Last updated on May 4th, 2025 at 01:04 pm
Mount Bromo Volcano in Indonesia was one of the best natural landscapes we ever witnessed on our travels across the globe.
Known for its stunning Mount Bromo sunrise views and unique scenery, it is a top destination you must visit when embarking on an East Java itinerary.
When we first came across a photo of Mount Bromo, we could hardly believe such a surreal landscape actually existed. But it does!
In this guide to visiting Mount Bromo without a guide, we’ll share everything you need to plan your trip: how to get there, where to stay, the best Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint, entrance fees, and plenty of insider tips to help make your adventure to Indonesia’s most iconic volcano as epic as possible.
Don’t have time to read this whole article? Here’s the top-rated Mount Bromo tour to experience the iconic Mount Bromo sunrise, and a hike to the crater. This is the perfect one-day tour for adventurers seeking a hassle-free, budget-friendly experience of Indonesia’s most unique attraction.
Where is Mount Bromo?
Located in Indonesia on the Eastern side of the island of Java, Mount Bromo is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
Mount Bromo is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Indonesia and for good reasons but Mount Bromo is just one of East Java’s many spectacular attractions – others include the striking blue flames of Mount Ijen, the majestic Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, and a wildly colorful village that looks straight out of an acid dream!
Tell you what, just do yourself a favor and embark on the ultimate 1-week Java adventure to experience the very best that East Java has to offer – you can thank us later!
Where Will I Stay When Visiting Mount Bromo Without a Guide?
The best place to base yourself when visiting Mount Bromo without a guide is a village called Cemoro Lawang, a small but beautiful village with some breathtaking views. You might also hear the locals call it “Bromo” even though that is not the real name.
The reason why Cemoro Lawang is an excellent base is because both the Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint and Mount Bromo volcano itself are only a few kilometers away and can be easily reached by foot.
The village boasts a range of choices for accommodation and dining. Budget travelers visiting Mount Bromo without a guide should consider the least expensive option, as they typically come with the same basic amenities: A bed, WIFI, a sink, and a shower. However, don’t expect the water to be too hot…….
One thing you do not need is AC. Due to the altitude, it gets quite cold and you will be wearing warm gear at night time.
Heads up – As you enter Cemoro Lawang you will have to pay an entrance fee of 30.000 Rupiah, which is less than 2 euros. This is not your entry fee to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
How Do I Get to Mount Bromo Without a Guide?
Getting to Mount Bromo independently – now this is the important part to know when visiting Mount Bromo without a guide.
The nearest international airport to Mount Bromo is located in Indonesia’s second-largest city – Surabaya.
It takes roughly 3 to 4 hours to travel from Surabaya to Cemoro Lawang.
The cheapest option of getting to Mount Bromo is to use the local bus to the nearest city, which is Probolinggo. Tickets can be booked on 12go and at the time of writing cost us less than 5 euros for two single tickets. Surabaya has multiple bus stations and the one you must depart from is called – Bungurasih Bus Terminal.
An alternative option when visiting Mount Bromo without a guide is to fly into the smaller city of Malang. But it is only domestic flights that operate at this airport.
Although it is more expensive, the easiest option when traveling from Surabaya or Malang is to use the Taxi app – Grab.
This way you will also avoid the hassle and mafia minibuses that operate between Probolinggo and Cemoro Lawang.
Check out our 21 Best Landmarks in Asia and let us know how many you have visited.
If you would prefer to skip the hassle of getting to Mount Bromo by yourself, check out these top-rated Mount Bromo Tours departing from different cities in Java:
- From Malang: Mount Bromo Shared Tour
- From Surabaya: Mount Bromo Shared Tour
- From Yogyakarta: Bromo, Ijen & Bali 3-Day Tour All Inclusive – Embark on this small group 3-day trip to see the world-class natural phenomenon of Bromo Volcano and Ijen Volcano departing from Yogyakarta and drop-off in Bali.
Probolingo to Cemoro Lawang
Now let’s get back to the vital information for visiting Mount Bromo WITHOUT a guide!
As previously stated, Probolinggo is the nearest main city to Mount Bromo, and Probolingo to Cemoro Lawang at a distance of roughly 50 kilometers.
However, the drive from Probolingo to Cemoro Lawang will take at least an hour and a half due to the uphill winding road. The good news is that you will see some fantastic views along the way!
Probolingo doesn’t have much to offer in terms of activities, so it’s best used as a stopover on your way to visiting Mount Bromo without a guide.
The minibusses (called bemo’s by the locals) that travel from Probolingo take around 10 people, but only depart when full. The alternative to that is that you can buy all the seats on the bus and depart immediately.
After waiting for over two hours we agreed on a price of 300.00 Rupiah, which is around 18 euros. The driver initially wanted 350.000 Rupiah, and we spoke to people who even got the price down to 250.000 Rupiah. But we also heard of people paying 500.000 rupiah – So use your negotiation skills!!
The bemo will stop in the middle of Cemoro Lawang village where most of the accommodation is based and within walking distance.
For your return leg, the bemo will leave at the same place at 10.00 AM. There is only one minibus per day, so get there on time to secure your spot. You would think the fare would be the same for the return but because there is only one bus the driver will use this to his advantage.
We left at 10.30 and had to divide a cost of 500.000 rupiahs between 8 fellow travelers. The more people in the bemo will mean a cheaper price for you.
If hiking is your thing, make sure to check out our 10 best hikes in the world – some just may surprise you!
How Long Should I Stay in Cemoro Lawang?
