Stairway to the crater
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
High up in the mountains of East Java, Indonesia, exists a national park whose scenery could be from a far away planet. There lies an immense crater coated with a sand sea, like areas of Venus and Mars, possibly explaining its extraterrestrial vibe. Within this crater named Tengger, hosts a caldera of five younger (more active) volcanoes, including Mount Bromo. Out of the way for most travelers, Gunung Bromo, and its national park, is an untouched gem that will not disappoint.
> Drive up the winding roads, from Probolinggo, high up into the mountains. Amazing views of local farms set on the steep mountain slopes. > Stay in a homestay just outside of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, above the clouds. > Put on your hiking shoes (and some warm clothes!) and head out around 4:00am to catch the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Bromo. > Climb Gunung Bromo, an active volcano. [FYI: Once you're in the park, it only takes a half hour, or less, to reach the summit.]
