9 Days Java Volcano Bali Tour: Epic Sunrise, Blue Fire, Fun Bali

Glad to welcome you to Surabaya, Indonesia! As the second-largest city in Indonesia and located on the eastern part of Java Island, Surabaya is an important gateway for exploring East Java volcanoes, such as Mount Bromo.

Your driver will pick you up at Juanda International Airport and take you to Cemoro Lawang (about 3 hours), the main accommodation area closest to Mount Bromo. This area sits right on the edge of Mount Bromo National Park, making it the most convenient location to watch the sunrise. Get a good night's sleep to prepare for Mount Bromo sunrise tour!

Today, you'll wake up early for the Mount Bromo sunrise tour. Around 3:00 AM, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the base of Mount Bromo.

Drive 1 hour to visit Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia's most famous and spectacular volcanic landmarks. At 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) high, it may not be Indonesia’s tallest volcano, but it is one of its most photogenic, accessible, and popular. The volcano is world-renowned for its must-visit, dreamy sunrise.

As dawn breaks, the sunlight spills over the perfectly-shaped black conical crater of Mount Batok while Bromo crater next to it is still smoking. In the distance, you'll admire shape of majestic Mount Semeru. This is a chance to capture breathtaking photos of the rugged brown volcanoes, bright blue sky, and milky sea of clouds.

Your journey will follow a specific route:

Sunrise at Penanjakan Peak: The drive from your hotel to the viewpoint parking is about 1 hour. From there, you'll walk about 200 meters to the Penanjakan Peak viewpoint to wait for the sunrise.

Crossing the Sea of Sand: After watching the sunrise, you'll take a jeep down the mountain and across the Sea of Sand toward Mount Bromo. This drive takes about 30 minutes.

The Crater Climb: The final trek is about 1.8 kilometers from the base of the volcano to the crater, including a 200-step staircase.

Tips:

• It gets cold on the mountain, so remember to wear a windbreaker and a warm hat.
• Bring sunglasses, as the volcanic ash is thick and can make it difficult to open your eyes.
• The best time to admire the sunrise is from April to October. Avoid the rainy season, which runs from November to March.

Return to the hotel and have breakfast. After a short rest, you will head to Sewu (about a 5-hour drive) in the afternoon to check into your next hotel.

After breakfast, you will arrive at the Sewu Waterfall scenic area around 7:30 AM to begin your 3- to 4-hour exploration.

Known as Indonesia’s most beautiful waterfall, Tumpak Sewu can be compared to the world-class Niagara Falls, but it retains a wild, mysterious feel. In recent years, it has become one of Southeast Asia's most stunning, off-the-beaten-path natural wonders. A thousand tiers of waterfalls descend vertically from a huge, semi-circular cliff about 120 meters high, forming a natural amphitheater.

First, you'll take in the panoramic view from the top, then you'll venture into the lower valley to explore. The trek down takes 40-60 minutes, and includes descending stairs and trekking up a stream.

As you approach the waterfall, your senses will come alive. The spectacular, roaring sound of the water will wash away your fatigue, and the mist on your skin will reconnect you with nature. You will feel a sense of freedom and peace, an experience very different from the static beauty of Mount Bromo. The surrounding area is covered by dense tropical rainforest, giving the air a humid, fresh feel and making the experience truly adventurous.

Tips:

• The best time to visit Tumpak Sewuis during the dry season (April to October), when the water volume is moderate and it is safest to explore.
• You should prepare non-slip hiking or water shoes, a waterproof bag, a waterproof jacket, and a trekking pole.

After the tour, you'll drive for about 3.5 hours to a hotel in the Ijen area for check-in.

Another volcano tour starts at midnight. A 2-hour drive will take you to Paltuding, the parking lot at the foot of the volcano, with Mount Ijen waiting right before your eyes.

Mount Ijen (Kawah Ijen) is another natural wonder on the island of Java, Indonesia, known as one of the "Three Great Natural Wonders of East Java," along with Mount Bromo and Sewu Waterfall. It is world-renowned for its Blue Fire, the world's largest acidic volcanic lake, and its traditional sulfur mining spectacle. It is a place where hell and paradise coexist.

The blue flames, visible only at night, are the most famous attraction. The volcano's high-temperature sulfur gas ignites spontaneously upon contact with air. This ghostly blue fire can only be seen between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. The scene looks like an alien world and is especially breathtaking when you're hiking in the dark pre-dawn hours.

Furthermore, Mount Ijen has the world's most acidic volcanic lake, with water that is a strange yet captivating emerald green. Sulfur vapor and mist often hang around the lake. After dawn, be sure to keep your distance for photos. The volcano is also famous for its manual sulfur mining. Miners, using simple tools, extract 70- to 90-kg blocks of sulfur inside the toxic crater and carry them down the mountain. It's the resilience of those who endure an extreme environment to earn a living.

