East Java: Bromo, Kawah Ijen & Sukamade turtles - Nomadays

Indonesia

East Java: Bromo, Kawah Ijen & Sukamade turtles

A must-see tour of Java, taking in the volcanoes that have made the island so popular.

This tour offers an original way to discover the most spectacular volcanoes on the island of Java: Mount Bromo and its spectacular caldera, as well as the famous Kawah Ijen and its sulphur "convicts".

If you're a lover of unspoilt nature, the Meru Betiri National Park is the place for you. On the beach at Sukamade, an encounter with the astonishing turtles awaits you. An experience that leaves no one...

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3h-100km
Sukuh Temple
4h-12km
7h-290km
Tumpang

Day 1The last bastion of Hinduism

Day 1The last bastion of Hinduism

  • Morning transfer to the Sukuh temple, the last bastion of Hinduism in Central Java in the face of the spread of Islam. The temple's original iconography, including phallic figures and large turtle-shaped tables, suggests the existence of initiation and even orgiastic rituals. You then set off on a walk towards the village of Tawangmangu, on the slopes of the Lawu volcano. This walk is an opportunity to discover some of the plant species found in this region, as well as admiring superb panoramic views of the surrounding pine forest and high-altitude plantations. You finish your walk by crossing the Tawangmangu park, which leads you to a superb waterfall (Grojogan Sewu) in the middle of a tropical forest inhabited by a large community of monkeys. In the afternoon, transfer to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.

Meal and accommodations

Dinner: Rani Homestay or The Shalimar

Accommodation: Rani Homestay or The Shalimar

Tumpang
2h-60km
Tumpak Sewu
2h-60km
Tumpang

Day 2Magnificent landscapes

Day 2Magnificent landscapes

  • Morning departure for the Lumajang region, skirting the southern flanks of the majestic Semeru volcano. You will then reach the Tumpak Sewu waterfall ("Thousand Waterfalls" in Javanese). As you descend into the gorge (on a slippery and sometimes steep path), you'll feel the force of the hundreds of rushing streams as they "plunge" over 100m. Seen from above, the beauty of this waterfall seems ephemeral as the fine mist soaks everything in its path. No wonder, then, that a photo of Tumpak Sewu with Mt Semeru in the background won the award for "best aerial shot" in 2019. And, if you're also taking your camera equipment with you, remember to protect it from moisture. Return to Tumpang in the late afternoon.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Rani Homestay or The Shalimar

Dinner: Rani Homestay or The Shalimar

Accommodation: Rani Homestay or The Shalimar

Tumpang
2h-35km
Cemorolawang

Day 3Spectacular Mt Bromo caldera

Day 3Spectacular Mt Bromo caldera

  • In the early morning, 4x4 vehicles will take you to the Tengger region, where the famous Mt Bromo (2329 m) spits out its volutes and the surrounding caldera forms a gigantic sea of sand. On this journey, you pass through the stunning forest of the Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, skirting part of the crest of the Bromo volcano caldera, before descending to the sea of sand to reach the village of Cemorolawang (located on one of the opposite crests). Mt Bromo is the most revered́ of the Tengger Hindu people who live in the region. Climb the Bromo volcano in the early afternoon. You'll be able to admire its crater resembling a steaming cauldron. It's easy to understand why the Javanese once considered this place to be the entrance to purgatory. You then make your way to the summit of Mount Pananjakan (2,775m) to witness a fabulous spectacle. You will watch the world set against a lunar backdrop, with a breathtaking view of Mount Bromo, its sea of sand, and the Semeru volcano, both of which emit thick fumaroles. Unique! Return to the hotel in the early evening.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Rani Homestay or The Shalimar

Accommodation: Lava View Lodges or Jiwa Java Resort

Cemorolawang
6h 30m
Kalibaru

Day 4East of Java

Day 4East of Java

  • Transfer to East Java, and in particular the village of Kalibaru, situated in the midst of various plantations that were once exploited by Dutch colonists. In the afternoon, you embark on a pleasant hike in the surrounding area.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Lava View Lodges or Jiwa Java Resort

Lunch: Included

Accommodation: Rumah Kita

Kalibaru

Day 5Sukamade turtles

Day 5Sukamade turtles

  • Morning departure by 4x4 to Meru Betiri National Park. After around 5 hours on the road, which can be chaotic at times but takes you through superb rubber, cocoa and coconut plantations, you arrive in the small village of Sukamade. In the afternoon, take your first walk to explore the surrounding area, and in the evening head for Sukamade beach, where you will witness a fabulous spectacle: sea turtles laying their eggs.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Rumah Kita

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Stapp Inn

1h
Cap Vert

Day 6Cap vert

Day 6Cap vert

  • Short morning walk to "Cap Vert", a superb white sandy beach bordered by crystal-clear waters. Swimming possible. Approx. 1,5 hours' walk. Then on to Ketapang, on the edge of Kawah Ijen.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Stapp Inn

Accommodation: Teras Ijen

Day 7Green Crater

Day 7Green Crater

  • In the early morning, you set off again in a 4x4 towards the slopes of Kawah Ijen ("green crater" in old Javanese), which you can easily climb in the company of the men who extract sulphur every day from the edge of the largest acid lake in the world. These real "convicts" carry around 80 kg of ore on their backs for around 15 km to the processing plant! You then witness the weighing and the various employment contracts. A very powerful and striking image of your journey. In the late morning, transfer to Ketapang port or Banyuwangi airport.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Teras Ijen