Hello everyone, as always.

This review thread has been marinating for a long time. It's almost a year since it was first posted.

My friends who wanted to go have waited and asked until they gave up waiting. 55555 Until everyone has gone to visit this place. Until I became very outdated. 55555

Rest assured, our Bromo and Kawah Ijen are truly one-of-a-kind.

Because we didn't see Bromo with a clear sky and a beautiful view of the volcanic crater.

Because we didn't see Lake Kawaijien, where the water is turquoise.

For we only encounter gloomy skies, we only encounter drizzling rain.

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However, we discovered the unique beauty of each location from a different perspective. Even though it may be a form of self-consolation, we believe that each place possesses its own charm at different times.

A short trip of 1 week to the main destinations of Bromo, Kawah Ijen, and Bali.

Every day is full of fun. Let's see what we've encountered together.

Follow and ask questions here <3

The first thing I want to say is that I don't remember all the details, so I might write confusingly. But then again, I always write confusingly, haha.

I will try my best to recall as much as possible.

We embarked on our journey to Jakarta via Lion Air. Booking the tickets was a challenge, with flights being canceled a couple of times. It felt like something was trying to prevent us from going, but in the end, nothing could hold us back. Hooray!

The plane was headed for Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. At first, I was confused when I heard the name. "Huh? Am I in Indonesia or India?"

Retrieving your luggage before leaving the airport is another way to save money, eliminating the need for someone to help you carry your bags.

We can hold it ourselves. Let's save our money for food, okay?

Upon arriving at the airport in Indonesia, the initial impression was one of cleanliness and modernity. However, upon entering the restroom, the stark contrast became apparent. The overwhelming stench and unhygienic conditions were a stark departure from the initial perception. This unexpected encounter left a lasting impression, serving as a reminder of the disparity that can exist within a single environment.

Travelers to Bromo can connect through this airport to Surabaya. However, we chose to stay in Jakarta for one night.

I am grateful to the kind-hearted adults here who have provided me with a comfortable and free place to sleep.

The first meal I had here was mee goreng, or maybe it was mamak. It was delicious, and I was full and slept well after eating it.

Waking up early to annoy my friends by posting cool pictures of my seemingly perfect life, but they probably don't know what I have to go through after tonight.

Nasi Goreng, or fried rice, here has a slightly spicy flavor. It should be eaten with crispy fried small fish. Oh, it's a perfect match!

Today, before heading to the airport for my 9 pm flight to Surabaya, I spent the day wandering through shopping malls in Jakarta. It was a rather pointless exercise, just killing time. The only productive thing I did was exchange some money.

Although we can use US dollars here, we will exchange some Rupiah for convenience when we travel to other cities.

The Importance of Crisp Banknotes for Currency Exchange

This passage highlights the crucial role of crisp banknotes in currency exchange. The phrase "แบงค์ห้ามยับ" emphasizes the strict requirement for bills to be free of creases or folds. This emphasis stems from the significant impact even minor damage can have on the value of the currency. The exclamation mark reinforces the importance of this rule, indicating that the exchange rate can fluctuate based on the condition of the banknotes.

This information is particularly relevant for individuals engaging in currency exchange, as it underscores the need to present pristine bills to secure the best possible rate. The passage serves as a valuable reminder to handle banknotes with care and avoid any damage that could negatively affect their value.

One similarity between Jakarta and Thailand is the notorious "traffic jam." In fact, Jakarta's traffic congestion is even worse than Bangkok's, making it a truly harrowing experience. Unlike Bangkok, where one can escape the gridlock by hopping off a taxi and onto a motorbike, a BTS train, or the subway, Jakarta offers no such alternatives. Commuters are left with no choice but to endure the endless standstill, resorting to napping or simply waiting it out.

If you have important errands to run or need to get to the airport quickly, allow for several hours of extra time.

Our easy and comfortable life in Jakarta is probably coming to an end. Next, we will be heading to "Bromo".

The flight departed from Hassa Airport and landed at Juanda Airport in Surabaya. We have arrived in Surabaya, Dakanada.

We arrived at Juanda Airport around midnight. The atmosphere was eerily quiet. We had contacted a guide from Thailand beforehand.

Bram, our new friend and travel companion, picked us up at midnight to take us to the jeep transfer point.

The three-to-four-hour journey was sleepless, as the car bounced and swayed like a rollercoaster.

Glancing at the friend who came with me, I thought to myself, "Wow, how can they sleep so soundly?"

As soon as the car stopped, the child immediately ran out to vomit. Bram, seemingly aware that many tourists experience this, offered an herbal drink.

Stepping out of the car, we immediately ran to grab every available sweater to put on. We hadn't anticipated the intense cold. Bram laughed and said, "It's 10 degrees, you know," before offering his own gloves, noticing that we didn't have any. Wow, heartwarming. <3

We waited at the Lava View Lodge, anticipating the jeep ride that would take us to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Bromo.

