10 East Java Destinations That We Recommend
Indonesia is famous for its natural landscapes and inhabitants which are culturally and spiritually fascinating. This article will tell you 10 interesting, curious and downright bizarre facts about Indonesia. You will fall in love with this massive archipelago of diverse islands.
Here are 10 places in East Java that we recommend:
1. UNESCO Heritage Site - Mount Bromo
Have you heard of Mount Bromo? Mount Bromo is the East Java icon. First you will arrive in the vast sea of sand. Walking from the parking lot to the top of the mountain will make you feel like you are in a desert. Secondly is the amazing view of the mountains seen from distance. You will have to climb up to get to the summit it will take a good one hour of walk in the sand until you can reach the steps , climb up to the 500 steps or so until you reach the summit . Once you arrive you can watch the sun rise through the fog, it is a true amazing experience.
Every year, thousands of foreign tourists mainly from the European region visit Bromo, especially during the summer. They want to see for themselves the magnificence of Mount Bromo that has an altitude of 2,329 meters above the sea level.
This Bromo Volcano is located in Probolinggo area, If you are not strong enough to travel, rent a horse to the foot of the mountain then go up the stairs to the top.
The most popular trip by many
tourist would be the Bromo Sunrise Trip – https://tourmountbromo.com/product/mount-bromo-sunrise-day-trip/
2. Mt Ijen Crater
Ijen Crater has succeeded to become the second icon of East Java. Located in the Banyuwangi area, the crater of the mountain offers amazing view on the turquoise blue sulphur lake. The crater of the mountains continues to emit sulfur. It is a great destination for people who want to feel an easy climb while watching the amazing mountain landscape.
The attraction offered by Ijen is the unique sulfur mining activities. There is dozens of people mining from early in the morning to bring the sulfur boulders down. Besides, Ijen Crater also has a blue fire which is one of the best natural phenomena in the world.
In the early hours, the crater area on this mountain spreads blue like fire. To be able to see it, you must start to climb at 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning so that the sun’s rays do not obscure this amazing phenomenon !
3. Angkut Museum
Museum Angkut is located in Batu City area, center of East Java. The museum offers a diverse collection of transportation vehicles from ancient to modern times. There are various bicycles, motorbikes, cars and miniature airplanes on display that attracts people and collectionners from all over the world.
Beside offering a variety of vehicle collections, the museum, which has an area of up to two hectares, also has a themed section. Parts of the museum are designed to be very similar to Hollywood to Ancient Europe district. On several occasions there is also a parade like a carnival held in Museum Angkut.
With a collection of more than 300 vehicles, the Museum Angkut area is a perfect place for photo stop.
4. Candi Penataran
Penataran, is a Hindu Temple that has existed since the Kingdom of Kediri and was used until the era of Majapahit Kingdom.
Penataran complex is the largest temple complex in East Java and is located on the southwest slope of Mount Kelud. Standing at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level, the Penataran Temple is located in Panataran Village, Blitar.
Penataran Temple was discovered in 1815 and was not widely known until 1850. This temple complex was discovered by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who was the Governor-General Lieutenant for the British colonial period in Indonesia at that time.
The original name of Penataran Temple is believed to be Palah Temple according to Palah Inscription and was built in 1194 by King Çrnga (Syrenggra). The King ruled the Kingdom of Kediri between 1190 – 1200. The temple was built as a place of worship ceremony in order to neutralize or avoid the danger caused by the erupting of Mount Kelud. If you’re a fan of history and old shrines you should definitely check it out !
5. Baluran National Park
Baluran National Park is located in two cities which are Situbondo and Banyuwangi. With an area reaching 25,000 hectares, this area is divided into several different regions. First, there is a mountainous region with Mount Baluran as its highest peak. Then, there are seasonal forest areas, mangrove forests near the coast and savannas.
The most interesting attraction in Baluran National Park is the vast savanna. During the rainy season this area will be green and filled with lots of wild animals. Tourists who come to this place can watch bulls, wild buffaloes, coyotes, deer and leopards.
