Mount Bromo

This article is about the volcano. For the national park it is part of, see Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Not to be confused with Oromo language.

Mount Bromo
View of Mts. Bromo (left and smoking), Batok (foreground), Semeru (center background), Jambangan (right background), and Widodaren (right foreground), in the Tengger Caldera
Highest point
Elevation	2,329 m (7,641 ft)
Listing	Spesial Ribu
Coordinates	7°56′30″S 112°57′00″E
Geography
Mount Bromo Java, Indonesia Mount Bromo Mount Bromo (Indonesia)
Geology
Mountain type	Somma volcano
Last eruption	December 13, 2023

Mount Bromo timelapse

The Bromo (Javanese: ꦧꦿꦩ), or Mount Bromo (Javanese: ꦒꦸꦤꦸꦁ​ꦧꦿꦩ, Indonesian: Gunung Bromo) is an active somma volcano, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and part of the Tengger mountains, in East Java, Indonesia. At 2,329 meters (7,641 ft) it is not the highest peak of the massif, but is the most active and famous. The area is one of the most visited tourist destinations in East Java, and the volcano is included in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The name Bromo comes from the Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. At the mouth of the crater, there is an idol of Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom which is being worshipped by the Javanese Hindus. Mount Bromo is located in the middle of a plain called "Sea of Sand" (Javanese: Segara Wedi or Indonesian: Lautan Pasir), a nature reserve that has been protected since 1919.

A typical way to visit Mount Bromo is from the nearby mountain village of Cemoro Lawang. From there it is possible to walk to the volcano in about 45 minutes, but it is also possible to take an organized jeep tour, including stops at the viewpoint of Mount Penanjakan (2,770 m (9,090 ft)) (Indonesian: Gunung Penanjakan). The sights on Mount Penanjakan can also be reached on foot in about two hours. Depending on the level of volcanic activity, the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Disaster Mitigation sometimes issues a warning not to visit Mount Bromo.

The neighboring Mount Batok is often mistaken as Mount Bromo due to its prominence in the caldera, and its position in front of the more flat Bromo crater as viewed from their most popular viewpoints along the northern rim.

History of volcanic activity

2004 eruptions

Mount Bromo erupted in 2004. That eruptive episode led to the death of two people who had been hit by rocks from the explosion.

2010 eruptions

On Tuesday, 23 November 2010, 16.30 WIB (Western Indonesian Time), the Indonesian Centre of Vulcanology and Geology Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) confirmed the activity status of Mount Bromo at "alert" due to increasing tremor activity and shallow volcanic earthquakes at the mountain. Concerns were raised that a volcanic eruption might be likely to occur. As a precaution, local residents and tourists were instructed to remain clear of an area within a radius of three kilometers from the caldera and refugee encampments were erected. The area surrounding the Teggera caldera of Bromo remained off-limits for visitors throughout the remainder of 2010.

Bromo started to violently erupt ash on Friday 26 November 2010.

On 29 November 2010, Transport Ministry spokesman Bambang Ervan announced that Malang's domestic airport would be closed until 4 December 2010. Malang is a city of about 800,000 people is about 25 kilometers (16 miles) west of Mount Bromo. Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport normally handles 10 daily domestic flights from the capital Jakarta. Government volcanologist Surono reported that the volcano was spitting columns of ash some 700 meters (2,300 feet) into the sky.

2011 eruptions

Bromo eruption January 22, 2011 at 5:30 am (Bromo volcano crater itself is not visible)

The Tengger Caldera was still active in late January 2011, the activity being characterised by fluctuating ongoing eruptions. On 23 January 2011, the Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM; Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi) reported that since 19 December 2010 volcanic ash and incandescent material had been thrown up by eruptive activity resulting in a heavy rain of material that fell around the crater. Continuous eruptions on 21 January caused a thin ash fall mainly in the village areas of Ngadirejo and Sukapura Wonokerto in Probolinggo Regency.

The impact of a heavy rain of volcanic ash from eruptions since 19 December 2010 resulted in disruption of normal activities. By early 2011, concerns were being raised about the effect upon the local economy and the potential for long-term environmental and health problems amongst the residents in the locality surrounding Mount Bromo. Due to high seasonal rainfall in January 2011 the potential for lahar and lava flow was raised due to the deposits of volcanic ash, sand and other ejected material that had built up. Seismic activity was dominated by tremor vibration and reports of visual intensity and sounds of eruption continued to be reported from the mountain monitoring facility, Bromo Observation Post. People living on the banks of the Perahu Ravine, Nganten Ravine and Sukapura River were alerted to the possibility of lahars, especially when it was raining heavily in the area around Cemorolawang, Ngadisari and Ngadirejo. Eruptions and volcanic tremors were reported during the period 21 January – 22 January with activity subsiding on 23 January 2011. On 23 January 2011 at 6:00 am, the alert status at Mount Bromo remained at Level III.

