Surabaya is a busy city and quite popular with tourists. I can understand why, it is a hub to several destinations in East Java. I’ve got quite a few friends who live there and I’ve had some really amazing experiences visiting the city. I watched the bull racing competition in Madura, visited the Submarine Monument and even joined the Bromo and Madakaripura waterfall tour.
Having a friend help arrange my visit made my travels so much easier. The only thing I had to worry about while I was in Surabaya was what time my flight left. The rest of the time I could just enjoy myself, explore the city climb the volcano and visit the beautiful waterfall. Of course I enjoyed myself.
Want to book a 3 Day 2 Night Bromo and Ijen Tour? Find out more here.
I’d like to give you that same holiday feeling. You know, relaxation and peace of mind. So I talked to my friends in Surabaya and I came up with the travel itinerary that I’d join if I were visiting Surabaya for the first time as a tourist. The special itinerary covers Bromo and Ijen volcano, wandering around Malang and a bit of adventure and nature. Let me tell you about the three-day two-night Surabaya tour. Let’s get to it.
Day 1
A private car will pick you up from the airport (or the tran station or your hotel). From here you will be taken to Cemoro Lawang. It’s a four-five hour journey along well kept roads from Surabaya. The journey is relaxing and it gives you the chance to see the surrounding countryside. After you check into your hotel you will have the opportunity to explore a bit of Cemoro Lawang on your own.
Oh, remember, you are going to be waking up very early tomorrow morning.
Optional
The House of Sampoerna Museum is a cigarette factory and museum. It’s one of the best museums in Surabaya and it gives you a nice idea of the local history of the city. You also get the chance to see the factory floor where the women with the super fast hands work. You will be impressed (but I wasn’t allowed to take any photos to show you). Other option is visiting the Submarine Monument.
Day 2
It’s going to be a long day, but I promise that you are going to enjoy yourself. First though you need to get yourself out of bed, because it’s 3:30 in the morning. Don’t forget to put on some layers or warm clothes.
Your jeep driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you on the 30-minute drive to the sunrise viewpoint in Bromo National Park area.
You’ll immediately notice just how cold it is when you get out of the car. Bromo is more than 2,000 meters above sea level and those few hours before dawn are some of the coldest. You can buy a warm cup of tea or coffee from one of the small shops along the side of the road to warm yourself up before you go to the sunrise viewpoint.
Penanjakan offers the best views of sunrise over Bromo (actually there are other options that also nice such as: KingKong Hill, and Bukit Cinta). It overlooks the volcano and the dusty plateau below. Surrounding the volcano is a semi circle of hills that stretch off to the horizon. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunrise and officially start the day.
After watching the sunrise over Bromo you drive down the hill to look at the crater up close. It’s one of the easiest volcanoes to climb in Indonesia. There are steps cut into the side of the hill and it’s little more than a 100-meter climb from the base of Bromo to the rim.
In my opinion the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park has some of the most impressive landscapes anywhere in Indonesia. So in addition to climbing the volcano you will also visit the Savannah and the Tengger Sand Sea (this is an optional). I promise that you will be impressed by the views and come away with some beautiful photos.
Madakaripura Waterfall
From Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park you will be taken to Madakaripura Waterfall. It is an hour drive from Bromo. You’ll pass green countryside as the road winds its final length up into the highlands. After a relaxing journey you get dropped off at the car park. Then you need to continue with a motorbike taxi to reach the waterfall entrance.
The area surrounding Madakaripura waterfall cool and shaded, with tall trees and thick vegetation. To get to Madakaripura waterfall you have to follow a small concrete path along the side of river. You’ll have to cross the river a few times, so bring along some sandals or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet (a change of clothes also useful).
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the waterfall. You will know you are close when the river turns sharply to the right and enters a deep ravine. The path ends and you will need to follow the rivers edge.
In the raining season streams tumble over the cliffs creating mini waterfalls. Vines and moss grow up the cliff face and small rainbows form as the drops of falling water catch the rays of the sun.
After 50 meters the ravine opens out. The cliffs surround you and there’s a deep ice cold pool (which you can swim in) filled by the tumbling sheets of water from Madakaripura waterfall. It’s a really special place. In fact the story goes that a famous Javanese general (called Gajah Mada) used to meditate here. You’ll understand why when you visit.
