King Kong Hill — Attraction in East Java

The sunrise region I had the privilege of exploring was nothing short of enchanting; a mesmerizing blend of surreal beauty and an awe-inspiring volcanic presence. Nestled within the embrace of nature's wonders, this destination is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

As the dawn broke, casting a soft and ethereal glow, the sight that unfolded before my eyes was absolutely breathtaking. The expansive landscape of this region was dominated by majestic volcanoes, creating a dramatic backdrop for the sunrise. The morning sun embraced these natural giants, illuminating their rugged features with golden hues, while the surrounding sky donned a captivating palette of pastel colors.

What separates this sunrise experience from the rest is the exhilarating blend of serenity and power that the volcanoes bring. Witnessing the birth of a new day with volcanoes on the horizon adds an extra dimension of grandeur and intrigue. It is a stark reminder of the immense power and creative force of nature, making this sunrise truly unforgettable.

With every passing minute, the play of light and shadows transformed the landscape, revealing hidden nooks and crannies, emphasizing the volcanic formations in the distance. The silhouettes of trees against the colorful backdrop create a mesmerizing tapestry that feels straight out of a dream.

As the sun climbed higher, the spectacle continued to unfold, casting vibrant streaks of light across the sky, creating an exquisite interplay of colors and textures. It felt as though time stood still, enveloping me in a magical moment that words fail to capture adequately.

For photographers and art enthusiasts, this region is a veritable treasure trove. The juxtaposition of the fiery volcanoes against the gentle morning light offers countless opportunities for captivating compositions. Whether you're aiming to capture the subtleties of nature or the raw power of the volcanic landscape, this region is a photographer's paradise.

While the sunrise steals the show, this region has much more to offer. From hiking trails that weave through volcanic peaks to hot springs that offer a soothing respite, exploring the rich geological wonders of this area is an adventure in itself. Immerse yourself in the local culture, sample traditional cuisine, and engage with the warm-hearted locals who call this region home.

In conclusion, for those seeking a surreal and spectacular sunrise experience with a volcanic twist, this region is a must-visit destination. The combination of nature's artistry, the power of volcanoes, and the tranquil atmosphere creates a harmonious symphony for the senses. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty and drama that unveils itself as the sun rises, leaving an indelible mark on your memory.

Note: Please remember to check safety and travel advisories related to volcanic activity before planning your trip. If you are choosing to make an individual trip chose a right motorbike because the small motorbikes have no chance in that deep layer of ashes. Make sure you have a offline map to navigate during the dusk...

Such a surreal view of the sunrise over Mount Bromo and the caldera with Mount Semeru in the background. Probably the most amazing view and sunrise we've ever seen (beats Bagan). There are two ways to get here. A jeep tour of some sort that brings you to the top of the hill by road (didn't go that way so I can't comment on it). The other way is to walk from Cemoro Lawang village (which is what we did).

Just follow the directions on maps to King Kong Hill passing through the Seruni viewpoint. It'll be pitch dark as we left the village at 2.45am which was perfect for sunrise at 5.30am. The road from the village starts as asphalt before turning to concrete and winding uphill. You then get to concrete stairs that bring you to Seruni viewpoint. At the top of the stairs there is the viewpoint and a big stone viewing structure. The path to continue to King Kong Hill is a few meters before this to the right. At the top of the stairs there is a tiny wooden staircase leading to a few small huts and a toilet. It's very easy to miss in the dark. Go between the buildings and behind you will see the path going up the hill. It's a narrow dirt and stone path but that is the way. If you end up missing the path and arrive at a number of warning signs behind the stone viewpoint structure, you have gone too far. You can still go up this way but it's very steep for a few meters. The path behind the buildings leads up to a flat area that has a white flag and sign for the Seruni viewpoint. Just keep walking up towards the hill behind this and you will see a very clear narrow path. It's really easy to follow this in the dark with a head torch and you shouldn't get lost. Google maps has the path slightly offset from the actual path which you can see on the satellite view. It goes straight up the hill before beginning to wind like a mountain road. If at any point you think you've gone far enough and that the view is good enough where you are, you are hugely missing out as the view at the first platform is dramatically better than all points below. Near the top you get to the first concrete viewing platform (the best and quietest in my opinion). You'll know you've got there when you see the concrete railings appear out of the bush. This is basically the top. If you keep going there are a few more viewpoints before you get up to the telephone masts but by then I think you've gone too far. The road at the top brings tours to that point so it's much busier up there. They all clear off about 30 mins after sunrise. Make sure you wear warm clothes as its very cold until the sun comes up. You can opt to come down the road way on the back of a motorbike if you want, there are loads of locals who will ask you. We just walked back the way we came which was nice in the...

This is one of many lookout points for Mt Bromo during Sunrise and Sunset. This is often sold as King Kong Hill, but it is actually Bukit Kedaluh (as signed at the entrance). Your jeep driver can only bring you to a certain point, where you have to progress by foot up a steep winding road to the base of the steps. Alternatively, there are many pony ride peddlers keen to offer you a ride. Where the jeeps stop, it can get pretty crowded. The earlier you start, the less likely you will get stuck in a traffic jam coming up the winding mountain road on your jeep. Similarly, the route down is the same. Everyone leaves at the same time post sunrise or sunset. Try to leave a bit before or after the crowds. After the winding steep slope walk, you get to the base of the steps which has multiple flights before you get to the viewing platform. This is where the built infrastructure stops. If you are an avid Instagram influencer follower, you will be looking for the trail beyond the viewing platform to get to a higher lookout (looks for the wooden steps the locals have set up for you to climb further up beyond the low walls). Even at the viewing area, many visitors choose to transverse the fences and barriers to sit on the edge of the slopes. The sunrise views are truly stunning. However this is a crowded place, and it is hard to take a nice shot without being photobombed. In reality, being present was beautiful enough, photo or not... You need a reasonable level of fitness to do this with a mild sweat. Alternatively, start earlier and take your time. Apparently some visitors that stay at the accommodations that are close enough undertake a 2-3 hr trek (starting at 2-3 am) to get there by 6 am for sunrise. I think my feet would be too wobbly to take on the stairs after a 2 hr trek...