Surabaya to Bali: Bromo Sunrise & Ijen Blue Fire 3-Day Tour

Summary

Mountain sunrises, blue flames and long drives east java

You’ll feel mountain chill before sunrise at Bromo, watch blue flames dance inside Ijen crater before dawn, and cross Java all the way to Bali—with local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way. This isn’t a quick trip—it’s long drives, strong coffee, volcanic air in your lungs—and something about it lingers after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re sure you want to wake up at 2:30?” our guide asked, half-smiling as we dragged ourselves out of the car near Mount Bromo. I was groggy but honestly, that first blast of cold air—sharp and smelling faintly of sulfur and wild grass—snapped me awake. The sky was just a dark bruise overhead when we piled into the jeep. Our driver, Pak Agus, played old dangdut music so quietly it felt like he was humming along with the engine. The road twisted and bounced us awake until we reached Penanjakan for sunrise. I didn’t expect the crowd (everyone’s bundled up in borrowed hats), but when the sun cracked open behind Bromo, nobody said a word for a few seconds. It’s weird how cold volcano air can make your coffee taste sweeter.

Later that morning, after scrambling up the crater rim (I went by foot; some folks took horses—I’m stubborn or just cheap), we stood looking down into this smoking gray pit. There’s this burnt-egg smell everywhere but somehow it feels clean? Maybe it’s just being so far above everything else. Breakfast back at the hotel tasted better than it should’ve—maybe because we’d earned it—and then came the drive to Banyuwangi. Eight hours is…long. But watching Java roll by from the window—rice paddies, kids waving, roadside warungs with bright tarps flapping in the wind—it doesn’t get boring exactly. Just hypnotic.

Ijen was a whole different beast. Midnight start again (the local guide handed us gas masks and grinned like he knew what was coming). The trek is steep but doable if you go slow—my legs were jelly by the top though. When you finally see that blue fire flickering down in the crater before dawn…honestly, it looks fake. Like someone left LEDs on inside a cave. Sulfur miners passed us on their way up—one guy stopped to show us his basket of bright yellow rocks and smiled shyly when I tried to say thank you in Bahasa (Li laughed at my accent). By sunrise, the lake glowed turquoise under pale clouds and everyone just sort of sat there quietly eating snacks or taking blurry photos with frozen hands.

The last stretch—ferry ride over to Bali—felt like coming back to earth after all that volcanic weirdness. Crossing into Gilimanuk port, then winding through green hills towards Ubud…honestly I kept thinking about those blue flames and how tired my legs were but also how glad I was that we’d done it this way instead of rushing through on some big bus tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel Surabaya to Bromo Area

• Pick up in Surabaya
• Drive 3 hours to Bromo Area

Day 2 — Bromo Sunrise Tour and Travel to Ijen

• Wake up at 03:00 AM
• Jeep to Penanjakan sunrise point
• Enjoy sunrise
• Jeep to Bromo crater parking area
• Climb or horse-ride to crater rim
• Return to hotel for breakfast and shower
• Check out at 09:00 AM
• Drive 8 hours to Ijen area

Day 3 — Ijen Crater Tour and Drop Bali

• Wake up at 00:00 AM
• Drive 30 minutes to Paltuding
• Trek 3 km to Ijen Crater peak
• Descend 500 meters to see blue fire
• Return to parking area by 06:00 AM
• Back to hotel for breakfast and shower
• Check out at 10:00 AM
• Drive to Ketapang ferry port
• Take 1.5-hour ferry to Gilimanuk
• Drive 4 hours to hotel in Bali

Top questions

How long does the Surabaya to Bali Bromo Ijen tour take?

The tour takes 3 days including overnight stays near Bromo and in Banyuwangi (Ijen area).

Is pickup included in Surabaya for this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Surabaya Train Station, Juanda Airport or your hotel.

Do I need to be fit for hiking Mount Bromo & Ijen?

A moderate level of physical fitness is needed; both hikes involve steep sections.

Are gas masks provided for the Ijen Crater hike?

Yes, gas masks and goggles are provided for safety during the Ijen Crater trek.

Is horse riding at Mount Bromo included?

No, horse riding is optional at extra cost; walking is possible for most travelers.

Does this tour include ferry tickets to Bali?

Yes, ferry tickets from Java (Ketapang) to Bali (Gilimanuk) are included.

Are English-speaking guides available?

Yes, English-speaking local guides accompany you at both Bromo and Ijen.

Where do we end up in Bali after this tour?

You’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Ubud or Seminyak by private car transfer.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Surabaya, all private transport across Java by car and jeep (with AC), two nights’ accommodation each with private bathrooms near Bromo and Ijen areas, entrance tickets for both volcanoes plus health certificates required for climbing Ijen. Gas masks and goggles are handed out before your midnight trek up Kawah Ijen. You’ll have English-speaking local guides at both volcanoes, ferry tickets from Ketapang to Gilimanuk in Bali covered too—and finally a private car transfer right to your hotel door in Ubud or Seminyak after all those early mornings.