Travelistar: Venturing a Fairy Tale Land, Bromo (part 1 of 3)

Dramatic far view of Mt. Batok at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Muslim's Biggest Festivity

Indonesian Muslims were celebrating their Holiday after the fasting month which this year happened in June 2017. It is the most celebrated holiday in Indonesia where people, especially the Javanese, follows the tradition of Mudik. Mudik means going home to the hometown or parent's home after a long time of working or living in another city.

They use mostly public transportation like plane, train or busses. Many of them were also driving their own cars or even riding motorbike when Mudik-ing. Often, this happen in a quite distance. This also require a good stamina and good vehicle condition for the safety riding. Many of them riding bike carrying a lot of stuff or even carrying the whole family, which sometimes consists of both husband and wife with two or more children in one bike. Can you imagine how crazy that is? The rate of accidents on the road increases following the more vehicles using the roads.

I, on the other hand, had left the culture of Mudik-ing for many years, due to many reasons I couldn't possibly tell. I replace the Mudik culture to my passion, traveling. Off days with money in hand means traveling. I had as long as 9 days off, during the Idul Fitri Festive. Though there is one day that I had to come working by the company's demand. It was so regrettable, since I couldn't do a long trip.

Anyway, I managed to do 2 trips in a week during those days I mentioned. The first will be the story that I'm about to tell you. Yes, indeed. I went to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. When you hear the word Bromo, you must think of sunrise, penanjakan view, teletubies hills and the whispering sand. Those are destinations in Bromo that are included in tour package.

The Journey Just Get Started

For me, Bromo is much more than that. I went riding a motorbike, which was my first time. I did not worry coz I was accompanied by a friend which currently lives in a nearby area. He took us to the different path that the common tourists do not take. As the result, we could enjoy our way much more than usual.

A breathtaking view along the way has become its own attraction. We, could not only enjoy the Bromo caldera, but also the mountain and hills around it. First thing on scene was beautiful farm of variation vegetables planted by local farmer on the hillside, which sometimes on narrow land as narrow as 60'. It is amazing how the farmer managed to plant them on such location.

We climbed up and down hills upon hills. Sometimes the road lead us to the high ridge, with lush vegetation on both sides. "It truly is about the journey, not the destination" I said. Some wild flower in multi colors can be seen along the way. I could not stop praising the Lord who created such beauty.

In the middle of the road trip, we met a lot of Indonesian army walk through the ridge. The commander said to us that they have been walking from Mt.Ijen in Banyuwangi, through Mt. Argopuro with some stops for physical training. They then continue walking to Bromo and finally met us here. The end of their journey would be in Malang regency. "Wow" I said, "I couldn't possibly do that"

Vegetables farm

Breathtaking view along the way

Bunch of Indonesian Army on the ridge

First glimpse of Mt.Batok on Bromo Caldera

Glimpse of Mt.BAtok

For the first time we could see Mt.Batok in far view. We were very lucky, since the weather was alright. A clear blue sky with some moving white clouds become the best photos background. "We cannot see this kinda clear sky everyday here in Bromo" said Piether. After some pictures of the first glimpse of Mt. Batok, we continue riding, until we saw the main road ahead. Only a few minutes riding in main road, we see the whole scene of Mt.Batok. This time looks much bigger. We stopped by to get some pictures and resting for a couple of minutes.

Here we can see part of caldera which mostly consist of grey sand. It is huge, impossible for us to explore such huge place in a day. Some hardtop cars moving down to the caldera carrying tourists. The next road is going to be tricky, it is very steep. I had to be extra careful this time since I am riding a matic motorbike. I prayed along the way, so that bad thing wont happen to us. There are stories where amateur drivers got accident on this dangerous road. It is literally going down from top of hills on the edge of the caldera.

I felt so much relieve when we reach the caldera. Next obstacle is to be able to ride on the sandy road. There is no well developed road on the caldera, we had to follow tracks made by cars through time. I was having a hard time riding my bike on this sandy road. My bike slipped every time I move faster, so I had to move slower to get balance. We were looking for the next spot to get best view of Mt.Batok. I have never been so close to this volcano before. Though it is not as big as other Hikers favorite volcanoes in Indonesia, I still feel small in front of it. Such a beauty blessed by the God himself to our region. I remember a nice saying says "God was smiling when He created the Islands of Indonesia" and it's so true by looking at this Mt.Batok.

Such a stunning image I would say. Enjoying the scene of Mt.Batok up close is so satisfying. The clear sky made it even more adorable. This is one of volcano compound in the center of Bromo Caldera, encircled by mountain range at all directions. The caldera and the volcano compound are considered as core zone to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Therefore, no animals and vegetation are harmed at this point, and no permanent building or whatsoever. The purpose is to preserve its natural existence.