3-day Bromo and Ijen tour from Surabaya: Volcanoes and waterfalls

Volcanic peaks and nights in the highlands, on your own schedule

A 3-day private tour from Surabaya that chains three of East Java's most dramatic sites: Tumpak Sewu Waterfall (the largest in Java), Mount Bromo's sunrise over the caldera, and Ijen Crater's blue sulfur flame at night. You travel by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide, stay in hotels near Bromo and Bondowoso, and trek to each summit yourself. The route is built around the early starts and high altitude that make these sights work, not a casual loop, but the real thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Pickup and Sewu Waterfalls

• Pickup in Surabaya at 6-7 AM
• Drive to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall (4 hours)
• Trek and explore Tumpak Sewu and Goa Tetes
• Cross rivers and climb ladders to waterfall top
• Overnight in Bromo area hotel

Day 2: Bromo Sunrise and Transfer to Bondowoso

• Jeep to Bromo viewpoint at 3 AM
• Enjoy Bromo National Park sunrise
• Photo stop at Lembah Widodaren
• Jeep ride through sea of sand
• Hike up Bromo Crater (30-45 minutes)
• Breakfast picnic with Bromo view
• Return to hotel, shower, and check out
• Drive to Bondowoso (3 hours)
• Check in and rest at Bondowoso hotel

Day 3: Ijen Blue Flame Trekking

• Pickup at midnight from hotel
• Drive to Paltuding
• Walk up to Ijen Crater
• Descend to sulfuric source
• Watch sunrise at Ijen viewpoint
• Drive to Surabaya or Ketapang Port
• End of tour

The experience

The tour opens with a 6–7 a.m. pickup in Surabaya and a four-hour drive to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. Once there, you trek through the valley, cross rivers, climb ladders, and move between multiple falls scattered across the landscape. The waterfall complex sits in a gorge, and the route takes you up to the top of the main cascade. You overnight in the Bromo area (Cafe Lava Hotel or Bromo Permai Hotel) to position for the next morning's climb.

Day two starts at 3 a.m. A jeep collects you and drives to a viewpoint (Penanjakan Hill or Kingkong Hill, chosen to avoid crowds), where you watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo and the surrounding caldera. After sunrise, you ride through the sea of sand (the volcanic plain), hike up to Bromo's crater rim (30–45 minutes on foot), and eat breakfast with the view. You return to the hotel to shower and rest, then drive three hours to Bondowoso for the night (Riverside Hotel or Dreamland Hotel).

The final day is the most demanding. You're picked up at midnight and driven to Paltuding, the trailhead for Ijen Crater. The trek climbs to the crater rim, then descends to the sulfuric vents where the blue flame burns (visible only in darkness, which is why the midnight start). You reach the sunrise point to watch daylight break over the crater lake and the surrounding peaks. The tour ends with a drive back to Surabaya or to Ketapang Port if you're continuing by sea. A gas mask is provided for the sulfur exposure on Ijen.

What’s included

• Private vehicle and driver for all three days.
• two nights' hotel accommodation (one near Bromo, one in Bondowoso).
• English-speaking guide.
• gas mask for Ijen trekking.
• fuel and parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to7h before

AgesAdult (15 to 75 years) · Under 15: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by TrippyTrip Tour

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, so the commentary and safety briefings are clear throughout. The fixed early starts and midnight pickups are what make the blue flame and the sunrise views possible. You're trading sleep for the sights that only work at those hours.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

52 verified traveler reviews

5 ★51

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How do I get picked up, and where does the tour end?

Pickup happens at your hotel or preferred location in Surabaya between 6 and 7 a.m. on day one. The tour ends in Surabaya on day three, or you can arrange a drop-off at Ketapang Port if you're traveling onward by ferry.

What is Tumpak Sewu Waterfall like, and how much hiking is involved?

Tumpak Sewu is the largest waterfall in Java, set in a gorge with multiple cascades. You trek through the valley, cross rivers, and climb ladders to reach the top of the main fall. It's a full morning of active movement, not a quick photo stop.

Why do we start at 3 a.m. on the Bromo day?

The 3 a.m. start gets you to the viewpoint before dawn so you can watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo and the caldera. Starting later means missing the light and the clearest views of the crater and surrounding peaks.

What is the blue flame at Ijen Crater, and when can you see it?

Ijen Crater releases sulfuric gas that ignites in the darkness, creating a blue flame visible only at night. The midnight pickup and trek in darkness are what make the phenomenon visible. Once the sun rises, it disappears.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes private transportation, two nights' hotel accommodation, an air-conditioned vehicle, a gas mask for Ijen, fuel, and parking. Bring sturdy hiking boots, warm layers for the high altitude and early starts, a headlamp or flashlight for the Ijen trek, and sun protection.

Is this tour physically demanding?

Yes. You hike to three summits over three days, start at midnight and 3 a.m., trek at altitude, and cross rivers. A moderate level of physical fitness is needed. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.