East Java Tour Package 4 Days: Bromo Sunrise, Tumpak Sewu, Ijen Blue Fire – Start Surabaya, Finish in Bali!
I recently said bye to some guests, who were a nice couple from France, and who were holding their travelling mugs, while I was on the ship in Ketapang Harbor. They said, “We didn’t expect East Java to be this dramatic.” A lot of runs in, me too. This route still hits different. The golden-orange sunrise in Bromo, soft fog wrapping the savanna, Tumpak Sewu’s curtain of water where light beams slice through and the Ijen in blue fire always gives me goosebumps.
This is part travel diary, part blog article. I want to capture the emotions, but also the essential info: route/driving times/packing list/sunrise times/safety info/easy drop-off at Ketapang port or to your Bali hotel. The idnTripper crew would also be incredibly grateful to host you if you want the exact same flow but in a private setting.
The 4D3N Itinerary Overview
Starting Point: Surabaya (Juanda International Airport Surabaya SUB).
- First Night: Malang.
- Day 2: Shifting from Bromo (Sunrise and other major sights) to Lumajang/Pronojiwo (Base for Tumpak Sewu waterfall).
- Day 3: Tumpak Sewu waterfall excursion and later driving to Ijen Crater, base at Banyuwangi.
- Day 4: Hike to Ijen Crater (Bushfire, condition preferable) and drop at either Ketapang Harbor or direct to Bali.
4D3N Itinerary
Day 1: Surabaya to Malang.
- Pickup from the Airport.
- The Hotel is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours away situated in Malang, depending on the traffic and the road taken.
- Check in at the Hotel is at 2pm. Rest and free time.
Day 2 | Bromo Sunrise & Bromo Savanna
- Start from 1:00 am to 1:30 am from Malang to Tumpang, Ngadas (Duration 2.5 to 3.5 hours).
- Check out the Sunrise at either Kingkong Hill, Love Hill, or Penanjakan.
- Sandy snowy Bromo with Crater, Stairs, and Just Like the Teletubby Hills.
- Check in at a Homestay in Pronojiwo/Lumajang in about 3 to 4 hours, Homestay.
Day 3 | Tumpak Sewu to Banyuwangi
- Starting in the Morning from 7 to 8 am, reach the viewpoint and go down to the base for a Return (Duration 2 to 3 hours).
- Then the 5 to 7 hour drive to Banyuwangi.
- Take a rest and check in at a place near Ijen, rest.
Day 4 | Kawah Ijen and Drop at Ketapang Harbor
- Start around 00:30 am to 1:00 am.
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes on foot to the edge for the Sunrise, however the Crater floor’s accessibility depends on the status of the rangers.
- Plus cleaning drop is available at either Ketapang Harbor or you can
- take a direct overland to Bali.
The tale of 4 days that will change the way you travel.
Day 1 — Smooth touchdown in Malang.
While you already start to feel the jetlag, you head to the arrivals at Juanda Airport. The drive to Malang goes from smooth toll roads to thin mountain outlines and rice fields. Malang welcomes you with street trees and cooler air. After I get you checked in, I nudge you to sleep for the day. However, I know coffee always comes first.
Day 2 — Bromo, the sky is close enough to touch.
We first depart at 12:45 AM. Upon arriving in Ngadas, the Milky Way looks to be hanging directly above you. After that, we all hopped in a Jeep and cruised up to the sunshine point. It was cold at first, but we soon woke up with the first streak of orange. Soon, the perfectly cone-shaped Batok and Bromo, along with the majestic smokey Semeru, came into view. It was magical, like a real-life postcard.
Next: The Sea of Sand. The jeep lightly bounced and bobbed over soft volcanic sand dunes. The steps of the crater were a little warm, but seeing Bromo’s steaming mouth was something else. And then we had a photo stop on Teletubbies Hill, and it was a cool green breath of fresh air, a real contrast to the sand.
Day 3 — Tumpak Sewu, East Java’s Waterfall Arena
The mornings on Pronojiwo are peaceful enough to really hear your thoughts. From the observation point, it’s a quick little walk, and all of a sudden, Tumpak Sewu welcomes you with an incredible sight. It’s like an enormous amphitheater with tons of water streaming down. The water flows from over a hundred gentle-falling streams in large arcs. We descend slowly: bamboo ladders, really slippery rocks, and lots of rope. You really need your concentration. At the bottom of the mountain, it’s pretty tough to figure out where to point your camera first—the options are endless.
When it’s just about dawn, you can see dazzling rays of light that seem to be coming from the heavens. We also visit Goa Tetes, whose weighted walls glisten and sparkle with a touch of magic. After 2 or 3 hours of wandering, we descend, tidy, have a meal, and then traverse to Banyuwangi overland. The playlist that goes from street music to easy talks, includes the Bondowoso coffee, Ijen sulfuric miners, and the beauty of relaxed travel.
Day 4 — The blue fire and a mint-green morning
The time to be in the meeting is about 01.00. The Ijen’s trail is always uphill, but you can do it if you take it slow. At the peak, we usually take the latest status with the rangers. If it’s possible and safe, we always descend partially to the blue fire area (while wearing masks of course). That neon blue flame flickering on the rocks is insane. If the floor of the crater is closed, then there’s no need to worry, the sunrise from the rim is a turquoise lake, rough ridges, and the light warming up the clouds.
