We recently took a long-weekend trip to East Java, Indonesia. Three of the highlights during out slightly rushed schedule, were Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen and Sukamade Turtle Beach. When we’re on a trip, we usually tend to sleep in late in the morning. But in order to cover those three places, which are well known for their great sunrises, the itinerary meant we had to be early birds. It turned out to be a sunrise tour of the three beautiful landscapes.
Sunrise #1 – Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, located 4+ hours’ drive from Surabaya. The mountain is a holy mountain for the Hindu people of Indonesia and forms a beautiful landscape with its huge crater and the volcanic smoke rising from the peak. Tourists watch the sunrise from the opposite side of Mt. Bromo, such as from Mt. Penanjakan.
From the moment the sun first rose from the horizon, the smoke and mountain surfaces began shining in pinkish orange.
Sunrise #2 – Mount Ijen
We saw the next sunrise from the top of Mount Ijen. In order to see the “blue fire”, which is actually ignited sulfuric gas from the volcano and visible only in the dark, we began the climb to the crater at 3 am midnight. It’s a short climb from 1,900m to 2,799m. After watching the blue fire, we spent several hours up there until the sun rose.
Different mountain ridges emerging out of the morning pinkish mist.
Once the sun had risen completely, its light illuminated the turquoise-colored lake.
Sunrise #3 – Sukamade Beach
The last highlight was Sukamade Beach, which is known for its turtle conservation activity. On this day, the sun rose as we made our way to the beach. The coffee and rubber tree plantation was gently revealed by the morning light. It was a peaceful dawn.
The turtle kids are running into the rough sea under the morning sunlight. All the best for the next 20+ years till you come back!