Banyuwangi
After visiting Madakaripura waterfall you will be driven to Banyuwangi, where you will be staying the night. There are two main routes to get there. The first follows the main coastal road. The second route follows a series of smaller roads that cross the highlands of Java. The faster route, which you’ll be taking, is along the coast.
Day 3
Ijen is famous for two things; the sulphur mines and the blue flames. You can catch both of them on this tour, but to do that you need to wake up early (so you’ll need to set your alarm again). The car will set off from the hotel at 1 am in the morning. It takes approximately one hour to get from the hotel to Paltuding (the car park at the base of Ijen). From there it’s a 5-6km hike to the rim of the crater.

It’s easy to understand why the Midnight Ijen Crater Tour is so popular.
From the top of Ijen you can see the blue flames. They only appear at night, but they look magical. It’s not actually magic though. The sulfuric gas catching alight and burning at more than 600 degrees causes the flames. As you watch the sunrise over Ijen the blue flames slowly disappear to be replaced by the bright turquoise lake. It’s quite a sight and a beautiful place to start the day.
At the end of your visit to Ijen you will face your first major decision. One option is to go to Ketapang Port. From there you can take a ferry to Bali and continue you holiday on a new island (you can catch a ferry to Bali, hire a private car or catch a plane).
The second option is to go back with the driver to Surabaya or Probolinggo. If you choose to do this then the driver will drop you off at your own hotel or back at the airport. Whichever option you choose, I promise you will enjoy this tour package.
The 3-Day 2-Night Surabaya Tour
I love sunrise over Bromo and Madakaripura waterfall is probably one of the best waterfalls I’ve ever visited. Put simply the Bromo, Madakaripura and Ijen tour is for people who love to be amazed by the natural world. To make this trip possible I’ve teamed up with a trusted local travel agency.
Included in the Tour:
- Pick up from the train station or airport
- Transport in a comfortable car. Avanza or similar
- Experienced local driver
- Tickets for Bromo and Ijen
- All accommodation costs
- Drop off at Ketapang harbour or Surabaya/Probolinggo
FYI
Bromo is an active volcano. We do monitor the volcanic activity at the crater. Sometimes people are not allowed to visit the crater when the authorities request the visitors to be 1-3 km away from the crater. You can still enjoy the amazing landscape of Bromo.
Ijen is also an active volcano. There is always the possibility that visitors will not be allowed to enter the crater due to high levels of volcanic activity (suspected poison gas). A perimeter of 1 km from the crater is sometimes put in place. When this occurs you can still see the Blue Fire from afar and enjoy the scenic views surrounding Ijen.
Nature is unpredictable. Sometimes the authorities take precautions for your safety. Obviously, this isn’t something we can control, but we will update you regarding the situation as the date of your trip gets closer.
Interested in joining the tour and visiting two of the most interesting tourism sites in East Java? Press the button below to find out more.
What do you think about this itinerary? How would you personalize this tour to make it just right for you?
Hi Firsta,
I’m planning to visit Mt Bromo with a friend next year in early January, possibly from 9-12. We would be interested in visited Mt Bromo, I guess there are many tours and tourists, is there way to avoid crowds? We would also be interested in Kawah Ijen and if possible (time allowing) to visit some batik shop.
Please let me know the possibilities.
Many thanks!
Hi Jessica,
Sent an email to you 🙂
Hi Firsta,
I have tried to contact you by mail. But did not get any response unfortunately. I am flying to jakarta this friday and very much interested to take the surabaya tour on 21st or 22nd of december. Please let me know if you can help me with the booking.
Thanks a lot for your blog. 🙂
Regards,
Guru
Hi Guru,
Sorry for the delay. I’ll reply your email now. 🙂 Thanks for the follow up.
Hello
I am interested in this 3 days and 2 night package. There are 3 of us. We will be going to Surabaya on 7/2/2016 (0910 hrs) and leaving on 9/2/2016(0950 hrs) ). Please advise us on the packages and the prices. Thank you.
Regards
Sha
Hi Sherrifah,
I sent you an email regarding this. 🙂
Hi FIRSTA ,
We are interested in 3 days 2 nights Bromo + Ijen trip . We will arrive Surabaya airport in the 1st day (afternoon ) .
Total pax : 4 pax
Please advise us on the packages and the prices. Thank you.
Hi Joyce,
I’ve sent you emails 🙂
Hi!
I’m interested in trip Bromo and ljen
I’m alone but prefer a group
I’ll arrive Surabaya airport 25/01 noon
Can hoy tell me trips and costs please?
