Bromo-Bali 2

The clock strikes 3am and my alarm started to ring. The temperature must have fell lower than we arrived. I was freezing to death. Hui and I had a tug of blanket yesterday night too. Without breakfast, we just freshen up and took about a 1 hour drive up to Mount Penanjakan to catch the sunrise view of Mount Bromo and a few other mounts around it which I could not remember the name. I was wearing 4 layers of clothing and the 5th one is a rented one.









Nothing can be more wonderful than having a nice cup of hot noodles and milo when it is freezing at less than 5 celcious, plus it is 5am.















After the sunrise view, we head over to Mount Bromo. On the way, there is a piece of empty grass land with the mountains behind which is gorgeous. Felt like I was in New Zealand or so.
As we reached the site of Mount Bromo, it was as if we have been transported to Tibet or Mongolia.



Sandy grounds, horses, temples in the middle and the steep steps leading up the crater. Steam puffed out gently and the air is filled with sulphur particles. I was choking a bit on it. The worst part is, hiking up and breathing in polluted air.



As we reached the top, I realize I have lost my lens cap. Of all times and places, at the sandy area. My camera was covered with fine sand after the journey.

I find Mount Bromo pretty plain but the road leading to it is much more interesting. Something that I havent seen in my life at least, volcano, I am just at the mouth of the active volcano.












We went back to Hotel Cemara Indah for breakfast, which is at 9am. Had fried rice, chilled out a bit with coffee and tea with Juni and Hui. The view from the lobby is awesome! The weather has became slightly warmer, very much like Cameron Highlands back in Malaysia

Next destination would be a long ride to the town Malang where Mount Ijen is located. We started our journey at 10 something in the morning and we reached the Catimor homestay at about 4-6pm...could not remember the exact time.
We passed by a coffee plantation as well. The sun rises early there and the sky is dark at 6pm. The ride there was horrible, and the song 'Rocky Mountain' was playing in my brain constantly. The road is rocky and steep. Poor car engine, luckilly it is a four wheel, if not we would be stranded. Catimor homestay is rather cosy. Hot spring ten steps away from our room. Took a long dip in the warm water though it was rather murky in colour. We must be mad. Weather is cooling. Free coffee and tea for the guest. We have to wait till 7pm for the dinner. Fried rice again :) We slept in early and the following day, we have to wake up at about 6am.

What a long day. Though half of it was spent on the road. Travelling for hours from one destination to another.