After doing an extensive research and gathering valuable information from many sources, I came out with a rough but well planned 3D/2N Ijen & Bromo backpacking without a tour (via public transport) itinerary for us to follow. Our journey starts and ends in Surabaya, Indonesia. You may use the itinerary below as a guide to plan your very own 3D/2N Ijen & Bromo backpacking adventure, travelling from destinations such as Malang or Bali. All you need to do is to tweak the itinerary according to your preferences or circumstances and you are good to go.
My advice for travellers out there is to always keep an open and positive mind, be flexible to change, and just enjoy the experience by making the most out of it. If you do that, you will enjoy your adventure and have a good travel experience nonetheless. Below is my 3D/2N Ijen & Bromo backpacking without a tour (via public transport) itinerary.
DAY 1 : Surabaya - Banyuwangi
- Arrive at Juanda International Airport, Surabaya @ 09:00 hours
- Have a quick brunch and get a local SIM pack @ simPATI
- Take a taxi from the airport to Surabaya Gubeng Train Station
- Take the Sri Tanjung/ 174 train @ 13:40 hours, from Surabaya (SGU) to Karangasem (KNE)
- Arrive at Karangasem (KNE) train station @ 19:55 hours
- Pick up from the train station and check-in homestay @ Kg. Osing Inn
- Rest, relax and sleep
DAY 2 : Ijen Crater Blue Fire Midnight Tour – Probolinggo – Cemoro Lawang
- Pick up from homestay by jeep @ 00:30 hours
- 1 hour drive to the base of the crater
- 2 hours hike up to reach the rim of the crater
- 45 minutes hike down to the bank of the crater
- Watch the spectacular electric blue sulphur flames and sunrise
- Travel back to the homestay for breakfast
- Take the Mutiara Timur Siang/ 86 train @ 09:15 hours from Karangasem (KNE) to Probolinggo (PB)
- Arrive at Probolinggo train station @ 13:15 hours
- Take a bemo (trishaw) or angkot (yellow minivan) from the train station to Bayuangga Bus Terminal
- Take a bison (green van) up to Cemoro Lawang Village @ 1 hour journey
- Check-in homestay @ Yoi Homestay
- Dinner at Cemara Indah Cafe
- Rest, relax and sleep
DAY 3 : Mt. Bromo Sunrise Tour – Probolinggo – Surabaya
- Pick up from homestay by jeep @ 03:30 hours
- 1 hour drive up to Mt. Penanjakan @ Viewpoint 1
- Watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batok & Mt. Sumeru
- Drive to Mt. Bromo Tengger Caldera, Whispering Sands, the Savanah and Teletubbies Hill
- Travel back to homestay and take a bison back to Probolinggo @ 09:15 hours
- From Bayuangga Bus Terminal, take PATAS Express Bus (Bay No.1) back to Surabaya @ 11:00 hours
- Arrive at Surabaya a.k.a Purabaya Bus Terminal @ 13:30 hours
- Take a Blue Bird Group taxi to Krowi Inn
- Check-in room
- Free and easy
DAY 4 : Surabaya (Free & Easy)
- Breakfast and check-out room
- Take a Blue Bird Group taxi to Juanda International Airport
- Depart from Juanda International Airport @ 12:10 hours
Take note and caution:
From the moment you step foot anywhere in East Java, especially in notoriously scam-my Probolinggo, you will be a target for scammers and anyone out there who’s out to get a few extra rupiah from you.
News update (as of 28 September 2015):
Recent travellers to East Java have shared with me that these scammers are getting smarter in their scheming ways, therefore one should be more cautious and careful at all times. Be wary if things sound too easy or too good to be true. Above all, trust your instincts and intuition. When something feels fishy or not right, it usually is. Heed my advice and you will be fine.
Blog posts on Backpacking Kawah Ijen & Mt. Bromo Without A Tour:
Itinerary & Basic Information
Transportation
Accommodation
Tours & Sightseeing
- Series Completed -