Sukamade turtle beach in the Meru Betiri National Park is a diamond. This beach is protected and part of Indonesia's turtle conservation projects.
This tour through East Java takes 5 days. Heading to the highest top on Java is a 2 days undertaking. Then visit Java's most wanted and active volcano Bromo before heading to mount Ijen with the most acidic lake on earth.
• This tour starts in Malang •
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Itinerary: Semeru, Bromo, Ijen and Sukamade turtle beach - 5 days / 4 nights
Java is part of the Ring of Fire, as many other islands in Indonesia. You will climh 3 of the 452 volcanoes that are part of this ring, all three are active volcanoes. After you had your adventure, you will continue to the turtle beach Sukamade in the Meru Betiri National Park.
Note: if you would like to start this tour in Surabaya, we can pick you up or you can come to Malang by yourself. The distance between Surabaya and Malang is 90 km. By road it will take about 2 to 3 hours on a regular day. One can also take the train, which will take around 3 hours and departs in Surabaya's city center. Public bus is another good option, and departs from Bungarasih bus station (south of Surabaya's city center). From the airport this bus station can be reached by Damri bus.
Click on one of the headings to read the extensive itinerary.
Depart early to mount Semeru to have dinner in front of you comfortable tent at Kalimati camp
Malang - Ranu Pane village - Kalimati camp
At five o'clock in the morning a Jeep will drive you via Tumpang to Ranu Pane village, where you will arrive after about 2.5 hours. This village is situated in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park at a height of 2100 m. After you stretched your legs and collected your belongings - please only bring the necessities - you will be guided to Kalimati Camp at 2700 m. Depending on your speed it takes between 6 and 8 hours. Enjoy the views which are great! You will have a break at Kumbolo lake with lunch and coffee. At Kalimati camp you will spend the night in a tent. Dinner will be prepared while you relax, enjoy the surroundings and get some rest.
Accommodation
Tent - Your equipement to spend the night will be brought by a porters team, as well as your meals. They won't carry your luggage. Upon request we can arrange you a porter for your belongings, if you prefer (additional costs involved). Prepare your personal belongings and bring some snacks if you like.Test your stamina and head to the top of Mt. Semeru - you will spend the night in Cemara Lawang village
Sunrise at the top of Java
It is still dark when you start your climb on rough terrain. It takes about an hour to get to Arcapada camp - the last point with fresh water - from where it is a straightforward route. The last part to the top will defenitely test your stamina. Sandy and rocky loose ground make you slide down when you try to go up. Most people reach the summit in about 3 hours, but it depends on your ability to keep going. After you reached the summit of Mt. Semeru you will have time to check the views from the highest mountain in Java. About every twenty minutes this volcano erupts smoke and stones. Enjoy your achievement.
The National Park's board advises to decent before noon due to gas production/smoke by the volcano Semeru.
Once back at the Kalimati Camp, breakfast will be prepared while you can have a rest after this long, beautiful and exhausting but extraordinary morning. When you mastered your breakfast, your guide will be leading you back to Ranu Pane village via mount Ayek-Ayek. At the village you can have lunch, before crossing the savanna that borders Mt. Bromo. The Jeep will drop you in Cemara Lawang village to spend the night in hotel overlooking the Bromo area.
Accommodation
Cafe Lava Hostel - the hotel opened its doors in 1988. It slowly developed from a small hotel, to the hotel it is today with friendly staff. The direct views at mount Bromo are defenitely its selling point.
Bromo sunrise at the top of mount Pananjakan
Sunrise at Mt. Pananjakan or another viewpoint if you wish
It is another early morning. A Jeep will bring you near to the top of the famous viewpoint Mt. Pananjakan. Here you will see (depending on weather conditions) the sun rise beautifully over the caldera in which Mt. Bromo rose about 40,000 years ago. This magnificent view, will be printed in your memory.
When the sun warmed you up, you can descend to the black volcanic Sea of Sand that you will have to cross to get near mount Bromo. The Jeep will park near the Luhur Poten temple. It will be a 45 minutes walk to the top of mount Bromo. The walk already is worthwhile; don't forget to look up once in a while to examine your surroundings. At the crater rim, you can take a deep look into the crater of this active volcano.
Once back at your Jeep, your driver will escort you back to your hotel to freshen up, have your breakfast and to check out. You will be heading to Bondowoso city via Arak-Aark hill. Have a refreshing break (lunch is not included) at the winding road to Bondowoso.
Note: during weekends and national holidays it can be crowded at Mt. Pananjakan. If you prefer an alternative viewpoint, please inform us. Additional costs might be involved, due to use of several modes of transport and/or a local guide.
Accommodation
Ijen View Hotel - This hotel in Bondowoso comes with a swimming pool to relax your muscles before climbing your last volcano during this adventure trip. If time is sufficient, you could be heading into the small town of Bondowoso.
Ijen crater lake, Ijen blue fire, sulphur miners and Sukamade turtle beach
Ijen crater lake and Sukamade turtle beach
A long day ahead of you, even longer if you prefer to see Ijen's blue fire.
Your day without blue fire:you will depart around 04:00. You will be driven to Paltuding from where it is a hike of 3 km - or about 1.5 hours - to the top. You will meet the sulphur miners on your way to and at the top. Your views over the most acidic lake in the world will be amazing!
Your day with blue fire: you depart around midnight to Paltuding. Together with your local guide you walk in about 1.5 hours to the top of mount Ijen. Then you descend into the crater to get near the most acidic lake on earth to reach the biggest blue fire area in the world. Capture the moment. When the sun is about to rise, get back to the top to enjoy the scenery.
When ready, walk back to the parking area. Don't forget to visit the sulphur weighing area. All sulphur miners get together to weigh their loads and get paid. After a break with a local snack, get ready for your drive to Meru Betiri National Park. Get to see Java's extensive plantations and refresh on the beach.
The turtles come ashore during the evening and depart again around midnight. A ranger will guide you to the beach and together you will wait for the turtles. Seeing a turtle coming ashore is a special moment. After it founds it spot on the beach, the turtle digs a hole for her eggs. You will witness that special moment. After the turtle has returned to the sea, a ranger will take the eggs and bring it to the hatchery as part of the turtle conservation program, that has been carried out since 1972. Although the turtles come ashore almost every night, it isn't a guarantee that you will meet the turtles.
Note: seeing the blue fire is officially forbidden at any time. As seeing the blue fire also depends on local weather conditions and the activity of the volcano, this part of the tour is not included in the price. You will have to discuss the possibilities with your driver, after you arrived in Bondowoso city.
Accommodation
Ranger's guest house - this guests house is a basic homestay, with electricity till about 21:00. As there aren't any other options, you will spend the night here. Enjoy the sea breezes.
