• About
  • Contact
  • Contact Us

Follow my adventures at @cheryltaysg!

  • Home
  • Cars
  • Motorsports
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Lifestyle
  • Photography
  • About
  • Contact

Mount Bromo – Mount Ijen – Madakaripura Waterfalls

0 Comment
 07 Oct 2015   Posted by Cheryl Tay


CTT_6315

CTT_6195

CTT_6479

CTT_6466

CTT_7061

CTT_7256

CTT_7285

CTT_7291

CTT_7500

CTT_7582

Mount Ijen

CTT_6083

IMG_8175

IMG_8185

CTT_6134

CTT_6152

Madakaripura Waterfalls

CTT_7890

CTT_7776

CTT_7944

CTT_7987

I’ve been to Mt Bromo once – last year – but the sunrise was very cloudy and I was sorely disappointed. I told myself I would come back again and I did this month with Drea Chong. It was a pretty last minute trip and we only booked the flights the same week we flew out. You can easily get tickets to Surabaya via the usual budget airlines.

We then took a 4D3N tour from Bromo Ijen Tours, which covers transport between airport and the various mountains, the guides at each attraction and accommodation throughout the trip. From the airport upon landing, we had a driver take us on a 7-hour drive to Ijen View Hotel & Resort where we freshened up and took a nap before leaving at 11pm to head to Mount Ijen.

Mount Ijen

It is about a 2-hour drive to the base and please bring enough warm clothing as you will start the hike up at 1am. As you start the ascend though, you will perspire a lot and start removing your outer jacket, but once you get to the top it will get chilly again. The walk up Mount Ijen is not easy, as the slopes are steep, sandy and slippery. Plus, you are hiking in pitch dark, so remember your torchlights!

It takes about 2 hours to get to the top and just when you thought it’s over, you start a climb down 1km of rocks. That takes about 45 minutes to an hour and it can get pretty scary. There was a guide attached to us and I was amazed at how he was taking to the slopes in this ragged pair of sandals that had no support. Well, I guess if you do this every day, your legs should be super strong!

What awaits at the bottom of these rocks is the midnight blue fire, which is ignited sulphuric gas and a phenomenon you don’t get to see anywhere else in the world except for one other place. You can take as long as you want there, to get your shots and rest up before you climb back up the crazy rocks for another 45 minutes. This can get really tiring and also, you have to battle the crowds coming down.

After that, you just stay at the top of the mountain and wait for the sun to rise, so you can have a look at the beautiful teal sulphur lake. Unfortunately, it was too cloudy when we were there so WE DIDN’T GET TO SEE THE SULPHUR LAKE. I genuinely felt upset because we spent so much effort getting there. Well, take it as good exercise then!

Back to the bottom takes another 2 hours and it gets tricky here because you will keep slipping and sliding on the downward steep slopes. My knees ached from all the ‘braking’ I had to do and I was wishing I could roll down or slide down on my bum! I was so glad to get to the bottom and it was onward for a 4-hour drive to Mount Bromo.

Mount Bromo

We were put up in a homestay, at this lovely lady’s house. The air at the village is cold so be prepared to sleep in jackets and track pants. There is hot water of course, but no Wi-Fi and data signals were weak too. Drea and I spent a quiet evening going through our photos and then we slept right after dinner – which was a sumptuous homecooked spread – because we had to wake up at 1am to set off for Mount Bromo at 2am.

A jeep driver came to our doorstep and took us up to one of the popular sunrise spots. He brought us up as far as he could and we only had to walk a short distance where we camped till 4.30am for the sunrise. It is essential to go early so that you can get a good spot, but it is very cold and you have to fight to stay awake. Good news is, the sunrise is worth all that.

Getting down to Bromo’s crater next took quite long because of the congestion from more than 500 Jeeps trying to leave. When you get to the bottom, you have an option to rent a horse that will take you to the base of the crater. This horse ride cost is at your own expense (not included in the tour) and I highly recommend it, for the experience and the pictures! The climb up the straight flight of stairs to the top of the crater can get tiring, but the views at the top are breathtaking. Spend some time at the top to take more panoramic shots!

It was back to the homestay after the sunrise for homecooked breakfast, then we were off to the Madakaripura Waterfalls.

Madakaripura Waterfalls

Located in the Lombang district, this is one spectacular waterfall that is hidden at the end of a deep valley at the foot of the Tengger mountain range. Getting there is a quite a feat – you have to trek through a rocky path, get drenched by two cascading waterfalls and climb some rock wall before you get to the main part. A dedicated guide will help you through and mine was super helpful – all the pictures of me were taken by him (with my guidance)!