Many thanks
Virginia
Hi VIrginia. I just sent you an email.
Hi i’m planning a trip to surabaya this late july keen on exploring the Mt Bromo, Inje Crater, like to inquire on the price of the 3 days 2 night bromo&inje tour. Suppose a group of 3 people.
Hi Joshua,
Thanks for stopping by here. I’ll get in touch through email 🙂
Hi, planning on a trip to surabaya late july, would like to inquire the price for 3 days 2 night bromo & Inje tour. Thanks
Hello there,
I’ve got to know you from a website in Thailand. I would like to rent a sedan car with an english speaking driver to Bromo mt. and Kawaijien. My travel plan is from August 14-17th,2016 as following,
14th
23.00 pick up at Surabaya hotel/hostel.
*we will get to Surabaya in the evening of 14th. Can we go to Bromo mt. directly that night and arrive bromo around 3 am ?
15th
03.00 at Bromo mt.- Jeep to Penanjakan view point 1- Bromo Crater – Savana
09.00 check in at hotel/hostel/homestay
13.00 Madakari pura waterfall
16.00 back to hotel and rest
*15th sleep at Bromo with your kindly help to find&book a hotel for us ( for two people at cemera indah would be great).
16th
09.00 moving to Kawaijen
15.00 arrive to ijen
*16th sleep at ijen with your kindly help to find&book a hotel for us ( for two people).
17th
01.00 going to ijen- crater -blue lake
11.00 check out and moving to ferry pier to Bali
This is my plan. I’d like to know the overall cost and way for payment. Thanks & look forward to hearing from you.
PLOY
Hi Ploy,
Thanks for stopping by here. I sent you an email with all the details regarding your plan to travel to Bromo and Ijen. 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
I have 6 days 5nights in Surabaya and out Yogyakarta .arriving Surabaya about 11.00 am and leaving Yogyakarta about 5.00pm from 20 to 25 of July .can you plan the budget trip for 2 of us. We can join the group tour. Is ijen in malang . Please reply me as soon as possible. Thanks
Hi See sow yok,
I’ll get in touch via email.
HI Firsta,
I would like to know the price for this tour package for 2 pax. We will most probably be departing from Madiun so please do advise on the best transport arrangement.
Thanks. 🙂
Hi Ann. I just sent you an (belated) email regarding your enquiry 🙂
Hi. Could you advise on the price of the package. Can we change the waterfall trip to water rafting on day 2 instead? Is it still possible to enter into the Ijen crater?
date:12 May 16
No. of person: 4
Hi Jackson. I just sent you an email regarding your enquiry. In regards to your question about Ijen, yes it is still possible to enter the crater. I did it three days ago. Seeing the blue flames at Ijen was really amazing 🙂
Bromo is really popular among the tourists, but I think not any people know Madakaripura waterfall. Nice review you have there 🙂
Thanks Gaya. Bromo is a beautiful place to visit. Just went there again over the weekend and it was really great.
Hi! I have been reading your blog and is really good! Congratualtions! I will be visiting indonesia in June. I am interested in visiting the Mt Bromo. I am thinking to take a train from Yogy to Malang maybe sleep there and start from Malang the excursion to Mt Bromo, then i would like to visit the waterfall you mention and then go directly to take the ferry to go to Bali. Could you propose me like a plan of how to do it?
Hi Susana,
Are you travelling by yourself? Apologies I don’t have a shared transport option for East Java. I only do a private tour, which will be too expensive for a single traveller.
Hello Fiesta,
Hello….i don’t know if u received my email. Anyway I just want to inquire from you. I’ll be going to Bromo this June. I’m planning to leave Yogyakarta late in the afternoon. Which way will I go Surabaya or Malang? I understand that I will reach d following day. Do u have an idea regarding the Bromo Midnight Tour? I’m quite interested. I need to go back to Jakarta so I will be able to catch my flight back to Manila. So I’m planning to take d midnight tour. How much will it cist me? Is the entrance to d Bromo Park included in the tour? I hope you could help me. Thanks.
Hi Chris. I was in the South of Lombok and had limited Internet connection. I’ll be sending you an email shortly regarding your questions and enquiry 🙂
Hi, i would like to know the price of this tours, thanks in advance.
Hi Catalina,
I will get in touch through email.
Hi Firsta,
I would like to travel to Surabaya for 5D4N in Oct 2016. We have 2 pax. My main itinerary to visit Mt Bromo , waterfall, etc . Prefer Natural place to visit.
