Bromo Mount conquered, East Java, Indonesia

Bromo view from Penanjakan

Another top destination to be visited in Indonesia is Bromo mount in East Java. However be ready with the cold weather. When I was there on August, around 11 degree Celcius. Other months would be below. There are 4 (four) destinations offered around Bromo: Penanjakan (climbing), Kawah Bromo (Bromo crater), Pasir Berbisik (whispering sands), Bukit Teletubbies (Teletubbies hills). I personally recommend to visit Penanjakan and Kawah bromo. 

Penanjakan offers stunning views with its magical sunrise but you must be ready early morning to climb it. The jeep driver would pick up you around 3.30am. Yes, the sun will appear around 5am but to get perfect spot, come earlier is advantage because too many people have same interest to welcome the sun. Another thing you must prepare is your outfit against cold. Wrong clothes would make you not enjoy everything in front of you. Winter clothes are preferable but don't worry, you can rent jacket/ coat in hotel/hostel with reasonable price.

Kawah Bromo is a place to see the active volcano and you need to climb around 250 stairs. if you never do trekking, it would be hard because you have to walk quite far with dust fly everywhere to reach the crater or you can ride horse til the first stair. please pay attention, you need something such as mask to avoid breathing dust and also the smell is not good which mix between horse dung and sulfur.

Bromo mount is close to Cemoro Lawang village. Most visitors will stay there before they start the adventure. It is few hours from Juanda Airpot, Surabaya. Juanda is the nearest airport to reach Bromo mount. 

Visit Bromo mount is quite costly from Indonesian point of view because you need to spend money for car from Airport to Cemoro Lawang, lodging at least 1 night in village around Bromo, jeep (+ 450,000/ USD 45 for 2 destinations - Rp 1,000,000/ USD 100 to visit 4 destinations), car back to Surabaya. So if you are single traveler or 2,it is better to join the tour package to save money.

Sunrise from Penanjakan

Waiting sunrise

Bromo crater

Stunning views, Borobudur Temple

Borobudur offers you dramatic and stunning views especially when you are there for sunrise. This is the right time to enjoy the views because not many people occupy it.  You will be amazed by views of Volcano "Merapi" mount, hills and Borobudur its self which consists of Buddha statues and stupas and then wondering how people made it and appreciate their creation. 

While you are on the top of Borobudur and enjoying the panorama, you may isolate yourself from your daily activities and turn back to see what you have done in your life.

Borobudur its self is Buddhist temple which was built in 9th century situated in Magelang, Centra Java Indonesia. To reach this temple, you can fly to Adi Sucipto Airport, Yogyakarta (the nearest Airport) and approximately 1 hours by car.

Don't miss Borobudur when you come to Indonesia !!!

Derawan Island, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Are you looking for another destination for holiday in Indonesia and not touristy place? and you really enjoy islands with crystal clear sea water? 

DERAWAN ISLAND should be your destination. When you are there, you will be amazed by clear sea water and in the morning while you enjoy your breakfast, you are able to see green sea turtles swim coming to bridge. This is something you can't find in other islands. Some activities you can do are snorkeling and diving which many people come to this island for these. At night, you can walk around island to find your dinner or enjoy roasted corn sold by local people. You don't need vehicle to explore the island so you can imagine how fresh the air and this is the right place for relaxing and admire the grace of God.

Some tour packages with affordable price will offer you to visit other islands such as Maratua, Kakaban and Sangakali and I
personally recommend you to visit those islands coz they are amazing as well. each island has unique view and different color of seawater. During in Kakaban island, you can swim with jellyfishes.

Derawan island is located in East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. It is part of Berau region exactly. To reach this island you can fly from

JAKARTA: you fly to Balikpapan around 2 hours by local airlines such as Garuda Indonesia/Citilink/Lion Air then fly to Berau +/- 45 minutes by Garuda Indonesia/Lion Air then by car +/- 2 hours and by boat +/- 45 minutes

BALI: you fly to Balikpapan around 2 hours by local airlines such as Garuda Indonesia/Lion Air then fly to Berau +/- 45 minutes by Garuda Indonesia/Lion Air then by car +/- 2 hours and by boat +/- 45 minutes

SINGAPORE: you fly to Balikpapan around 2 hours by Garuda Indonesia or Silk Air then fly to Berau +/- 45 minutes by Garuda Indonesia/Lion Air then by car +/- 2 hours and by boat +/- 45 minutes

KUALA LUMPUR: you fly to Balikpapan around 2 hours by Air Asia then fly to Berau +/- 45 minutes by Garuda Indonesia/Lion Air then by car +/- 2 hours and by boat +/- 45 minutes

Yes, you have long trip to reach the island but when you are there, everything is paid off!