How to Explore Mount Bromo on a Budget (up to $200) – My Full Journey from Bali to Malang

Why Mount Bromo Was on My Travel Bucket List

Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes, famous for its breathtaking sunrise and surreal volcanic landscape. As someone living in Bali, I’d always dreamed of visiting, but I assumed it would be expensive.

Recently, I finally made the trip and discovered that it’s absolutely possible to enjoy the full experience for just up to $200, including transport, accommodation, and food!

What made the trip even sweeter was that my initial flight to Java was delayed, and I received over 40% compensation, giving me extra room to enjoy the trip without overspending.

Getting from Bali to Malang: Train Ride for Less Than $1!

After I arrived in Juanda Airport, I ordered Gojek to take me go to Gubeng Station, because I was determined to travel on a budget, I chose the train instead of flights or private cars. I boarded the train from Surabaya Gubeng Station to Malang Station, and it was one of the best decisions I made. I think Gojek is the best be platform because I got best price than others platform.

• Cost: Just $0.73 (around IDR 12,000)

• Travel time: About 2–3 hours

• Why I loved it: The train ride was scenic, comfortable, and so affordable.

I booked my ticket easily through KAI Access to avoid waiting in long lines at the station and to secure a seat.

The Mount Bromo Experience

I arrived in Malang station after take time 3 hours travel by train. One of the best parts of my trip was booking a travel agency in platform getyourguide for my Mount Bromo tour. They picked me up directly at Malang Station, making everything super convenient.

• Cost: $30 (all-inclusive)

• Included in the price:

  • Pick-up and drop-off from Malang

  • Jeep ride for the sunrise viewpoint

  • Entrance to all key viewpoints

  • Friendly local guide

This was such a time-saver and money-saver compared to organizing each part of the trip separately.

My travel agent picked me up probably around 8pm after that we went to pick up other passengers around Malang. After we completed we went to Bromo take time 3 hours we arrived in first post and wait 1 hour maybe until we can went to second post. At around 3 AM we arrived second post and the jeep picked me up from my accommodation, and we headed to Penanjakan viewpoint. The air was cold, but the excitement kept me warm.

When the first rays of sunlight touched the horizon, the view of Mount Bromo with Mount Semeru in the background was absolutely magical. The colors of the sunrise over the volcanic landscape are something you have to see at least once in your life.

Visiting the Crater

After the sunrise, we drove across the “Sea of Sand” and hiked up to Bromo’s crater. Standing at the edge while watching smoke rise from the volcano was a surreal experience.

It was a very beautiful view that I got, that's a perfect view everything was beautiful, the weather, the Teletabis hill, the sea of sand, even the crater was beautiful. I love that moment even I go solo travel I am very satisfied.

Staying in Malang: 2 Nights for Under $27

After heading to Mount Bromo, I stayed in Malang for 2 nights. Malang is a laid-back city full of charming cafes, beautiful colonial architecture, and lots of delicious food. It’s the perfect base for Bromo trips.

• Accommodation cost: $26.87 (for 2 nights)

• Booked through Trip.com with free cancellation

Having these two nights in Malang allowed me to rest before my early morning Bromo adventure and also explore Malang’s vibrant food scene afterward.

I dedicated the rest of my trip to Malang’s famous food scene. Malang is a paradise for foodies, and the best part is that it’s extremely affordable.

Here are the highlights of where I ate, all included in my $35 total food budget:

1. Bakso Presiden – The legendary meatball soup served near the railway tracks. Flavorful broth and springy meatballs make this a must-try.

2. Ayam Geprek Ka Rose – Crispy fried chicken smashed with spicy sambal, perfect for those who love heat.

3. Ayam Nelongso – Another local favorite for affordable, tasty chicken dishes.

4. Bakso UB (Universitas Brawijaya) – Street-style bakso with a campus vibe.

5. Okiru Ramen – A comforting bowl of Japanese-style noodles, perfect for a change in flavor.

And of course, I couldn’t resist Malang’s famous street snacks (jajanan):

• Telur Gulung: Fried egg rolled on a stick, served with sauces.

• Sempol: Skewered and deep-fried meat-and-egg mix, crispy on the outside.

• Degan (Air Kelapa Hijau): Fresh young coconut water that’s incredibly refreshing after a day of exploring.

For just $35, I managed to enjoy all of these meals and snacks across my 2-night stay. If you love to eat, Malang will spoil you without breaking your budget.

Full Trip Budget Breakdown (up to $200)

Here’s the summary of my expenses:

• round trip train ticket Surabaya Gubeng Station to Malang: $1.46

• 2 nights in Malang: $26.87

• Mount Bromo travel agency (includes jeep, guide, pick-up): $30

• All meals in Malang (restaurants + street snacks): $35

• Transportation (gojek): $12

• A round ticket trip flight Surabaya-Bali: $120

Total: $225.33

Before heading to Java, my initial flight was delayed. Thanks to Trip.com, I was able to file a claim and received compensation worth more than 40% of my trip cost. So i just pay $120 for all trip.

This unexpected refund gave me the flexibility to enjoy my trip without worrying about every little expense. If you ever face delays or cancellations, make sure you know your compensation rights!
This means I stayed comfortably up to my $200 budget!

Tips for Visiting Bromo on a Budget

1. Book early through Trip.com. Flights, trains, and hotels are cheaper when you book in advance.

2. Use a travel getyourguide. For just $30, they handle all logistics, saving time and stress.

3. Pack warm clothes. It’s chilly at sunrise, even in Indonesia.

4. Spend time in Malang. The food alone is worth the extra night or two.

5. Travel with friends if possible. Splitting costs makes the trip even more affordable.

Why Malang + Bromo is Perfect for Budget Travelers

Combining a stay in Malang with a Mount Bromo tour is the ultimate budget-friendly itinerary. Malang is charming, full of delicious and cheap food, and provides easy access to Bromo.

In up to $200, I was able to:

• Witness one of the most stunning sunrises in Indonesia

• Stay in a comfortable accommodation for 2 nights

• Eat like a king with a variety of food and snacks

• Travel comfortably by train and jeep without stress

Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?

Here’s how you can start planning:

• Book your train tickets on Trip.com – starting from just $0.73!

• Find affordable stays in Malang – 2-night stays start around $12.

• Secure your Bromo tour package – don’t miss the $30 all-in-one agency deals.

Final Thoughts

Mount Bromo was everything I dreamed of and more. With a little planning and some smart booking, you can have an incredible experience without overspending. My total trip, including accommodation, food, and tours, came to just over $225.33, making it one of my most affordable (and enjoyable) trips ever.

If you’re looking for a magical yet budget-friendly destination, Mount Bromo and Malang should be at the top of your list. Start planning your trip today with Trip.com and experience it for yourself!

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