Kindly provide the package
Hi Kok Mee Ching,
I’ll get in touch through email.
Hi, I am travelling to Surabaya next month. Kindly let me know the price of this tour for 4 people.
Hi Vir,
Please have a look at this page. 🙂
Hi Fiesta,
We are 3-5 pax.
Will be arriving Surabaya on Aug 13th (arriving at 11.30 hrs by flight)
• Do we have enough time for the Cigarette Museum? And how much does it cost?
At what time are we resuming our trip on Aug 15th?
In case if we will be off flying on Aug 16th (10.15 hrs flight) …
• Is there any more places or attractions for the Aug 15th afternoon or evening to recommend?
• Is it possible for you to arrange the hotel for us? May be near the airport? Or you can do a transfer to airport for us? If so, pls kindly provide us for this optional cost.
Please kindly send us the price for 3-5 pax, thank you so much?
Hi. I just responded to your email enquiry.
Hi, would like to inquire about details of the whole trip 🙂 Planning to go next year only, so no rush.
Hi Kai. I will email you 🙂
Hi Firsta,
Im planning to go for Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Bali for 7 days, izzit possible to make it? Here got 4 pax and tend to hire a driver for entire trip. Probably by Sept 2017, need cover Mt Bromo, Borbudur, waterfall and etc.
Hi Ryan, a bit tight timing, but it is possible. Can do something like this:
Day 1
Arrive in Yogyakarta – choose morning flight
Prambanan temple & Ratu Boko Palace/ Ijo temple
Malioboro at night
Day 2
Borobudur sunrise tour
Merapi Lava Tour / Royal Palace (Water Castle / Kraton Museum)
Culinary around Wijilan street
Sand Boarding at Gumuk Pasir
Optional: Sunset time at Parangtritis beach
Day 3
Fly from Yogya – Surabaya – choose morning flight
Drive to Bromo. Overnight in Bromo area
Day 4
Bromo Sunrise Tour
Madakaripura waterfall
Drive to Banyuwangi.Overnight in Banyuwangi
Day 5
Ijen Blue Fire Tour
Drop off Ketapang port. Take Ferry from Ketapang to Gilimanuk port.
Transfer to Ubud / Seminyak area
Day 6
Bali day tour – depends on what do you want to do/see
Day 7
Bali half day tour
Departure from Bali – choose evening flight
If you are interested in arranging the tour with me, please get in touch through email closer to your travel date (3-4 months before is ok).
Happy planning! 🙂
Hi First,
I’m going to backpack in Indonesia for 4 weeks in September. I’m (hopefully) going to visit Java, Bali, by lembolang, gili and Lombok. I also want to do the bromo, waterfall and Ijen tour. But what is the right departure city and what are the cost for 1 person?
And if you have any good tips please let me know 🙂
Thanks
Hi Kaz,
Which part of Java? It is really popular to visit Yogyakarta and get a tour from there for Bromo and Ijen and get drop off to Ketapang port to continue the journey to Bali. Apologies I am not providing a shared transport tour for Bromo and Ijen 🙂 All the best for your travels.
Hi,
I am interested to know more about your private tour for Mount Bromo and waterfalls. Can you email me your email so we can communicate in details.
Thanks
Hi Fazli,
I’ll get in touch through email 🙂 Talk to you soon.
Hi!
We are going to Java on November. We would like to visit Bromo and Ijen and your tour looks great. Could you contact me by emails for details? We would be picked up in Surabaya.
Thanks in advance and regards,
JQ
Hi Jesus. I just replied to your comment by email.
Hi!
Is it possible to book the 3 Day 2 Night Surabaya Tour: Bromo, Madakaripura and Ijen for a single person?
I am travelling alone so what is my option?
Will there be any discount in the fee since there will be savings on entrance fee etc.
Thanks!
Louis
Hi Louis,
I just replied to your comment by email.
How much is the charges for 3 days tour?
Hi Khairul, you can find the price for the 3 Day 2 Night East Java Tour here.
Hi Firsta,
We are interested in 3 days 2 nights Bromo + Ijen trip . We will arrive Surabaya airport on 24 Sept then we will stay one night there. We can go start the trip on 25 Sept.
We are 2 traveler here, please let us know how much would it be?
Thanks!
