Mount Bromo - the Active Volcano

Surabaya - We made arrangements for a pick up at our Hotel @ 11pm to go to Mount Bromo for a spectacular sunrise. I had been disappointed previously in Taiwan and Jeju island because of the cloudy skies and hope this journey to Mount Bromo would be worth the time. It takes 4 hours broken up into 3 hrs from Surabaya to the meeting point; and another 1 hour by Jeep to reach near the sunset viewing area. It was very cold (around 5 degrees) and the rental of the jacket cost Rp 25,000 each (about S$ 2.6). To use the toilets you have to pay - some charges Rp 3,000 and others Rp 5,000 but its clean.

Mount Bromo is a part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park that covers a massive area of 800 square kilometres (about the size of Singapore).

We were the first to arrive at the summit sunrise viewing area and there was no one around; so we decided to wait at a food stall and had tea, coffee and instant noodles.

Around 4:15am, the whole summit was packed with tourist vying for the best spot to take their pictures. At the summit it was free for all, and some of the tourist were very rude standing on the metal railing thus blocking people from behind. There were some kind people that share the photo taking space with total strangers.

Many stars were shining brightly and I know it will be a good sun rise.

Sun rising from the horizon

Crater of Mt Bromo

Mt Bromo is the background

Mount Bromo - The jeep drove us to the Mount Bromo crater. For the tired or lazy, there are motocycles and horses for hire to reach to base of the crater. Costing around Rp50,000 one way. We decided to walk up to the crater about 2km walk.

Background is the Mt Bromo temple

a long hike up the Mt Bromo

Mt Bromo is 2392 metres tall and near the base of the crater there are 250 steps.

A long and tiring climb but every step is worth it to view this spectacular active volcano.
'

Spectacular active volcano

Savana - a grassland with few tress around in this vast landscape

Our jeep tourer

Sand landscape - This vast landscape of black and darken sand with specs of glass was due to an eruption from Mt Bromo in 2012.

We had a short breakfast and journey back to the Hotel.

Comments

Calesa around Intramuros

Manila - Together with Albert, we took a calesa (horse drawn carriage used in Philippines) around Intramuros. Albert and Lesley Albert and I Intramuros is the oldest district and historic core of Manila. The walled part of Manila was called intramuros, which is Latin for "within the walls"; districts beyond the walls are known as extramuros meaning outside the walls. Construction of the defensive walls was started by the Spaniards in the late 16th century to protect the city from foreign invasions. Guarding the old city is Fortaiago wich is located at the mouth of the river. Gallery of Philippines past and present presidents General MacArthur Battle HQ Entrance of General MacArthur HQ Manila Hotel Manila Hotel in the distance Manila hotel is the oldest hotel in the Philippines and the most well known icon. Baluarte De San Andres Cannons lined in a semi-circle Colegio de San Juan de Letran was founded in...

Cheong Guk Jang - fermented bean soup

Seoul - Lunch with Youngjin was at a traditional soup restaurant and it was crowded. Youngjin asked me many times Cheonggukjang "ok", I said ok not knowing what to expect. I have tried many weird and smelly good in Seoul, so I was very prepared. My first time tasting Cheonggukjang and I like it. CheongGukJang 청국장 is fermented soybean soup aka Stinky soup. Actually, I like fermented food and the smell does not put me off. I like fermented food because of the many health benefits and also we have them here in Singapore - tempe, belachan, fermented bean curd (which I love with my porridge), chincaluk, etc.. very hot Cheonggukjang I always buy danjang paste and bring home to make soup. I understand that they are the same but the difference is Cheonggukjang beans are uncrushed and are fermented for a longer period of time.

Temple Street Night Market

Kowloon - This flea market is full of quirky, Hong Kong souvenirs and t-shirts to take home. The actual market on Temple Street is in the Yau Ma Tei and Jordan sections of Temple Street. The flea market starts in the late afternoon every day and continues throughout the evening. You can find fake’designer' handbags, sunglasses, clothes, and electronic gadgets. The atmosphere was filled with many tourist of different nationalities. Along the sides were many seafood restaurants, mostly crowded. You will also find fortuner teller stalls plying their trade.

Travelogue around Asia Pacific Part II

Search This Blog