East Java: Tumpaksewu, Bromo & Ijen 3-Day Adventure Tour

Summary

Volcano sunrises, jungle waterfalls and blue fire in East Java

You’ll trek bamboo stairs to Tumpaksewu waterfall’s thundering base, watch sunrise over Mount Bromo’s volcanic rim by jeep, and hike through darkness to see Ijen’s blue fire with a local ranger. Includes hotel pickup in Malang or Surabaya, accommodations each night, all entry fees and ferry ticket—plus those little moments you can’t plan for.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t look down,” our guide grinned as we started down those bamboo stairs at Tumpaksewu. The air was thick—almost sweet—with river spray and something earthy, like wet leaves after rain. I kept glancing at the waterfall through the trees, half nervous, half excited. We’d left Malang early (I barely remember the coffee), but standing at the bottom with water roaring all around, shoes soaked and laughing with our ranger about my clumsy footing… it felt worth every slippery step.

The drive to Cemorolawang was long—five hours or so—but somehow it didn’t drag. Windows down, we watched villages blur past and tried a snack from a roadside stall (still no idea what it was). By the time we checked into our little guesthouse near Mount Bromo, I was wiped out. But then came that 3am knock. Jeep headlights cutting through fog, everyone bundled up tight. Up at Penanjakan point, people huddled quietly for sunrise—no one really talking until the sky started turning pink behind Bromo’s crater. It’s weird how silent a crowd can be when they’re all looking at something together.

Ijen was a different kind of wild. Midnight start again (I questioned my life choices), but our local ranger met us with this gentle “ayo” and off we went—flashlights bobbing up the trail. The smell hit first—sulphur sharp in your nose—and then that electric-blue fire twisting out of the darkness below us. Didn’t expect to feel so small up there. We shared breakfast boxes back at the parking lot, hands still shaking a bit from the cold and adrenaline. Afterward it was just a slow ride to Ketapang Harbor; I think I slept most of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Malang to Tumpaksewu Waterfall and Cemorolawang

• Pick up at Malang hotel 7:00 a.m
• Travel to Tumpaksewu Waterfall
• Meet local trekking ranger
• Explore waterfall via bamboo stairs
• Return to parking area by noon
• Travel to Cemorolawang village
• Check in and rest at accommodation

Day 2 — Bromo Sunrise and Travel to Bondowoso

• Pick up by 4WD Jeep at 3:00 a.m
• Drive to Penanjakan sunrise point
• Enjoy sunrise at Penanjakan
• Drive to Bromo crater area
• Trek up Mount Bromo
• Return to hotel for late breakfast
• Check out from hotel
• Travel to Bondowoso city
• Check in and rest at accommodation
• Midnight check-out for Ijen trip

Day 3 — Ijen Crater Trekking and Ketapang Harbor

• Depart hotel at midnight
• Travel to Ijen crater
• Meet local trekking ranger
• Trek 4 km to Ijen summit
• Descend to blue fire source (optional)
• Return to summit for sunrise
• Descend to parking area
• Enjoy breakfast box
• Drive to Ketapang harbor
• Buy ferry ticket or drop at Banyuwangi hotel

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Malang to Tumpaksewu waterfall?

About 2 hours by car from Malang to Tumpaksewu waterfall.

Is hotel pickup included for this East Java volcanoes tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Malang or Surabaya.

Do I need to be fit for the Tumpaksewu & Ijen hikes?

You should have at least moderate fitness; trails are steep and slippery in places.

Are entrance fees for Bromo and Ijen included?

Yes, entrance fees for both Mount Bromo and Ijen crater are included.

What time do you leave for Bromo sunrise?

The private jeep departs around 3:00 a.m. for Penanjakan sunrise point.

Is accommodation provided during this 3-day tour?

Yes, two nights’ accommodation are included—one near Bromo and one in Bondowoso.

Can you see the blue fire at Ijen on this tour?

If weather allows and you’re accompanied by a local ranger, yes—you can descend to see the blue fire before sunrise.

Does this tour include meals?

A traditional breakfast is provided each morning; you’ll also get a breakfast box after Ijen trek.

What’s included

Your journey covers hotel pickup in Malang or Surabaya, private air-conditioned transport throughout East Java, all entrance fees for Tumpaksewu waterfall, Mount Bromo and Ijen crater, two nights’ accommodation with breakfast (including traditional options), guided treks with local rangers at both waterfalls and volcanoes, private 4WD jeep rides for Bromo sunrise and crater visit—even your ferry ticket onward from Ketapang Harbor is sorted before you say goodbye.