
Finally, when heading towards the Mentigen Hill viewpoint, you’ll pass the official ticket office. Despite walking past it multiple times, we were never halted. Rather than proceeding to the viewpoint, simply walk down the hill toward the Sea of Sand.
Mount Bromo: Independent vs. Guided Tour
When deciding between an independent Mount Bromo hike and booking a Mount Bromo tour, you’ll have both advantages and disadvantages.
For the easiest and most convenient way, a Mount Bromo tour is the obvious choice. Mount Bromo tours will bring you to King Kong Viewpoint and Mount Bromo and will include transport and a guide. You can sit back and relax and be brought everywhere. So you think…..
The transport that brings you to these two attractions can only bring you halfway and you must hike the rest anyway. You will be paying for transport that doesn’t even get you to the top.
Another con for taking a Mount Bromo tour is the lack of flexibility. Because you are bound to a timed itinerary you can not go and explore something new or at your own pace.
Lastly the crowds. There are hundreds of other people doing the same type of Mount Bromo tour you are doing. All these people will be hiking Mount Bromo with you, especially during peak seasons.
Exploring Mount Bromo Independently:
Doing this hike without an organized Mount Bromo tour is a lot more budget-friendly, it is free! You can hike Mount Bromo at your own leisurely pace stopping any time you want for a snack, a photo opportunity, a rest or to explore some off-the-beaten tracks.
Planning to hike Mount Bromo for free without a guide or transport is not hard. Anyone can do it, even if you’re unfamiliar with the area. You will know what direction to go just by looking at the skyline and walking towards Mount Bromo.
Overall, we would definitely recommend doing this Mount Bromo hike independently, what do you think?
Would you choose to hike Mount Bromo for free?
If you would still prefer an organized tour check out this link.
All Your Mount Bromo Questions Answered
Now you know how to hike Mount Bromo for free, let’s find out the answers to other important questions many people ask when visiting Mount Bromo.
How long is the hike to Mount Bromo?
From Cemoro Lawang to the base is around 3 kilometers of easy terrain. It took us under one hour to reach the summit. The exact time it takes to cover this distance depends on your personal fitness. Overall, this is a relatively straightforward hike, typically taking around 3 to 4 hours in total.
If time allows consider adding your Java itinerary to the ultimate 2-week Indonesia trip.
Is Mount Bromo safe to visit?
Generally, Mount Bromo is safe for visitors. Sudden eruptions are uncommon, and monitoring stations are strategically placed to observe the volcano’s activity.
In the event of any unusual activity, local authorities will close access to Mount Bromo for safety.
Exercise caution at the summit, particularly around loose railings or gaps in the railing. especially near any loose railings or gaps.
It’s strictly prohibited to walk the entire crater rim, and the fencing clearly outlines the permissible areas. Don’t be stupid and stick to the rules.
If you do want to take a tour to Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen, then check out the below link for the cost.
What is the Best Time of day to hike Mount Bromo?
If you’re hiking Mount Bromo independently, starting in the afternoon is a good idea. After you and hundreds of other tourists have witnessed sunrise at King Kong Viewpoint, they will all head to Mount Bromo at the same time.
So, instead of joining that rush, have a laid-back morning. Go back to bed for a few hours or just relax. When you wake up in the afternoon, grab some lunch, and then start your Mount Bromo hike. This way, you’ll have the place pretty much to yourself.
What to Bring For the Mount Bromo Hike
The most important thing to bring is water, with a minimum of 1.5 liters per person recommended. Several shops in Cemoro Lawang offer bottled water, typically priced at 10,000 Rupiah, although some may charge 20,000 Rupiah.
While you are in the shop you may as well buy a few snacks to keep your energy levels up and enjoy during your time near the crater. It is also possible to get small hot meals, snacks, water, and tea/coffee for very cheap prices on your way to the summit.
If you hike Mount Bromo in the afternoon the temperature will be warm. However, at the summit of Mount Bromo, it can be a bit chilly. So make sure to bring a warm top with you. It will not be that cold that you need gloves and a wooly hat.
When you start the Mount Bromo hike, DO NOT be wearing your warm gear straight away, even if it is a bit chilly. Once you start walking you’ll quickly warm up. Save your warm clothing for when you reach the top.
Even if it gets a bit chilly, the sun can still be strong. Remember to bring sunscreen or apply it before you begin the Mount Bromo hike. Additionally, don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses as well.
East Java Itinerary: Other Must-Visits
During your East Java itinerary, we obviously highly recommend a visit to Mount Bromo to witness one of the best landscapes you will ever witness.
Other notable attractions in East Java are Tumpak Sewu Waterfall (Indonesia’s best waterfall) and Mount Ijen (The largest acid lake in the world).
Before you find out which country has the greatest number of active and inactive volcanoes, check out the FREE links to see the costs of a holiday of a life time to spectacular Java in Indonesia
ANSWER – The United States holds the record for the highest number of volcanoes globally, totaling 165. Out of these, only 63 are currently active.
Did you ever think you could witness such a sight and hike Mount Bromo for free? Is this something you have already done or would consider doing?
If you do decide to hike Mount Bromo for free please let us know how you get on and what you thought of the hike.
If you have any questions then please leave a comment or message us on our socials.
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