It was really crowded at the waterfalls, but the sights are AMAZING. You feel so small standing there and this is what I love about Mother Nature – she never fails to fascinate. That was it for our Bromo trip and our driver took us back to Surabaya town, on a 3-hour drive, where we rested for the night before leaving the next morning. (*sobs)

I recommend it’s best to get a tour agency to settle everything for you, including accommodation, transportation and tour guides. The tour agency we booked is pretty good; they provided us with a 4-page detailed brief of Do’s and Don’ts, and what to expect. You can WhatsApp Mahdi at +62 858-5221-5777. He’s from Bromo Ijen Travel, which you can see on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bromoijentravel. Tipping of the drivers, guide and homestay lady is at your own expense. It is not necessary to tip the horse owner though. So, HAVE FUN ok?

*This is not a sponsored post. Drea and I went for this trip on our own expenses.  

Related Posts

  • Sunset at Mt TamborineSunset at Mt Tamborine
  • [HENAN, CHINA] The breathtaking views of Yuntai Mountain[HENAN, CHINA] The breathtaking views of Yuntai Mountain
  • New Zealand: Postcards from WanakaNew Zealand: Postcards from Wanaka
  • Jeju Island X Drea ChongJeju Island X Drea Chong
  • Samujana Villa 30 – Welcome to my castleSamujana Villa 30 – Welcome to my castle

Share and Enjoy !

0Shares
0 0
Written by Cheryl Tay

  • Search Cheryl Tay’s posts

  • About Cheryl Tay

    563588_392090887491821_131620790205500_1178808_177312844_n_resized


    First establishing herself in the world of cars and motorsports, Cheryl Tay is a sports and fitness blogger who advocates living an active and healthy lifestyle. Founder of body image movement Rock The Naked Truth, Cheryl overcame over a decade of eating disorders and is now passionate about helping people with similar struggles. She also has a running club ROCKrunners and a tri-enthusiast club ROCKtri.

    Rock The Naked Truth encourages others to be comfortable in their own skin and to learn that there is more to life than just being a slave to the numbers on your scale. Truly, life has more meaning than just forcing yourself to look good - it's most important to be happy and feel good about yourself!

    Previously...
    > Fitness columnist for Yahoo! Sports
    > Founder of ELITE (fitness competition)
    > Motoring writer for TODAY
    > Columnist for Rev / Run magazines
    > Official photographer for ONE Championship
    > Media manager for Formula Drift Asia
    > PR manager for PETRONAS Syntium Team
    > Business development for Kartright Speedway
    > F1 youth speaker for Singapore GP
  • Recent Posts

    • Summing up 2020…
    • Goodbye, Golf
    • The N*ked Athlete
    • Rock The Naked Truth x Our Bralette Club
    • Me Too.
  • Archives

    • 2021 (1)
      • January (1)
    • 2020 (14)
      • November (1)
      • September (2)
      • August (1)
      • July (1)
      • April (4)
      • March (1)
      • February (2)
      • January (2)
    • 2019 (23)
      • December (4)
      • November (3)
      • October (5)
      • September (1)
      • August (1)
      • June (3)
      • May (2)
      • April (1)
      • March (1)
      • February (1)
      • January (1)
    • 2018 (21)
      • November (2)
      • October (1)
      • September (1)
      • August (1)
      • July (3)
      • June (2)
      • May (3)
      • April (1)
      • March (3)
      • February (3)
      • January (1)
    • 2017 (35)
      • December (1)
      • November (4)
      • October (4)
      • September (5)
      • August (5)
      • July (3)
      • May (7)
      • March (2)
      • February (1)
      • January (3)
    • 2016 (55)
      • December (7)
      • November (3)
      • October (3)
      • September (5)
      • August (2)
      • July (3)
      • June (2)
      • May (5)
      • April (1)
      • March (7)
      • February (8)
      • January (9)
    • 2015 (149)
      • December (4)
      • November (8)
      • October (12)
      • September (15)
      • August (19)
      • July (16)
      • June (16)
      • May (16)
      • April (8)
      • March (13)
      • February (14)
      • January (8)
    • 2014 (469)
      • December (16)
      • November (26)
      • October (20)
      • September (16)
      • August (38)
      • July (52)
      • June (64)
      • May (71)
      • April (49)
      • March (55)
      • February (29)
      • January (33)
    • 2013 (135)
      • December (23)
      • November (30)
      • October (31)
      • September (38)
      • August (13)
  • cheryltaysg

    Tired af but still had a little energy left to hia Tired af but still had a little energy left to hiao for a few shots.

