Memories of another world

Known for its natural beauty and dramatic scenery, Mount Bromo is one of the most photographed spots in Indonesia so it came as not surprise that during my recent visit, I met as many young hikers as older tourists snapping memories with everything from mobile phones to top-of-the-range DSLR cameras. A few of the more serious photographers even camped out for the night to capture the Milky Way.

Bromo’s photogenic spots can easily be reached by rental jeep. You just tell the driver where you want to go and he’ll take you there.

Here’s a round up of the places that should not be missed. 

 

Mount Penanjakan 1 and Mt. Penanjakan 2

The mountains are adored for their sweeping views of the morning sun, which rises, red and yellow, in thick clouds and mist and are justifiable the best points on Bromo from which to watch the sunrise

A small building with rows of chairs and iron rails at Mount Penanjakan 1 accommodate sunrise hunters. The sun rises off to the east, while to the south, you can marvel at Mt Batok, Mt Bromo, and the majestic Mt Semeru.

Mount Penanjakan 2 offers a roomier alternative, though getting there requires a longer trek through bushes.

Besides the sunrise and the mountain views, early risers can also enjoy a sky full of stars from these two spots.

 

Pasir Berbisik

Pasir Berbisik is an impressively vast landscape covered in black sand. The sand’s coarse texture causes it to emit a whispering-like sound when scooped up and dropped to the ground.

There are several boulders in Pasir Berbisik that the more adventurous can climb.

It is advisable to visit this spot before 10am as when the sun gets high in the sky the temperature begins to soar.

 

Bukit Teletubbies

As the name suggests, Bukit Teletubbies (Teletubbies Hill), with its numerous round and green hills, is indeed quite similar to the cute teletubbies on the popular television series for children.

The panoramic view of Bukit Teletubbies, which are near Mt Bromo, can be captured at the foot of the hill; remind you of the green vistas of New Zealand seen in “The Lord of the Rings” films.

 

Mount Bromo’s crater

Adjacent to the Pasir Berbisik area are stairs that bring you to the Mt. Bromo crater.

The journey to the crater requires bypassing the Luhur Poten Temple and also brings you in close contact with lots of horses, which can be rented and ridden to the top: this makes for some great pictures.

Don’t forget to wear sunglasses to cover your face from the volcanic sand during your trek.

 

The savannah

The savannah is the area at the foot of Bukit Teletubbies.

Interestingly, the colour of the savannah is always shifting; in the dry season when the grass dries it becomes brown, but during the rainy season, it is green-lush and, sometimes, filled with beautiful wildflowers.

In the savannah, you can take close-ups with wild flowers as the background or foreground. And, just like at the Mt. Bromo crater, you can also rent horses to ride.