Edison
Hi Edison,
I sent you an email. Happy travels in Indonesia. 🙂
Hi Firsta,
We are love your 3 days Surabaya itinerary to catch the sun rise at Mt Bromo. We are looking at last week of September and are checking the flights and fare. Please can you advice us the tour details, arrangement, hotels, etc. We have 3 adults and happy to share a room. Hope to hear from you soon. Many thanks.
Hi Lawrence, I’ll get in touch through email. Thanks.
Hi Firsta, I’m interested in exploring Mt Bromo & ljen Crater. Would like to inquire on the price for 2 travelers and the details. Thanks in advance!
Hi Joanne,
Check this page for the cost info and more details.
Hello firsta, I.m planning to go Surabaya for 5 day 4 night trip on this December 2016. Kindly provide the package. We are prefer natural places. Tq
Hi Iza,
You can combine Bromo Ijen and Meru Betiri. Feel free to fill the form on the page if you are interested in booking.
We are planning a 4D3N trip Surabaya. Would like to go Ijen/Bromo or both if possible
Hi Bilal. You can find information about the tour here.
Hey Firsta,
I want to travel to Surabaya on 27 Jan 2017 and come back on 30th Jan 2017. Not sure if you are still arranging trips around. Could you mail and get in touch so that I can plan accordingly?
Thanks,
Ammy
Hi Ammy,
I have sent an email to you.
Hi Firsta,
I absolutely enjoyed your writeup. Thanks for all the information required. I still do have a query. We intend to follow your plan. I wanted to know when does the tour to Ijen finish because we plan to drive back to Surabaya on the 3rd day and also catch Taman Safari. We have an early morning flight on the 4th day. So can we see Taman Safari after Ijen Crater Tour? What do you suggest?
Hi Dishari Gupta,
You’ll finish from Ijen (Banyuwangi) around 11:00 AM. The journey (roadtrip) from Banyuwangi to Surabaya is 7-8 hours. I don’t think you’ll have time to go to Taman Safari (in Surabaya).
Hi Firsta,
we are a group of 3 and want to do the 3d2n tour between 10-15th of August 2018.
Please advise us on the packages and the prices. Thank you.
Ivan
Hi Ivan,
We have sent you an email. Have you received it? Look forward to hearing back from you.
Hi Frista,
We are family of 4 ( 2 kids below 5 year old) want to do 4D3N tour between 18th-21st January 2019.
Please advise us on packages and the prices.
Thank you
Hi Zaimi,
I have sent an email 2 days ago. Please let me know if you receive it ok.
HI Frista,
I’m interested in doing this 3 day/2 night Ijen/Bromo package in late March this year.
I would like to know what time we should expect to be back in Surabaya on the last day? I am deciding whether to book any onward travel for that evening.
Thanks
Nathan
Dear Nathan Tseng,
We have sent an email to you a while ago but haven’t heard anything back from you. It is better to get the last flight, at the earliest departure at 8 pm.
Hi
We are planning for Bromo on this April 5th to 8th. Can we have itinerary?Thanks
Dear Samiah,
You can find the itinerary here on the page. I’ll email you about some more details.
Hello,
I am planning for a trip from 26 to 28 Apr 2019 to Surabaya.
We will arrive around 10 am in Surabaya airport on 26 Apr 2019
I will like to know about the price per pax for 3 DAY 2 NIGHT SURABAYA TOUR: BROMO, MADAKARIPURA AND IJEN. There are 2 of us. Pick up from airport
It will be great if you can let me know the hotel we will be staying for the 2 nights
I will like to take the domestic flight back from Banyuwangi to Surabaya as I wish to explore Surabaya City in the afternoon before my flight in the late night. I am looking at the 1315 pm flight out. Please advise if it will be possible for such arrangement
Thanks and hope to heard from you soon
Dear Jason,
We have sent an email on 7th March. Please let me know if you received it ok.
Look forward to hearing back from you.
Hi Fiesta
Maybe I am planning a family trip to Surabaya in March. Is it okay to travel in March as seen like raining season. It’s a 3 days 2 nights trip for 5 persons.
Please advice. Thank you so much
Looking forward for your humbly reply.
Regards
FRED TAN
Dear Fred,
We will send you an email shortly. Thank you.
I am planning a 5day tour to Surabaya this may
Can you arranged a 3 or 4day tour for me
Thank you
Dear Krish,
We have sent a reply to you but didn’t hear anything back from you.
I am wondering if you receive the email (maybe check your junk folder?).
Look forward to hearing back from you.