On 23 January 2011, an exclusion zone was recommended for communities living around Mount Bromo. Tourists and hikers were advised to not come within a radius of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the active crater. CVGHM stated that they expected warning signs to be installed stating the limit radius of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the crater. Operational caution was recommended for flights into and leaving Juanda International Airport IATA:SUB in Surabaya. CVGHM recommended the establishment of public areas for the provision of face masks and eye protection. CVGHM also issued a warning to residents to be cautious of ash buildup on roofs and other places that may give cause for collapse under the burden of ash.

Further eruptions and the issuing of aviation ash advisories during the period 27–28 January 2011 led to concerns being raised regarding a volcanic ash plume, reported to be drifting eastward toward the air corridors used to access the Ngurah Rai International Airport IATA:DPS in Bali. Airport official Sherly Yunita was reported at the time as stating that concerns about visibility had prompted Singapore Airlines, Jetstar-ValueAir, Air France-KLM, Virgin Blue and Cathay Pacific to cancel several flights to Bali, 340 km (211 mi) to the east. SilkAir also cancelled flights on the 27 January between Singapore and Lombok, an island to the east of Bali. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Darwin, Australia released several Code Red Aviation Ash Advisories pertaining to Mount Bromo (Tengger Caldera), on 27 January. They indicated that ash was observed at altitudes up to 18,000 feet (5,486 m) (FL180) extending 200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi) to the south east of the caldera. In other ash advisories of that day the cloud was reported as at times having a 10 km/h (6.2 mph) drift, both to the east and to the south east.

Deformation in late November 2010–late January 2011

The Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) reported on 13 January 2011, that deformation using tiltmeter measurements indicated an inflation at rate of 5 micro radians between 25 November 2010 – 14 December 2010 and a relatively stable since 15 December 2010 both on Radial Components and Tangential Components.

Deformation measurement using electronic distance measurement equipment compared observations at designated measuring points; POS-BRO, POS-KUR and POS-BAT during the period 25 November 2010 – 20 December 2010 with observations from the period 21 December 2010 – 30 December 2010 indicated the shortening of the distance from the POS-BAT, or inflation. Observations between 30 December 2010 – 23 January 2011 were reported as relatively stable.

2015 eruption

Mount Bromo showed signs of increasing activity beginning in 4 December 2015, when the amount of smoke coming out of the crater intensified. By late November Mount Bromo began to eject ashes into the air. Indonesian Volcano Monitoring Bureau (PVBMG) issued a warning that forbade people from climbing Mount Bromo. Later, the warning was extended into a 1 km (0.62 mi) exclusion zone, before eventually extended into wider range which virtually barred visitors from coming down into the caldera floor, which is popularly known as Sandsea.

Culture

Pura Luhur Poten.

See also: Tenggerese people and Yadnya Kasada

On the fourteenth day of the Hindu festival of Yadnya Kasada, the Tenggerese people of Probolinggo Regency, East Java, travel up the mountain in order to make offerings of fruit, rice, vegetables, flowers and sacrifices of livestock to the mountain gods by throwing them into the caldera of the volcano. The origin of the ritual lies in the 15th century legend. On the sand plain, locally called Segara Wedi (lit. sand ocean), sits a Hindu temple called Pura Luhur Poten. The temple holds a significant importance to the Tenggerese scattered across the mountain villages, such as Ngadisari, Wonokitri, Ngadas, Argosari, Ranu Prani, Ledok Ombo and Wonokerso. The temple organises the annual Yadnya Kasada ceremony which lasts for about one month. The major difference between this temple and Balinese ones are the type of stones and building materials. Pura Luhur Poten uses natural black stones from volcanoes nearby, while Balinese temples are mostly made from red bricks. Inside this pura, there are several buildings and enclosures aligned in a mandala zone composition.

