Bromo Tengger Semeru National
Park is the only conservation area in Indonesia that has a sand 'sea'.
This unique feature covers a total area of 5,250 hectares at an altitude
of about 2,100 m asl.
Beneath the sand sea, seven eruption centres have
been found along two intersecting lines, one from east to west and the
other from northeast to southwest. From this northeast-southwest line
emerged Mt. Bromo, an active volcano which intermittently emits smoke
and ash, and is an ever-present threat to the lives of some 3,500 people
living below.
The crater of Mt. Bromo has a diameter
of about 800 metres from north to south and 600 metres from east to west.
Most of the area within a radius of 4 km from the crater centre is considered
hazardous.
The Tenggerese people that live around the Park are indigenous
to the area and adhere to ancient Hindu beliefs. According to legend,
the ancestors of the tribe were members of the Majapahit kingdom who went
into exile. Strangely, despite being aware of the potential dangers of
Mt. Bromo, the local people seem unafraid. The same goes for the visitors
who come to the Park in great numbers, particularly around the time of
the "Upacara Kasodo". The Upacara Kasodo (Kasodo Ceremony)
is held every year (December/January) at the full moon. Through this ceremony,
the Tenggerese invoke the blessings of the deities to ensure an abundant
harvest, to be spared from calamity and to be cured of
various diseases. To earn such blessings, they climb
down the sides of the crater to catch the offerings thrown into the crater
by other members of the community above. The scramble for possession of
the 'sacrifices' is at once a gripping, but terrifying sight: it is not
uncommon for some of the participants to tumble down to the crater's floor.
Interesting locations/attractions:
Cemorolawang: one of entrance gates through
which visitors pass to see the expanse of the sand sea and Bromo's crater
from a distance; camping is possible here.
Tengger Sand Sea and Mt. Bromo: horse riding;
climbing up concrete steps to the rim of Mt. Bromo's crater, and witnessing
the sunrise.
Pananjakan: viewing a magnificent panorama
of Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batok, and Mt. Semeru.
Ranu Pani, Ranu Regulo, Ranu Kumbolo and Mt.
Semeru. These cool, misty lakes (" 2,200 m asl.) are a frequent stopover
on the way to Mt. Semeru's peak (3,676 m asl.).
Ranu Darungan Lake: camping and observing
animals and plants; incredible views.
Best time of year to visit: June to October,
and December to January.
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