A Journey Through Beauty and Challenge of Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Indonesia. Rich cultural heritage, stunning sunrises, and breathtaking views attract tourists from all over the world. In Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, you will find this active volcano.
The breathtaking views and vast sea of sand make it feel like another world. Visiting Bromo is more than just a vacation. This is a truly unique experience for many people. Walking across the Whispering Sands, standing on the edge of the still-active crater, and enjoying the sunrise from the Penanjakan Peak will be an unforgettable experience. However, traveling to Mount Bromo has some difficulties despite its beauty.
The first time I went to Mount Bromo with my family and my father’s friends, we left by bus from Kudus at 11 PM. We only arrived at the foot of Mount Bromo after four to five hours. Because the bus could not go up, we then took a minibus to the guard post.
After we took the Jeep up, we got off because the car couldn’t continue up due to the steep road. My mother was very tired at that time because she had to carry my four-year-old younger sibling. When my father saw the motorcycle taxi driver on the mountain, he decided to hire the motorcycle taxi. We hired three motorcycle taxis, and at that time, I thought the price was quite expensive. My father saw that my younger sibling and I were still cold and bought us thick hats to prevent us from shivering after we got off the stairs. Even though I am very resistant to the cold, the extremely cold temperature on the mountain made me feel cold.
Because they were tired and wanted to see the beautiful sunrise, my family decided to take a break. Around it, there are many vegetable farms. Even some volcanoes, like Mount Semeru, start to erupt from a distance as the sun begins to rise. This view is absolutely stunning. At that moment, I considered this a natural wonder. After being there for quite a while, my mother couldn’t make it to the top, so we decided to take a tour of the desert. From the desert, I saw many people climbing the stairs that lead to the top of the Bromo crater, which requires about 250 steps.
The challenge of visiting Mount Bromo
Although Mount Bromo offers an extraordinary experience, the journey there can be difficult. There are many challenges to face, and it is very important to prepare well.
1. Extreme cold temperatures: One of the biggest surprises for visitors is the extremely cold temperatures. The temperature can range between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius in the morning, especially during the dry season. Many visitors arrive unprepared, wearing only thin clothing, causing them to get cold or suffer from hypothermia. Therefore, I highly recommend that you bring a thick jacket, gloves, and head covering. However, when the sun starts to rise, layered clothing is the best option.
2. Challenging terrain: Climbing Bromo does not require special climbing skills, but it does require great physical strength. To reach the crater after crossing the Sand Sea, visitors must climb hundreds of steep steps. This journey can become more difficult due to dust, smoke, and altitude. For those who do not want to walk, the final leg must be on foot, as the horse can only take you down the stairs. However, there is a horse rental service that you can use.
3. The high number of tourists, which has increased the popularity of Bromo, has a significant impact on the environment. Every day, thousands of tourists come, causing many significant problems, such as scattered plastic waste due to the large number of irresponsible visitors.
The benefits of visiting Mount Bromo
1. Mount Bromo has stunning natural scenery.
2. Improving physical health: As I mentioned earlier, the journey to Mount Bromo requires walking, hiking, and even climbing hundreds of steps. The very beautiful sunrise surrounded by a sea of clouds, hills, and even gardens is what I like the most. This can improve physical fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and breathing techniques.
3. Calming oneself and relieving stress: I believe that the best way to calm oneself and relieve stress is to go into nature. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoying the cool air and seeing beautiful scenery will make you feel more at ease. As a result, if I want to find tranquility, I will take a trip to nature. So, Mount Bromo is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Indonesia because it has so many extraordinary things to offer, such as beautiful sunrises, vast seas of sand, seas of clouds, and plantations.
I am sure this journey not only pleases the eyes but also touches the mind and heart. The journey to Bromo presents challenges such as extreme temperatures and difficult trails, but with good preparation and awareness of the importance of preserving nature, you can overcome them. I and others need to be more aware of our impact on the environment if we want to preserve the beauty of Mount Bromo. The government and local residents have provided trash bins and limited the number of visitors, but it all depends on individuals. As a result, traveling to Bromo not only provides a beautiful experience but also helps preserve the environment.
By: Alifia Nur Zahroh
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