THE PLAN

Day 1: Surabaya - Madakaripura waterfalls - sunset Cemara Lawang

Depending on traffic conditions it is a 3 to 4 hours drive from Surabaya to Cemara Lawang village. Therefor, the earlier you depart, the more time you will have at Cemara Lawang. This pretty Hindu village is located on the edge of an ancient crater where mount Bromo has risen about 40,000 years ago. Optional you can visit the Madakaripura Waterfalls on your way to Cemara Lawang. These enchanting waterfalls are a delight. It is a short hike to the waterfalls. To see the sunset you should arrive before 17:15 in Cemara Lawang as colors change quickly. You will be camping at Kembang hill, Mt. Pananjakan or Mentigen hill. Take a rest, before your gazing at the stars will become reality.

Temperatures near mount Bromo

You will be braving near-freezing temperatures during your Bromo camping adventure. On a regular day it will be between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, though sometimes it is closer to 0 degrees Celsius or even minus. During the day, temperatures hardly rise above 20 degrees Celsius. During the dry season it is colder than during the wet season. Most rain pours down from November till March, due to which visiting the Madakaripura Waterfalls might be impossible. Having this written, please bring some warm clothes!

Day 2: Mt. Bromo sunrise tour - Malang city tour / cooking class

Depending on where you chose to spend the night, and how many stars you would like to spot, you will be leaving sooner or later to one of the viewpoints in the area. If you would like to take your chances to see the Milky Way, you should start looking at the sky around midnight. The sun is about to rise anywhere between 04:30 and 05:30. After sunrise you will have to cross the famous whispering black Sea of Sand to climb the volcano Bromo. You will leave the Luhur Poten temple behind as you walk to the top of mount Bromo. Enjoy the views on your way to the top.
After this refreshing morning your stomach might call for a meal. Your breakfast will be served in your hotel. After breakfast you continue your adventure to Malang city. In Malang you can check in at your hotel and do a (guided) city tour or a cooking class in one of the kampongs in Klojen area.

Note: if you like hiking, you could also do some hiking on the second day, either near Mt. Bromo or in the mountains surrounding mount Bromo.

Day 3: Camping at Sempu island

To make the most of your day, we suggest to depart at 05:00. If that is too early, you can depart after breakfast. The ride takes about 3 hours, though the distance from Malang city to the southern beaches is about 80 km only. You will arrive in the authentic fishermen village Sendang Biru, where one can't find any hotels yet - just homestays. Visit Malang's biggest fish auction and spot the colorful fishermen boats that have all sizes and swarm around this village.
After a good barbeque fish lunch, you will head in 10 minutes by one of these local boats to Sempu island 800 m from the coast. Trekking on Sempu island to the Segara Anakan lagoon isn't that difficult unless it has been raining, and takes about 1.5 hours. Your team will put up your tents while you enjoy the rest of day at this romantic blue lagoon.

Sempu island Nature Reserve

As Sempu island is a Nature Reserve - 3.9 km long and 3.6 km wide - you are obliged to be guided by a ranger of the forestry department based in Sendang Biru village. Its topography is largely rolling hills whose altitude ranges from 50 to 100 meters above sea level. The coastline consists mainly of limestone cliffs. Temperatures during the night are around 20 degrees Celsius, while during the day the temperature rises till around 30 degrees Celsius.
Unless you are camping, you should leave the island before sunset. One can imagine that there aren't any shops at the island and also the products in Sendang Biru village are limited. Please buy your own snacks if needed in Malang or onroute to Malang's south coast. One can find the last Indomaret and Alfamart about 20 km before reaching the beaches.

Day 4: Relax at the delighted Sempu island - back to Malang / Surabaya

Wake up when the birds do. Feel free as the birds do too. Swim in the lagoon, explore the island with your ranger as far as it is allowed to, gaze over the endless ocean, do some early morning sunbathing, build a sand castle, ......
At the latest you will hike back at 15:00. If you have to catch a train or plane, you can leave earlier.