6. Gong Cave
Gong Cave is a beautiful cave that offers the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites as well as natural carvings inside. The cave is located in Bomo Village about 140 km south of Solo city.
Once inside the cave, you can see a variety of large stalagas and stalagmites. Some of the stones formed over millions of years were given Javanese names such as Selor Giri, Selo Pakuan Buwono and Selo Bantara Angin to make them look more attractive and have magical sensations.
As the name implies, some parts of the rock in the cave will ring loudly when hit. The loud sound of “Gong” will echo so that it resembles a “Gamelan” performance.
7. Coban Rondo Waterfall
Coban Rondo Waterfall is one of the popular destination in Batu Malang City, East Java. Located on the slopes of the mountains, this waterfall offers three things to visitors. First, of course, the water bumps from the top of the hill that give a fresh dew effect even though the daytime feels so hot.
The second is an attractive landscape. Because it is located at the foot of the mountain, this area is filled with dense forests. Wild animals such as apes sometimes go down in the morning or afternoon to look for food or wait for tourists who often give food to them.
The last is the Mancakrida area. Visitors who come can take part in different fun outdoor activities. There are flying fox games, tree climbing as well as other games that require dexterity. Not far from the main location there is also a maze that is suitable for the location of photo hunting.
8. Madakaripura Waterfall
Madakaripura Waterfall is another cool attraction. This high and magnificent waterfall offers the beauty of green hills overgrown with moss, moist air that flows down and space between cliffs.
To get to this tourist spot in East Java, it takes quite a long time. From the parking area, visitors will have to walk several hundred meters to get to the location. They have to pass through rice fields, muddy roads and rivers until they finally arrive at a waterfall that will become cloudy when the rainy season arrives.
In addition to the natural landscape, the most interesting thing about this waterfall is the story. In the past, this waterfall was said to have been used by the fairy and powerful Patih Gajah Mada to meditate and gain moksa (enlightenment). However, in the end he was lost here and was never found again. Based on that story, at the entrance to the waterfall area, there is a large Gajah Mada Statue to honor him.
You will be able to visit this waterfall on any of our Bromo-IJen Tours. We would recommend this tour – https://tourmountbromo.com/product/mount-bromo-ijen-banyuwangyi-tour-start-bromo-4d-3n/
9. Ranu Kumbolo Lake
Ranu Kumbolo is a freshwater lake that often becomes a transit point for climbers of Mount Semeru. This lake is located at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level. Ranu Kumbolo is also a source of clean water for Semeru mountaineers. With abundant water discharge, the lake is also a gathering place for climbers to camp.
Ranu Kumbolo is located in the area of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, precisely between Malang district and Lumajang Regency, East Java. A trip to Ranu Kumbolo is not an easy trip to go to, it can even be categorized to be a tough trip because it requires excellent physical strength and sufficient supplies.
There are several things that tourists need to pay attention to when visiting this lake, which are:
a. The water in Ranu Kumbolo Lake is very clean and clear, so it can be drunk directly.
b. On the lake is prohibited from bathing, defecating and swimming ( consider as holy).
c. At night the air on Lake Ranu Kumbolo can reach minus 5 degrees Celsius, therefore it is important to bring a special hiking jacket and other body heating equipment.
d. Tourists must bring their own plastic bag specifically for the trash.
We organise visits to this lake through public tours to Mt Semeru – https://tourinindonesia.com/mt-semeru-open-trip-3d-2n/
10. Alas Purwo National Park
Alas Purwo National Park is located 60 km from the city center towards the south of Banyuwangi, right next to the beautiful island of Bali. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sound of soft waves washing on the white sandy beaches during your stay.
Travel past local villages and windy local roads to arrive at a Pulau Merah (“Red Island”), a stunning white-sand beach lined with palms and pandanus. It’s the perfect travel destination, and makes the ideal spot for surfing with waves as high as 4 meters when its tide and as far as 3 km long, it makes the Red Island a popular destination for surfers!
Our sister website – www.tourmountbromo.com has more information on trips that we do in East Java. Visit the website and see you on our tours soon.