We took a jeep up the mountain together. On the way up, everything was dark, but not completely, as our eyes had already adjusted to the light to some extent.

The scenery along the way was breathtakingly beautiful, as if we had stumbled into some hidden paradise. I couldn't help but smile with excitement, until my companion tapped me on the arm and said,

"Thank you for inviting me, brother." At that moment, I didn't respond to my younger sibling, but I could sense their joy. It was truly beautiful.

We and my younger sibling rushed to find a seat with a view. The number of tourists was increasing, and it was drizzling the whole time!! It was truly delightful.

Despite the cold and wet conditions, excitement filled the air as the first glimpse of Mount Bromo appeared at dawn. The cheers erupted for a fleeting five seconds before the mountain vanished once again into the thick clouds.

Looking back at the people behind us, we yearn. What could it be like that? Everyone is eagerly waiting, hoping for a lot. But dear Bromo, will you really not come out?

It's been a while, let's do it again.

The final image captured only showed clouds, mist, and the two individuals.

I hope you had a great time, even though you didn't see the sunrise at Mount Bromo.

We decided to leave this place because we overheard the Thai guide telling the tourists to get off.

I don't know if I'll see the top even if I stay here until noon... Wow, it's really gnawing at my heart.

One by one, people began to descend, as their next destination was likely the same: to hike up and see the crater of Mount Bromo.

Unable to see from afar, I approached for a closer look.

After deciding to descend from the viewpoint, we finally encountered it, the majestic Bromo that we had been waiting for all day and night.

At that moment, I hurriedly turned to our driver-guide and asked him to stop the car immediately. I wanted to get off and take a picture.

We are at a high altitude, and the land below is truly vast, so much so that the cars driving below look like tiny specks.

The clouds hung low, casting a shadow over Mount Bromo, yet its beauty remained undimmed.

Despite the unfavorable lighting, we continued to click the shutter repeatedly, our eyes fixed on the scene before us.

We have already gone down below. This is the same path we took last night.

The foot of the mountain will be lined with parked cars, and from there, you can choose to either walk or ride a horse.

The view is surrounded by mountains.

This is the Candi Bentar temple, a Hindu temple built to worship Mount Bromo (Mount Brahma).

The climb to the top of the mountain is arduous, even for those on horseback. While horses can carry riders halfway, the final ascent requires traversing a steep staircase on foot.

For those who are going to climb up, the most important thing to prepare is a mouth cover. The dust, sand, and volcanic ash will fill your mouth.

We continued our journey, climbing the stairs until we finally reached the crater of the volcano.

Looking down, I didn't think I would have walked up this high. And on top, we can walk around the crater of the volcano too (if you're not afraid of heights).

Steep and high, but exhilarating.

After miscalculating the cost of horseback riding, I decided to ride the horse down on the way back. Since I was already there, I wanted to try everything.

Our next destination is the savanna, a short fifteen-minute drive from our current location. The scenic views of the lush green mountains will be a delight.

The savanna is more of a photo stop than anything else. To be honest, there's not much to it, but it's undeniably beautiful.

Moving on to the Black Desert, the black sand likely originates from the volcano. It shimmers with a fine, dark sand.

After stopping to take photos and shoot a music video, we returned to the resort where we had initially switched vehicles. However, we did not stay there; instead, we continued our adventure.

Enjoy a buffet breakfast before embarking on your journey to Kawah Ijen. On the way to Ijen, you will pass the Madakaripura waterfall.

Before entering, there will be a guide to take you in. You have to pay him on the way out. I'm not sure if we can avoid the guide, but it's reassuring to have one.

The cost is negligible, but the journey to the waterfall involves a challenging trek, with frequent ascents, descents, and rock scrambling, alternating between the left and right banks.

As we walked, a light rain began to fall. We had to quickly put away our cameras, but luckily we had brought waterproof bags leftover from Songkran.

As we ventured deeper into the mountains, the lush greenery and towering peaks enveloped us. Small shops lined the path, offering refreshments like goreng and coffee. Undeterred, we pressed onward, the air growing heavy with the mist from the towering waterfalls and the gentle rain.

We have passed a small waterfall, but this is not the highlight of this place. If we continue walking a little further, we will encounter a magnificent creation of nature.

The photos were taken solely with an iPhone; I didn't even dare to take my camera out of my bag.

On the way back, we walked aimlessly without paying attention to anything. Along the way, the vendors in the area stared at us.

Oh, beautiful Thai woman, smile back at him.

As I was taking off my flimsy raincoat, oh my god, my pants ripped!

Missing from the thighs to the crotch!! Oh, I see why I'm so hot and popular here, everyone is looking and smiling at me.

Remember, remember, don't wear pants with tiny holes, because when you climb, you never know how far they'll rip! Let's continue. After our waterfall adventure, we took a long car ride.

