Boasting extraordinary scenery, which could be mistaken for Mars and a charcoal coloured bubbling crater surrounded by perfectly formed volcanic cones, climbing Mount Bromo is one of my fondest memories whilst travelling so far.

Not only was the backdrop of the volcano out of this world, it was also one of the rare occasions where I managed to avoid a busy tour and do the trek independently.

Bromo is one of the main attractions on Java Island and is therefore, commonly combined with a trip to Mount Ijen in an expensive 3 day/2 night package tour.

However, despite what the touts tell you, it is easily done on your own for a pittance of the price!

Here’s my guide to getting to Cemoro Lawang and exploring Mount Bromo all on your own whilst also avoiding the crowds.

I started my journey in Surabaya (the nearest city to the volcano with an airport) where I had a very special morning (find out why here) before hopping on a 2 hour local bus to Probolinggo.

Once in Probolinggo, I asked around to find out where the mini bus to Cemoro Lawang departed from. Just around the corner from the bus station I found the mini bus in question and was told by the driver that it wouldn’t depart until it was full. At this point, it was just myself and one American guy – we were in for a long wait.

Eventually, after 5 more people turned up we decided to split the cost of the minibus between us (around £5/6 each – it should have been approx £3 each).

As the humidity and dusty roads of the city morphed into refreshing cool cloud, lush farmland and towering mountains, we weaved up treacherous windy roads until we reached the tiny town of Cemoro Lawang.

Our bus driver shimmied us into his guesthouse as we hadn’t booked any accommodation (around $5 each) and then we were all set for our early morning climb.

Most of the tours begin at around 4am. They pick you up from your accommodation, pile you into a truck and drive you up to a crowded sunrise point overlooking Mount Bromo’s crater.

Opting not to get an extortionate priced truck to the sunrise point we decided to set off a little earlier (2.30am) and tackle the walk head on – it was a trek after all!

Using trusty maps.me we waded through dewy cabbage patches, hidden spider’s webs, expanses of tall damp grass and heavily inclined concrete roads. It was a tough walk at points but nothing a podgy person who doesn’t exercise (me) couldn’t hack.

After a couple of hours and a few accidental detours we reached a quiet, uncrowded sunrise viewpoint a little below where the truck tour groups were. We grabbed a coffee and waited for the sun the unveil the magical view below the expanse of nothingness, which had been hiding from us all morning.

The sun slowly rose above the clouds uncovering vibrant vertical farming ground, Mount Bromo’s fizzing crater, sprouts of pristine volcanic cones and a blanket of bareness.

Once we’d revelled in the majestic sight the sunrise had revealed we began our descent to explore the volcanoes up close.

We followed a dotted track on our map down through farmland and rugged mud tracks before emerging into the nakedness below Bromo.

The elephant coloured crater was so ginormous each person climbing up it looked like an ant scurrying up the side of a mound. We bound our way towards the final destination on our trek – the crater.

As we approached the bottom of the crater we were greeted by hoards of tour jeeps and horses that up until now, we had managed to avoid.

The horses were waiting to take tourists up to the top of the crater however, we opted to walk as the horses didn’t look like they were being looked after very well.

The crater was a 10/15 minute climb up an incline of stairs.

And at the top we were welcomed by a deep v crater with a staggeringly unsafe and scary drop – you wouldn’t want to trip whilst up there…

We gazed in awe as the crater puffed out white, black and blue smoke from the bubbling vent below praying that today would not be the day that it would explode once again…

Mount Bromo was definitely my favourite trek whilst travelling to date. Not only because its scenery was unusual and majestic but also, because I was able to beat the crowds and experienced it independently.

Facts for climbing Mount Bromo independently

Get a local bus from wherever you are to Probolinggo.

From Probolinggo get a minivan to Cemoro Lawang (where Bromo is located).

Check into a guesthouse and get an early night (I didn’t book accom beforehand so don’t panic if you can’t find anything online).

Start the trek at 2/3am using maps.me app as a guide – there are many viewpoints located on the map to choose from.

After sunrise, descend towards the crater using maps.me – we happened to enter the area where there was no ticket booth so did not have to pay the approx $16 entry fee. This is risky but definitely doable.

The trek took around 6 hours in total.

HAVE FUN!!

Have you ever climbed Mount Bromo? Did you do it with a tour or on your own?

I’d heard so many stories about how touristy and party fuelled it had become that I was a little sceptical about whether I was going to like it or not.

Verdict – I absolutely loved it.

Although this island does have a fair few party areas jam-packed with boozing Australians, it also still retains its rich Hindu culture, which is evident in every intricate temple and colourful offering placed on each street corner.

Incorporate this with vibrant rice fields, trendy cafes, picture-perfect islands, cascading waterfalls and a coastline made out of a surfers’ dream and you have found yourself a backpackers’ paradise.

Here are my picks of the most unmissable spots in Bali.

Ubud

Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali. Strewn in grand, charcoal coloured temples embellished in brightly coloured offerings of flower petals, sweets and incense, trendy cafes selling smoothie bowls galore, exuberant yoga and clean eating retreats and vibrant rice terraces making for the most scenic of Insta posts, this place is a hippie haven.

Rent a moped, bicycle or taxi and uncover an abundance of rice paddy fields, waterfalls, volcanos and temples. Also be sure to check out the outstanding luxury villas on Air BnB – they’re insanely lavish and cheap!

Canggu

Step into a surfer dude’s heaven.

Canggu is located on the South coast of Bali and is the epitome of a ‘trendy’ town. Westerners flaunt their perfect beach babe waves in cool cafes as they discuss the morning’s surf over a raw juice and men seem to have to have hair longer than their ears to fit in. It’s very hip and very westernised but in the best way possible.

Grab a surf board and try your hand at catching some waves, treat yourself to a creamy smoothie bowl at Crate before heading to Old Man’s beach bar for an unbeatable beach party at night.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a beautiful island floating around an hour off of the East coast of Bali. Still very much undeveloped, this tiny island is home to quiet, reflective white beaches, fantastic marine life and a luscious mangrove forest.

We looped the island in a golf buggy in under an hour and found hidden beaches enveloped in jagged towering cliff faces, breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the island and beyond and a private sunset point to die for. Nusa Lembongan is also a great spot to venture out to swim with the ocean’s friendly giants – manta rays.

Uluwatu

Similarly to Canggu, Uluwatu is where you’ll find the best waves and the coolest hang out spots.

Here, all mopeds come with a surf board attachment and backpackers don snazzy tropical shirts and crystal necklaces. There are multiple beaches spread out across the town where you can relax, surf and shop as well as, a very scenic temple overlooking the ocean and towering cliff faces.

Although Uluwatu and Canggu have very similar vibes, I’d say the diversity of the beaches makes it worth checking both out!

Have you ever been to Bali? What would you add to this list of unmissable spots?