A Journey Through Time and Nature

As a retired teacher with a penchant for road trips, I have always been drawn to the open road and the stories it holds. My recent adventure to Probolinggo for the Mount Bromo & Ijen Tour was a journey that took me back to the days of family road trips across America, where every mile held a new discovery.

Our journey began with a pick-up from the Surabaya Airport, where our guide, Ya Ya, greeted us with a warm smile. His presence was comforting, reminiscent of the friendly locals I often encountered in small American towns. As we drove towards Madakaripura Waterfall, the landscape unfolded like a tapestry of nature’s wonders. The waterfall itself was a hidden gem, cascading down with a force that mirrored the mighty waterfalls of the Midwest.

The drive to Bromo Terrace Hotel was a nostalgic reminder of the long stretches of highway I once traveled with my family. The hotel, nestled amidst the mountains, offered a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. As we settled in for the night, I couldn’t help but reflect on the countless nights spent in roadside motels, where the promise of adventure awaited with the dawn.

The Magic of Mount Bromo

The call of the early morning was familiar, reminiscent of those dawn departures on family road trips. At 2:30 am, we embarked on our journey to witness the sunrise at Mount Bromo. The ride in the 4WD Jeep was exhilarating, akin to the thrill of driving through the winding roads of the Rockies.

Ya Ya led us to a secluded spot, away from the throngs of tourists, where we could fully immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the moment. As the sun rose, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I was reminded of the sunrises over the Great Plains, where the horizon seemed to stretch on forever.

The climb to the Bromo Crater was a test of endurance, much like the hikes I once took in the Appalachian Mountains. The view from the rim was breathtaking, a reminder of nature’s raw power and beauty. As we descended, the Sea of Sand stretched out before us, a vast expanse reminiscent of the deserts of the Southwest.

The Enchantment of Ijen

Our journey continued to the Ijen area, a drive that took us through landscapes that echoed the rolling hills of the Midwest. The anticipation of witnessing the Blue Fire of Ijen was palpable, much like the excitement of reaching a long-awaited destination on a road trip.

The hike to the summit of Mount Ijen was challenging, yet rewarding. As we descended to the Ijen lake, the sight of the blue flames dancing in the darkness was mesmerizing, a spectacle that rivaled the natural wonders I had seen across America.

Despite the exhaustion from the long drive and early start, the experience was unforgettable. It was a reminder of the resilience and spirit of adventure that road trips instill in us. As we made our way to Bali, I reflected on the journey, grateful for the memories and the stories that would stay with me, much like the tales of my travels across the American highways.

In the end, the Mount Bromo & Ijen Tour was more than just a trip; it was a journey through time and nature, a reminder of the beauty that lies beyond the horizon.