📷: @jaredmbateman

#cheryltayworksout #teampurpose #triathlon #triathlete #trifit #trilife #trilove #trigirls #getfit #lovefit #fitforlife #fitness #fitnesseveryday #instafit #igfit #ironmantri #ironmantraining #teampurpose #purposeperformancewear #purposeasia #iamspecialized #specializedsg #aeroiseverything
    When a pole dance lesson becomes a hiao impromptu When a pole dance lesson becomes a hiao impromptu photoshoot.

Thank you @divapolesg for the trial class! I had so much fun, even though I had trouble trying to look graceful lol. Need to take a leaf out of the books of @silver_ang and @jyanyoga! And @censkiii YOU WERE MISSED TODAY.

#divapolesg #poledancing #polefitness #trysomethingnew #asiangirls #fitgirls
    About last night - belated birthday dinner and dri About last night - belated birthday dinner and drinks for @angelrun.diary, followed by acai bowl for dessert, plus lots of girl talk heehee.

I first knew Wendy when she joined the SCSM Women Squad in 2017, organised by my @ROCKrunnersSG club. She eventually joined ROCKrunners and was a very active member, helping me out in the committee. With her help and the rest of the committee, RR was able to thrive for so many years.

Even though I've ceased RR, I'm really grateful that some friendships have continued, like this one with Wendy... who, with @dadtokeepfit, always generously open their home to us over festive occasions. Between the 2 of them, they have kickass homemade muah chee and fried bee hoon lol.

Here's to a lasting friendship!

#rockrunnerssg #friendship #cheers #dinnerdrinks #birthdaydinner #theflyingsquirrel
    This is the EXACT uniform I wore for 4 years at TK This is the EXACT uniform I wore for 4 years at TKGS. Whipped it out of my cupboard today to film something with @jadeseah who is from the same school! 🤭🤭🤭 Who else still keeps their school uniform? 

Happy I could still fit into it!

And, does the TKGS pinafore still come with a zip by the side? I love it because it accentuates the curves haha. And the belt is sewn on but I ripped it out ssshhhh.

All the memories!

📷: @jadeseah, after 1000000 shots lol.

#tkgs #demureandresolute #tanjongkatonggirlsschool
    You're the yin to my yang 🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤🤍 You're the yin to my yang 🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤🤍

#infinitysign #yinyang #bbtforlyfe #bbtsistas #infinityandbeyond #yintomyyangjiamin
    Who doesn't love Super Ring! So bad yet so good 😅😅😅 I love food and I think I eat too much junk sometimes, but it's all about moderation. I try to clean up the diet where I can, I work out and I remember to take Pruvit pure therapeutic ketones every day too.

The ketones do help me a lot in terms of better energy levels, managing the body composition by reducing body fat and having more mental focus and clarity. So much that ketones can do for you - it's not a quick fix weight loss supplement or meal replacement.

It's a ketone supplement that helps to put your body into ketosis without having to be on a restrictive/strict keto diet so your body will burn fat for energy instead of carbs (glycogen).

Hence, you get the benefits of being in ketosis without having to suffer.

Feel free to DM me if you wanna find out more - I can prep an Experience Pack for you or share more about current promotions!

And if you wanna get Pruvit, do use my referrer link (via my link in bio).

#justpruvit
    When your workout buddy turns up in a matching top When your workout buddy turns up in a matching top to your tights 😍😍😍 plus taking a gazillion selfies in the mirror to get one where we were looking at the camera + nobody walking past behind. Swipe to see our series hahahaha

#girlswhoworkout #fitgirls #lovefit #fitforlife #getfit #fitnesseveryday
    Went boxing the other day at @thering_sg and my ar Went boxing the other day at @thering_sg and my arms were aching for days after!! Trying out new activities with friends is always fun, whew. We work hard and play harder! Lol!!

(Psst, INYOURCORNER50 for 50% off one week trial and JAB25 for 25% off class packages)

#theringsg #inyourcorner #boxing
    You know you had a bloody good time when you are s You know you had a bloody good time when you are still posting photos after 2 days 🤣🤣 and talking on the radio about it this afternoon (cc: @latimerbarbara).

