Surabaya is Indonesia’s second largest city. Giving off an appearance of a commercial beehive, it is undeniable that the city has a residue of glorious times past!
Mount Bromo is an active volcanic peak situated in Tengger. A massive caldera was formed after an eruption years ago creating Mount Bromo and Mount Batok – which is inactive. Over time the caldera has filled up with volcanic deposits in the form of grey sand which is called the Sand Sea.
Ancient Folklore ads spice to the sulphur spewing Mount Bromo peak. Roro Anteng, a 15th century princess together with her husband Joko Seger created a separate principality named Tengger (a coining of the ending of their names) However the couple were unable to have children and prayed to the gods from Mount Bromo to help them. The gods answered their prayer and told them that they would have 25 children of which the last child was to be sacrificed. Though readily agreeing at the time when it was time for the sacrifice the princess refused, until the gods sent brimstone and fire until she complied. The child’s voice then issued from the volcanic depths into which the child had been thrown, demanding a sacrifice annually. This practice is continued to date – with fruits, vegetables and livestock of course and not human sacrifice!
If you are staying at a Surabaya Hotel then a trek to the volcanic remains of Mount Bromo is a must. The scenery itself – best experienced at dawn – is worth the journey. A trek on foot would take roughly 45 minutes but a jeep excursion is also available.
Apart from the astounding mountain itself, the surrounding park area has been declared a nature reserve, home to endemic and endangered flora and fauna. The park also boasts of 50 rivers, 4 lakes and remarkable mountain ranges.
Imagine green, mauve and earth tones wrapped in a creeping early morning mist, with volcanic peaks emanating puffs of smoke, giving off an ethereal beauty and you will see Mount Bromo.
If you are looking to unwind at a Surabaya Luxury hotel after a tiring but exhilarating journey to Mount Bromo you may want consider Shangri-La Hotel Surabaya.