Upon arriving at Arabica Homestay, which is located near the entrance to Kawaikajean, it was approximately 6:00 PM.

The air has turned chilly, and by the time we finished preparing our dinner, it was almost nine in the evening.

Bram has promised to wake us up at midnight. We need to get on the bus to Kawaii-jien and start our hike to see the blue fire by 3 am.

Midnight!! I only have three hours to sleep, I have to hurry up and recharge. Even if it's only one hour, I have to do it!

We woke up early, or rather, we were woken up at midnight by Bram knocking on the door. The other tourists gradually woke up as well.

The accommodation provides breakfast for everyone, consisting of tea, coffee, one boiled egg, and two slices of bread.

A ten-minute drive from our accommodation brought us to the parking lot, from where we had to continue on foot for an estimated 3-4 hours.

The sky was pitch black, the air frigid. Our local guide, a miner contacted by Bram, would lead us up to the top.

As I began to walk, the incline of the path caused me to break into a sweat in the hot air.

However, good things began to happen as the rain started to drizzle. Okay, it was still just a drizzle, like a mist of raindrops.

"It'll be alright" is a self-consoling phrase uttered after forgetting to grab a raincoat from the car.

I'm so tired! I'm so out of breath! I tried to walk slowly, but the other groups have already passed me. At that moment, I couldn't talk to anyone. I kept singing to myself to comfort myself. What am I doing here? Why am I torturing myself? I miss my bed!

The rain started to fall heavily. I quickly put my camera in my bag and covered it with my jacket. I was completely soaked, shivering from the cold wind and rain.

However, we reached a halfway point where the shops were not yet open. We could only rest and catch our breath before continuing our ascent. It took less than an hour to reach the summit of Mount Kawaii.

At that moment, I didn't know how high I was because I couldn't see anything below me. But I knew it was very high because it felt like I was just a hair's breadth away from the sky.

Everything was a dull gray in the cold and wet. Super romantic, right? Our guide then led us down to see the blue flame, the blue flame we had come to see.

To avoid the strenuous hike and potential discomfort, visitors can opt to skip the Blue Flame viewing. However, finding shelter from the cold becomes a challenge, with only rock formations offering limited protection. Unfortunately, there is no refuge from the rain, so bringing a raincoat is essential. Remember to pack one before embarking on your journey.

The path was extremely difficult, with only a small flashlight to guide us. The rain and cold made it treacherous, and the slippery rocks made every step a potential fall.

The hands are likely to be scraped, and the knees are likely to be bruised. We have to climb down the path slowly. At that time, it was like, "We have to climb all the way up, and now we have to climb down again?"

However, even if you stay and wait for the cold weather up there, you might freeze to death.

Descending the steep path, we stumbled upon a small hut. It was actually a makeshift shelter built by miners to escape the biting cold. In that moment, almost every tourist crammed themselves inside, packed like sardines. The cold was so intense that we just wanted to hug anyone we could find.

We caught a glimpse of blue flames before taking shelter in the shed. It was beautiful, but at that moment, I couldn't feel anything. The guide suggested taking pictures, so I handed him my phone. He then captured these stunning blue flames.

Hours passed before the sky brightened, allowing them to ascend the mountain once more. They waited in the cold shelter, the other tourists having already departed.

The sky began to lighten, but the fog was still thick, and we were still soaked. The miners started trying to build a fire with the damp and wet firewood.

I must express my sincere gratitude. The weather was so cold that I wondered if anyone would carry me up and down the mountain if I pretended to be dead.

I don't feel like moving or doing anything at all anymore.

Thank you so much. I can't imagine what it would have been like if I had been soaked without a place to hide. Seeing the flames, I really wanted to jump in.

Consciousness gradually returned, and we started to persuade our younger companions to walk back up. We realized that the fog was incredibly thick, making us wonder if we would be able to see the beautiful blue lake we had come to admire.

The yellow you see is sulfur, which has a very strong odor. It is necessary to wear a mask at all times.

The path we descended was made of this type of rock. We only saw it clearly when it was light, and we realized, "Wow, it's really steep!"

The miners there carry sulfur up and down the mountain with ease. I admire their resilience and strength.

Ultimately, we ascended to the summit, where all our kawaii dreams vanished.

The imagined blue lake was nowhere to be found. There was nothing ahead but white and yellow, stretching out before us as we walked.

However, we would like to tell both Bromo and Kawah Ijen that we will not give up. Thank you for making this trip go as planned.

This instilled in us a sense of pride even before we left Kawaii Jejian.

"See you next time."

Another day of exploring the islands of East Java in Indonesia has come to an end. After disembarking from the Ijen volcano, we will continue our journey by boat to Bali.

Please follow the next post.

Note: After coming down, Bram, the driver, said that the day before, he brought tourists here and the sky was beautiful! No rain! Both Bromo and Kawa Ijen.

Thank you!