#yachtparty #yachtouting #lazarusisland #girlsonly #bikiniempire
    Welcome to Bikini Empire. Unfiltered, authentic, h Welcome to Bikini Empire. Unfiltered, authentic, hilarious.

#giveusarealityshow
#yachtparty 
#boating
    These girls making sure that I'm really drinking L These girls making sure that I'm really drinking LOL. Omg yday was such an epic party. When I arranged this, I knew it was gonna be a blast because these girls are so spontaneous, candid, unpretentious, adventurous and unabashed - as quoted by @rriley.

We kicked off with Mr Don Julio 1942 (whom @clairejedrek brought along and never left him) at 9am with a drinking game by @rriley that got @latimerbarbara buzzing first thing in the morning. Plus more gin that got @victoriacheng a little over. And then everything just went whooooosh from there. Ded from so much laughing, at stupid things like the maxi pad float, capsizing the kayak and being awed by the microwave oven.

Swipe for more nonsense pics LOL.

Give us our own reality show!

#yachtparty #bikiniempire #beachlife
    "You have to stop expecting people who don't love "You have to stop expecting people who don't love themselves to love you the way you love them." It's true. I had found love within myself. I knew how to give my full self to someone when I made the commitment. But I have to accept that not everyone understands love as I do. A lot of these guys I thought I'd wanted hadn't found love for themselves yet. How could they possibly be ready for the love I was ready to give?

- This is an excerpt from the book The Modern Break Up and it hit home so hard.

Also wearing this pretty toga piece from @pinksaltswimco - comfy, flattering, great material!

#allthefeels #selflove #rockthenakedtruth #doyouloveyourself #loveyourself #selflovejourney
    I JUST touched up my eyelash extensions the day be I JUST touched up my eyelash extensions the day before and wasn't too keen on jumping into the water, but these girls wouldn't hear of it so... RIP to some of you lashes. 🤣🤣🤣

#boatjumping #peerpressure #beachtime #yachtparty #lazarusisland
    Couldn't have asked for a better day with these gi Couldn't have asked for a better day with these girls! 10/10 will do it again. Plus my core is sore from all the laughing and trying to balance on the giant floating mat.

Swipe to see what an awesome time we had.

P.S. I'm wearing another pretty piece from @pinksaltswim.co!

#yachtouting #yachtparty #lazarusisland #girlsonly #beachlife
    Tried boxing for the first time at @thering_sg wit Tried boxing for the first time at @thering_sg with this bunch and it was so fun! Woke up with sore arms this morning, whew. Would do this again!

#boxing #theringsg #girlpower
    As you get older, it gets harder to make good frie As you get older, it gets harder to make good friends... friends that will not judge, friends who will order half the menu with you, friends who will talk to you on the phone when you need a listening ear, friends who love your laughter and friends who love hearing you tell stories. Grateful for this group!
    Valentine's Day dinner with my forever loves! One Valentine's Day dinner with my forever loves!

One of the reasons why I'm motivated to work hard in life is so that I can bring them out and buy them meals and gifts and take them on holiday (when we can). Of course it's not always about the money, it's also about spending quality time with them and I really enjoy their company, quirks and all.

I know they will always have my back no matter what, even when I make mistakes or do things to upset them. This is true love. ❤❤❤

Oh and I promise I have other skirts.

#valentinesday #familyfirst #familytime #familylove #vday2021
    "Excuse me, I think you're in the wrong outfit." 🤣🤣🤣

I couldn't find my leather skirt, pants or boots, so I just pulled together what I had. And while taking this photo, all I thought about was not getting my legs burnt by the bike hahaha.

#yamahayzfr1 #motorbikes #class2 #cannotridebutcantakephoto #canrideoneday #cannotrideyet
    This is what happens when you rush out of the hous This is what happens when you rush out of the house after a shower and forget to comb your hair. Here at @grityardsg to shoot their V Day Special workout - so cute to see all the couples coming to sweat together!

P.S. This irritating @joykuan is running a poll on her IGS with this photo asking if I'm sucking in my tummy or not. Whaddya think? 😏

#boliaopoll
    Twinning pink for Valentine's Day with @sarahhy0r1 Twinning pink for Valentine's Day with @sarahhy0r1n! Spent the morning chasing boys on our bicycles and fighting the stupid winds to clock an auspicious 88km!!

#pinkisgood #pinkishuat #happyvalentinesday
    Load More... Follow on Instagram



Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Tay. All Rights Reserved.