Catching Sunrise at Mt. Bromo

It was a sweet freezing cold 1:00 in the morning in the highest village in Java, the Desa Ngadas, very cold that we all skipped to take a bath. Geared up in our not so winter outfit, hopped on a 4x4 truck for the most exciting 2 hours ride of our lives. Where we heading to? To my humble birthday dream destination – Mt. Bromo in East Java, Indonesia. 

From an off the beaten route to Mt. Bromo, a sporadic trail we’ve gone through in a total darkness, from an unpaved road to muddy topsoil up to the steepest ravine. Only our headlights served our guidance to our path. We arrived at the viewing deck around 3:00AM, we were welcomed by the countless 4x4 trucks parked on the foot of the deck and surprised by the enormous number of tourists because it’s off season but probably Mt. Bromo is all year round tourists hooker. 

It’s a battle of the cleverest and gumptious in taking a good spot to see the most astonishing sunrise in the world. Spectators all over the world are in pursuit to see Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batuk and other sibling mountains also known as the "Tengger massif" in their most splendid moment. Though it’s still dark I positioned myself in the edge front of the viewing deck, patiently stayed there from 3:00AM up to the scenic transformation of darkness to the mixed bright hue of colors. Finally, as the sun started to rise, Mt. Bromo begins to showcase to the spectators its majestic trademark, the vast spewing smoke. 

While majority of the tourists busy taking good photos I was just standing on the edge and mesmerized by its beauty, it’s a perfect combination of playful shade of sky and amazing volcanoes. I couldn't imagine my dream is actually happening in that very moment, it was just a less than a month planning but I was able to push it all the way. Happy birthday to me!

at the viewing deck.

People at my back was actually asking me to step down but hell do I care with them, I traveled all the way from Philippines, woke up 1:00AM, skipped my bath just to have this spot, what’s wrong with you guys? Let me sense first the never ending satisfaction before stepping down my position. Maybe it was the 10^th group of tourist who asked me if they could have my position. The sun is up, tourists were beginning to go to the actual rim of Mt. Bromo and then I decided to surrender my place. Sorry for the unkind heart that moment, the lovely Mt. Bromo’s fault, I couldn't help. 

To be continued… PART 2 is trekking to the actual rim of Mt. Bromo.

You might also want to read my blog post about,  My Whirlwind Journey to Jakarta and Ghost Stories with the Immigration Officers.