Semeru, Bromo, Kawah Ijen: the peaks of the gods

Morning transfer to the Sukuh temple, the last bastion of Hinduism in central Java in the face of the spread of Islam. This temple presents an original iconography, such as the phallic figures and the large tables in the shape of turtles, which would reveal the existence of initiatory, even orgiastic, rituals.

Then we begin a walk towards the village of Tawangmangu, on the slopes of lawu volcano. This walk is an opportunity to discover certain plant species present in this region but also to admire superb panoramas of the pine forest and the surrounding high-altitude plantations. We will end our walk by crossing the Tawangmangu park. Our first steps in the park lead us to a superb waterfall (Grojogan Sewu) in the middle of a tropical forest inhabited by a large community of monkeys.
4 hours of walking – Positive elevation: 400m / Negative elevation: 300m

In the afternoon, transfer to Tumpang, near Malang, at the western foot of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru massif.

Early in the morning, 4x4s take us to the Tengger region, where the famous Mt Bromo (2,329 m) lies. Our route runs through the forests of the Tengger-Bromo-Semeru National Park, along the crests of the caldera before going up to Ranupani, the last inhabited bastion, on the edge of the Semeru volcano massif.

From Ranupani, we begin our approach walk. We cross hills and forests to arrive on the banks of the Ranu Kumbolo lake (where we take the opportunity to have a pleasant picnic). In the afternoon, we continue our hike towards the Kalimati plateau, located at the foot of Semeru, the highest volcano in Java (3676 m). A very active volcano, it is not uncommon for the eruptions of Semeru to line its sides with lava flows, which then reach the ocean, covering the beaches with black sand and sparkling crystals.

Night in a tent.

Positive elevation gain = 600 m

Ascent of Semeru

At night, we adjust our headlamps to climb the steep slopes of Semeru. We first cross a relatively dense forest. Around 3,000 meters the greenery gives way to a Spartan setting of volcanic rocks: we begin the final ascent of the highest volcano in Java. At the summit, a grandiose spectacle of sunrise and successive eruptions…

About a hundred meters from us, the Semeru crater releases its volutes of ash and dust from time to time. Depending on the intensity of volcanic activity, a plume of ash may actually be thrown into the air, accompanied by a rumbling sound from the crater. This sensation of witnessing live the manifestations of the bowels of the earth will remain as one of the highlights of our tour…

Positive altitude difference = 1000 m

With images in our heads, we then go back down to the camp, and take the path to Ranupani.

Night in dormitories.

Negative altitude difference: 1600 m

Morning transfer by 4x4 to Cemorolawang, a village located on the edge of the caldera of the famous Bromo volcano (2329 m). Mt Bromo is the most revered by the Hindu Tengger people who live in the region.

Ascent of the Bromo volcano in the afternoon, with the possibility of hiking around the crater. We can thus admire its crater resembling a smoking cauldron. It is then easy to understand why the Javanese once considered this place as the entrance to purgatory.

In 4x4, we reach the summit of Mount Pananjakan (2775m) very early to witness a fabulous spectacle. We are witnessing the awakening of the world in a lunar setting, with a breathtaking view of Mount Bromo, its sea of sand, and the Semeru volcano, both letting out thick fumaroles. Unique ! Possibility of repeating the short ascent of Bromo in the bright morning colors, then we return to the hotel to have breakfast.

Late morning transfer to Ketapang at the eastern foot of Kawah Ijen.