Tourist attractions

Mount Bromo has several tourist attractions that are appealing to travelers who wish to visit the area. From casual sightseers to seasoned explorers, Mount Bromo and its surrounding attractions offer something remarkable for everyone. Here is a list of tourist attractions in Mount Bromo:

Mount Bromo Crater

The main attraction in the region, the Bromo Crater is an active volcano standing at 2,329 meters above sea level. Visitors can reach the rim of the crater by hiking or riding a horse across the vast Sea of Sand, followed by climbing a steep staircase of 250 steps. At the top, tourists are greeted with a surreal view into the smoldering crater, surrounded by a barren, moon-like landscape.

Sea of Sand (Pasir Berbisik)

The Sea of Sand, or Lautan Pasir, is a vast expanse of volcanic sand that surrounds Mount Bromo. It is part of the Tengger Caldera and provides a unique setting for off-road jeep rides and horseback trekking. The name Pasir Berbisik (Whispering Sands) comes from the soft hissing sound made by the wind blowing over the dunes.

Penanjakan Viewpoint

This is the most popular spot for witnessing the legendary Bromo sunrise. Located at an altitude of 2,770 meters, Penanjakan provides a panoramic view of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and the towering Mount Semeru in the background. The golden sunrise illuminating the mist-covered landscape is a favorite subject for photographers and nature lovers.

King Kong Hill (Bukit Kingkong)

An alternative sunrise viewing spot, King Kong Hill offers a quieter and equally stunning perspective of the Bromo landscape. It is less crowded than Penanjakan, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a more tranquil experience.

Love Hill (Bukit Cinta)

Located near King Kong Hill, Love Hill is another scenic viewpoint that offers breathtaking vistas. It is popular among couples and honeymooners for its romantic ambiance, particularly during sunrise.

Savanna and Teletubbies Hill

To the south of Bromo lies a green savanna area, a stark contrast to the surrounding barren landscapes. The rolling hills covered in lush grass have earned the nickname “Teletubbies Hill” due to their resemblance to the fictional world in the children’s TV show. This area is perfect for nature walks and photo sessions.

Whispering Sand Area

This quieter part of the Sea of Sand is known for its mystical atmosphere and tranquil environment. Many travelers come here for reflection or to experience the solitude and natural beauty away from the main tourist routes.

Madakaripura Waterfall

Though not directly located in the caldera, Madakaripura Waterfall is often included in Bromo tour packages. It is the tallest waterfall in Java and holds spiritual significance, believed to have been a meditation site of the legendary Majapahit commander Gajah Mada. The surrounding cliffs and lush jungle make it a scenic destination worth exploring.

Tenggerese villages

The Tengger people are the indigenous inhabitants of the Bromo region. A visit to local villages such as Ngadisari and Cemoro Lawang allows tourists to learn about the unique Tenggerese culture, including their traditional farming practices and the annual Yadnya Kasada ceremony, where offerings are thrown into the Bromo crater.

Yadnya Kasada Festival

Held every 14th day of the Kasada month in the traditional Tenggerese calendar, this festival is a major cultural event. Pilgrims hike to the crater of Mount Bromo to throw offerings such as rice, fruit, livestock, and money into the volcano to appease the mountain gods. It is a remarkable display of devotion and local tradition.

Gallery

Panoramic view of Mount Bromo crater, Mount Batok, and Semeru from the edge of Segara Wedi ("Sea of Sands").

• 
  View into the Mount Bromo crater
• 
  Pathway leading to Mount Bromo caldera
• 
  Mount Bromo eruption 22 January 2011
• 
  Ash plume from Bromo over Bali, 27 January 2011
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  Mount Bromo crater filled with water
• 
  Mt. Bromo (large crater, foreground) at sunrise
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  Unique phenomenon on Mount Bromo, ice dew (embun upas) that looks like snow
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  5,000 rupiah banknote featuring Mount Bromo

See also

• Deep Earth Carbon Degassing Project
• List of volcanoes in Indonesia
• Multi-component gas analyzer system
• Volcanism of Java

External links

• Photos of the 2010/11 eruption of Bromo
• Villagers use sarongs to catch offerings thrown by Hindu worshipers into the crater of Mount Bromo from The Daily Telegraph
• Aiuppa, A; Bani, P; Moussallam, Y; Di Napoli, R; Allard, P; Gunawan, H; Hendrasto, M; Tamburello, G (2015), "First determination of magma-derived gas emissions from Bromo volcano, eastern Java (Indonesia)" (PDF), Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 304: 206–213, Bibcode:2015JVGR..304..206A, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2015.09.008, hdl:10447/172898
• Picture Gallery from 2019 with Mount Bromo
• Bromo Ijen Crater Tour