Day by day we acclimate to how nature slowly paints the morning sky. There is silence as the beauty unfolds. After which we trek to a delightful breakfast then a shower, afterwards we trek to Ketapang. If you’re going straight to Bali, we will ensure to coordinate the cross-island connection from your port to your hotel. demi hari, kami beradaptasi dengan bagaimana alam perlahan melukis langit pagi. Ada keheningan saat keindahan terbentang. Setelah itu, kami akan berjalan kaki menuju sarapan yang lezat, lalu mandi, dan setelah itu kami akan berjalan kaki menuju Ketapang. Jika Anda langsung menuju Bali, kami akan memastikan untuk mengoordinasikan transportasi antar pulau dari pelabuhan ke hotel Anda.
Surabaya to Malang to Bromo to Tumpak Sewu to Banyuwangi to Ijen to Ketapang or Bali
Moonscape volcanos. Breathtaking water falls. Craters. Balance in pace, a good bit of recover time, ambitious, yet not hurried.
We offer Ketapang or your Bali accommodation directly.
- For the trekkers,
Bromo is a little dusty with strong winds, and the steaming crater is easy to extreme. Tumpak is bit more complicated due to steep drops, beating current, and extreme footing, safety is key. Ijen is a steeper, controlled regiment ‘s sulfur gas with gas’ lets cave in, people pleasers down to earth.
The milky way is a breath taking sight, and is best seen from April to October. The day time in Bromo, and Ijen can be chilly, so make sure to bring a few layers.
- Permits & tickets
Fees for the parks differ for residents and foreign tourists and are also different for weekdays and weekends.
Floor access to the Ijen Crater can be closed at any time without notice because of wind, gas, or other activity. We always follow official updates.
What’s included with example private trip by idnTripper
- A private AC car with a driver, fuel, tolls, and parking. Other additional stops are extra.
- Bromo jeep for sunrise and the main highlights.
- Accommodation for 3 nights at Malang (1), Pronojiwo/Lumajang (1), and Banyuwangi (1). Twin or double standard share, and upgrades are available.
- local guides for Tumpak Sewu and Ijen.
- Basic gear, includes headlamps and gas masks for Ijen if needed.
- Daily drinking water.
- Surabaya Airport (pick up) and direct transfer to Ketapang or Bali.
- 24/7 WhatsApp support for help during the trip.
Not included
- Entrance tickets (the most recent park rates apply).
- Meals (additional meal plans can be arranged at your request).
- Personal travel insurance.
- Driver/guide tips (normal and appreciated).
- Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, and room upgrades).
FAQs (the stuff everyone asks)
Will we see Ijen’s blue fire for sure?
No. We can’t promise because of wind, gas and other activity, and official access. If the Ijen’s blue fire is a no-go, sunrise from the rim is still extraordinarily beautiful.
Is it suitable for children?
Bromo is the easiest for the kids. Tumpak Sewu and Ijen can be done by older children or teenagers with good endurance and particular instructions. Contact us, and we can set the pace.
What is the ideal time to go?
You can go from April to October as the chances of having clear skies are higher. The wet season is beautiful and dramatic as well, but ensure you have the right equipment.
Can we start from somewhere different?
Yes, we can start from Malang city, Probolinggo, or even Banyuwangi. We will modify the flow accordingly.
Can we end the trip in Bali?
Yes, you can end the trip in Bali with the two options of Ketapang drop where you will take the ferry, or you can have a door-to-door service and be transferred to your hotel in Bali.
Why Travel with idnTripper?
- Local expertise with professional service: we have mastered east java and provide smooth service to all.
- We always ensure the safety of our customers. We work with the park authorities and always have a backup plan.
- You can travel at your own comfort as we do not have any set plans. You can travel your way as we don’t have a set pace, stops, or hotel.
- We provide good communication, and our support is always available. We will pick you up from SUB and drop you to Bali as per your convenience.
Sample itinerary for your reference
Day 1
- 10:00–16:00 Arrival at window period in Surabaya.
- 12:00–18:00 We drive to Malang have some easy check-in and dinner.
Day 2
- 00:30 Drive to the meeting point Tumpang.
- 03:30-05:30 We view the sunrise.
- 06:00-09:30 We check out the sea of sand and the cacti savannah.
- 10:30-14:00 We have some brunch and go to Pronojiwo.
- 15:00-19:00 You can check in and have some rest.Day 3:
- 07:30 – 10:30: Tumpak Sewu & Goa Tetes
- 11:30 – 18:30: Banyuwangi (lunch & coffee breaks during the long drive.)
- 19:00: Check-in; sleep early
Day 4:
- 00:30: Leave for Paltuding (the base for Ijen).
- 02:00 – 05:30: Ijen hike and catch the sunrise (and the blue fire if they allow it).
- 07:30 – 09:30: Breakfast and freshen up
- After 10:30: You can either go to Ketapang or go to Bali directly
We can all agree that the simplest approach to the above is quite a hassle!
‘ Surabaya pick up, Malang for a cozy night, catch Bromo’s golden hour, swim in Ijen’s turquoise morning, and then get a seamless Bali handoff? That’s the sort of thing we’d love to organize for you. It’s a wonderful trip where we do all the worrying but you take the wonderful memories.’
To check our availability or for any inquiries, please reach out.
Make sure to tell us your chosen dates, traveler count, hotel style, and if you’d like to finish at Ketapang or Bali.
When I’m done with the East Java circuit, I don’t want the experience to end. I remember the faint smell of sulfur, the sound of water dripping, the sand creeping through my shoes, and most importantly the smiling faces of the people who had just boarded the ferry to Bali. The whole trip is more than just a set of locations; it is a sequence of feelings.
Excited to add your own part to the story? I will be there to greet you.