Starting from the parking lot, your guide will lead you on a 1.5-2 hours hike from the base of the volcano to crater, a journey of about 3 kilometers. First, you will view the blue flames at the base of the volcano. Then, you will reach the edge of the crater to see the Mount Ijen crater lake and observe how the miners begin their work.

Tips:

• The Mount Ijenhike is of moderate difficulty, with some steep slopes. We recommend wearing non-slip shoes.
• You can rent a gas mask or bring your own, and be sure to wear a warm jacket.

Your volcano tour will end around 9:00 AM. After having breakfast and resting for a while, you'll head to Ketapang Harbor to take a 1-hour ferry back to Bali. You will arrive at Gilimanuk Port in northern Bali at afternoon. Your driver will then pick you up and take you to your hotel in Ubud (about 4 hours).

Begin your day to visit the Tanah Lot Temple, Bali’s most iconic sea temple. Perched on a rocky outcrop in the sea, this centuries-old temple appears to float on the water during high tide and offers breathtaking ocean views. It is one of the best places to admire Bali’s unique spiritual atmosphere and coastal scenery.

Continue inland to the cultural heart of the island - Ubud (about 1.5 hours). On the way, stop at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to playful long-tailed macaques. Walk along the paved pathways, observe the monkeys in their natural habitat, and discover the ancient temples and statues hidden within the forest.

Next, visit the Ubud Palace, which was once the official residence of the Ubud royal family. Built in the early 19th century, the palace is a fine example of traditional Balinese architecture, with ornate stone carvings, elegant courtyards, and lush gardens that reflect the island’s artistry and cultural heritage. In the evenings, the palace courtyard transforms into a stage for traditional Balinese dance and music performances, making it a vibrant cultural hub.

Right across the street from the palace is the vibrant Ubud Market. If time permits, take a stroll through the bustling Ubud Market, where you can browse a wide variety of handicrafts, paintings, woodcarvings, silver jewelry, and colorful batik fabrics. It’s the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs and experience the local atmosphere.

After the tour, check into your hotel in Ubud for your stay.

This morning, drive from Ubud to Uluwatu (about 2.5 hours). The route follows dramatic cliffside roads carved into limestone, with one side rising into steep rock walls and the other opening to the vast Indian Ocean. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of crashing waves, rugged coastlines, and even sections of road that cut directly through stone cliffs.

Arrive at the dramatic Uluwatu Cliff (often called Lover’s Cliff), where towering cliffs plunge 70 meters into the sea and waves crash far below. Perched right on top is the sacred Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu), one of Bali’s most revered sea temples.

The temple’s cliff-top location makes it one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Bali, especially at sunset, when the horizon glows in shades of gold and crimson. Stroll along the pathways that wind around the temple grounds, take in the sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, and feel the spiritual atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims here for centuries.

As the sun sets, gather in the temple’s open-air amphitheater to watch the Kecak Fire Dance. Pronounced "ket-chak," this is a traditional Balinese performance accompanied by rhythmic chanting. More than 50 men wearing Balinese sarongs sit in a circle, chanting in unison as dancers re-enact dramatic episodes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. As fire torches light up the stage against the twilight sky, the performance becomes truly unforgettable.

After the show, take a short drive (about 15–30 minutes) to Jimbaran Beach, famous for its golden sands and beachfront seafood dining. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by the sea.

In the morning, drive to Sanur, a laid-back coastal town on Bali’s southeast shore. Sanur is not only known for its relaxed atmosphere and long sandy beaches, but also as the main departure point for ferries to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to relax at your hotel, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, or explore nearby spots like Sindhu Market on your own.

Alternatively, you can join an optional Nusa Penida West Coast Tour (with extra cost), which includes:

• Hotel pick-up & boat transfer to Nusa Penida and a local lunch on the island.
• Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay) the world-famous cliff viewpoint shaped like a dinosaur.
• Broken Beach a natural archway and stunning cove formed by the sea.
• Angel’s Billabong a crystal-clear natural infinity pool carved into the rocks.

Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to chill out at the beach, or

Take a bicycle ride around the coast, try water activities, relax by the pool, etc.

Alternatively, you can join an optional Nusa Penida East Coast Tour (with extra cost), which includes:

• Hotel pick-up & boat transfer to Nusa Penidaand a local lunch on the island.
• Diamond Beach a dazzling white-sand beach with turquoise waters, reached by a carved stone staircase.
• Atuh Beach a beautiful crescent-shaped bay framed by dramatic cliffs.
• Rumah Pohon (Tree House) the famous cliffside tree house offering sweeping views over the coastline and islets.

It is time to end your unforgettable 9 Days Java Volcano Bali Tour. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) for your departure flight. Safe travels!

Trip Extension: If you'd like to extend your trip in Indonesia, consider exploring other popular destinations like Yogyakarta, Komodo National Park, Lombok & the Gili Islands, Jakarta, etc.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your tour of Asia. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home!