The majority of visitors staying in Cemoro Lawang typically arrive on the first day, waking up at 3 AM to reach the Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint and then proceeding to hike Mount Bromo crater directly afterward.
Once all the hiking is complete by the afternoon, these visitors depart to their next destination with a very sleepy and tired body.
We recommend a two-day itinerary when visiting Mount Bromo without a guide. On the first day, you will travel and arrive at Cemoro Lawang, and on the second day, you can explore the surroundings, take in the views, and then rest for the night.
However, the initial day of getting to Cemoro Lawang doesn’t revolve entirely around travel. You can still enjoy breathtaking landscape views when you arrive before sunset.
Just enter Mentigen Hill in Google Maps, and it’s an easy 10-minute walk from the center of Cemoro Lawang.
Once the sun sets and you’ve had dinner, it’s a good idea to hit the hay early. You’ll be waking up at 3 AM to start your hike to the Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint around 3:30 AM.
After witnessing the famous Mount Bromo sunrise, return to the village, where you can relax or nap until lunchtime. After enjoying a lovely lunch, start your hike to Mount Bromo Crater, where most tourists would have already completed their visit and left.
Why not consider adding in a East Java trip to Mount Ijen?!
Where is the Best Mount Bromo Sunrise Viewpoint?
Seeing the Mount Bromo sunrise view over the rugged terrain requires an early start, typically the sun rises between 5 AM and 6 AM, depending on the season. So you must leave by 3.30 AM at the latest to get there on time.
The most popular Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint is called King Kong Hill Viewpoint (also known as Bukit Kedaluh) and is 4 kilometers one way from Cemoro Lawang.
This Mount Bromo sunrise hike can be done for free, but it is possible to book a Mount Bromo tour from Cemoro Lawang, or simply grab a local motorbike to drive you.
We suggest exploring Mount Bromo on your terms (this is an article about visiting Mount Bromo without a guide after all!) Especially because the hundreds of jeeps that are part of organized tours, and motorbikes can only bring you halfway for both the hike to King Kong Viewpoint and Mount Bromo, and you must walk the rest anyway!
After views of Mount Bromo sunrise, you have the option to either hike back or choose from the numerous motorcycle taxis that are available. Drivers will be looking for a fare of around 100,000 Rupiah one way. We chose to hike back to Cemoro Lawang and enjoyed many friendly interactions with the locals on the way back.
Once you are back in Cemoro Lawang, the hundreds of visitors at Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint are now making their way toward the crater of Mount Bromo. If you wait until after lunch, you can stroll at your own leisurely pace and practically have Java’s famous volcano all to yourself!
Check out our detailed description of hiking King Kong Hill Viewpoint for FREE!
Can You Hike Mount Bromo?
After your morning hike to catch the Mount Bromo sunrise at King Kong Hill, you’ll have the opportunity to freshen up with a shower and take a nap back in your hotel.
Later in the day, you will be hiking an easy 7-kilometer round-trip from Cemoro Lawang to Mount Bromo Crater.
Once at the summit, you’ll get to look inside an active volcano and listen to the natural rumblings from its core. It is mind-blowing, yet terrifying!
*Watch the video below to experience the incredible sounds of Mount Bromo for yourself!”
The hike to Mount Bromo is not hard. From Cemoro Lawang it is downhill to the Sea of Sand which is all flat terrain. Head in the direction of the Hindu temple and the market stalls that you can see in the distance.
From there you will begin the short ascent. While it will still get your heart pumping, it is a relatively straightforward and short hike to the Mount Bromo Crater.
Congratulations on visiting Mount Bromo without a guide!
Check out our detailed article on how to prepare, what to expect, and how to hike Mount Bromo FOR FREE.
The Best Time to Visit Mount Bromo
The best time to visit Mount Bromo is during the dry season from April to November, with peak months being June to August for clearer skies and favorable weather conditions.
During this period, you are more likely to have unobstructed views of the stunning landscapes, including the famous Mount Bromo sunrise.
December to March is the wet season and rain and mist may affect visibility. Having said that, we visited Mount Bromo in January, and although it was a bit misty, we still experienced spectacular views.
If suitable, also try to visit Mount Bromo on weekdays, as the weekends tend to be quite busy. Prepare yourself with more information on Indonesia weather.
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Visiting Mount Bromo Without a Guide: Final Tips
Lastly, we would like to share some important tips that will make visiting Mount Bromo without a guide a lot more enjoyable.
- Mount Bromo’s altitude brings cooler temperatures, especially during the early morning, so make sure to bring warm gear with you.
- When you begin your Mount Bromo sunrise hike to King Kong Viewpoint, DO NOT start wearing your warm gear straight away. You might feel a bit chilly at first, but you’ll quickly warm up. Save your warm clothing, (a warm top, tracksuit pants, and a woolly hat) for when you reach the viewpoint.
- If you do not have warm gear, you can consider renting them from the shops in Cemoro Lawang for a reasonable price (30.000 Rupiah). Woolen hats and gloves are also available for purchase.
- Make sure to bring a head torch for your Mount Bromo sunrise hike to the King Kong Hill viewpoint sunrise. It’s crucial not only to see where you’re going but also to be visible to the considerable traffic on the trail. Another option to be seen is to wear a high-visibility vest for added safety.
- Bring plenty of water (a 1.5-liter bottle per person) and snacks. It is also possible to get small meals, snacks, water, and tea/coffee for very cheap prices on your hike to the King Kong Hill viewpoint.
If you have any more questions about visiting Mount Bromo without a guide, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Additionally, if you’ve already hiked Mount Bromo and have extra tips or advice, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you via our socials or leave a comment below.
Slán go fóil
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