Question:
What’s the other most recommended area in Indonesia that is worth visiting?
Answer:
We’ve discussed the recommended areas to visit in Indonesia aside from Bali on the other page. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can find the article What’s The Other Most Recommended Area in Indonesia that is Worth Visiting? (Yogyakarta) in here.
If you’re still struggling to find the right transportation to go to Java from Bali, you can check our article How to Travel from Bali to Java here. You can also find transportation options that you can pick in Java in our article What’s Recommended Transportation in Java here.
Alright!
Now let’s jump to our topic today, about One of The Most Recommended Are in Indonesia that is Worth Visiting, East Java!
About East Java
East Java lies to the west of Bali. In fact, when you travel by ferry boat in Gilimanuk, you’ll arrive at Ketapang harbor in Banyuwangi, a small region in East Java. The capital city of East Java is Surabaya. And this part of Indonesia surely has something special to check!
Before we jump to the worth-visiting destinations in East Java, we recommend you rent a car right after you arrived here. Because the location of these destinations is scattered all over the island. It also would be more comfortable and safer!
The Kawah Ijen Volcano and Crater
Ijen Crater might be one of the most famous destinations in East Java. Located in Bondowoso and Banyuwangi region (yes, it lies between those two regions!) you need 6 hours to reach this destination from Surabaya or Juanda International Airport. If you travel by ferry boat, you only need 2 hours to drive from Ketapang Harbor in Banyuwangi.
The duration to hike up to the mount is approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness. Although the hike is at a moderate level, we suggest you do some exercise before heading out here, so you enjoy the hike and are less exhausted. You also need to note that the hike will happen super early morning, around 3 AM, because catching the sunrise on top of the mountain is one of the most attractions that everyone coming for.
What makes this place so special?
Well, the lake at Mount Ijen is the biggest acid lake in the world and it also has the world-class phenomenon known as the Kawah Ijen Blue Fire. There are only two places in the world that has this natural blue fire, Kawah Ijen in Indonesia and Iceland. You might want to bring a special gas mask while looking at the blue fire. Because this flame is located in Sulfur mining which has been underway here since the 1960s.
While you’re in Mount Ijen you definitely want to visit the sunrise point. You’ll get a chance to see the landscape from above, complete with a view of the blue turquoise lake and the epic sunrise. Hiring a local guide is mandatory when you visit Mount Ijen. You can also book your tour via Klook or GetYourGuide here.
Mount Bromo
Your travel to East Java is not completed without visiting Mount Bromo. Nestled in four districts in East Java, Probolinggo Regency, Pasuruan Regency, Lumajang Regency, and Malang Regency, Mount Bromo’s height is 2.329 meters above sea level.
The most famous entrance point to visit Mount Bromo is Cemoro Lawang Village in Probolinggo. You need approximately 3 hour’s drive from Surabaya to reach this area. Mount Bromo probably is not the highest mountain in Java but the beautiful landscape of this place never stops to amaze anyone who visits it. Especially when you finally reach the Penanjakan viewpoint! In one of the viewpoints, you can even spot Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru lining magnificently.
The infrastructure in Mount Bromo is also established. You can even hire a jeep or motorbike to take you up to the entrance, where the only thing left is stairs to the top. You can also ride horses here. We recommend you hire a local guide to visit this destination. You can also book your trip via Traveloka here.
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is also called as Coban Sewu. In traditional Javanese, coban is translated as Seribu or Thousands, and sewu means Air Terjun or Waterfalls. So, it means a thousand waterfalls. It is simply because you can spot a lot of waterfalls branches in this area.
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is located in Lumajang. You need more than 3 hours to drive from Surabaya to reach this destination. This waterfall’s height is 120 meters with an impressive view from all angles.
The most recommended time to visit this waterfall is in the early morning when the sun is about to rise. Because you’ll get a chance to see the combination of morning light and the fog which will create a mystical atmosphere. If you fly a drone, we recommend taking pictures or videos from above, because you can also spot Mount Semeru as the background of the waterfalls.
Once you’re in Lumajang Regency, you can explore more majestic waterfalls, such as Kabut Pelangi Waterfalls, Kapas Biru Waterfalls, Coban Sriti Waterfalls, and many more.
Notes: The majority of people in Java are Muslim. We recommend you dress appropriately while traveling here. When you visit the waterfalls, wearing shorts and a tank top is advised, so you might want to keep your hot two-piece bikinis in your backpack.
Explore Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi is not only known for the Ijen Crater. In fact, this area has so many things to explore!
Banyuwangi is the home of Baluran National Park. It’s famous among Indonesians, but somehow not international tourists lack info about it. Baluran National Park is a home for wild monkeys, buffalo, Sumatran wild cats, deer, Javan Leopard, and many other exotic animals and plants. From the center of Banyuwangi, you need one hour and a half of driving to reach this destination.
You also want to spare some time and visit Menjangan and Tabuhan Island. Menjangan Island is the best place to do diving and snorkeling. On the other hand, Tabuhan Island is an inhabited island where you can enjoy your time soaking in the sunshine while drinking coconut water.
If you want to surf with a massive beautiful sunset, we recommend you to visit Pulau Merah. You need almost 2 hours to reach your destination from Banyuwangi. The waves are fantastic for a beginner surfer. If you don’t fancy bringing your surfboard, you can also just enjoy the view by the beach while grabbing some Bintangs or coconut water!