MOUNT BROMO
Mount Bromo can be accessed from 4 regions, Probolinggo, Malang, Pasuruan and Lumajang. And most common is via Probolinggo and Malang and Pasuruan. The tourism has growth well in those regions and they already provide hotels, 4WD, and local guide. This short descriptiion will give you clear picture which access you can choose for your next visit to Bromo and Ijen.
MOUNT BROMO VIA PROBOLINGGO
Cemoro Lawang Vilage has been well-known as the place to stay overnight when visiting Mount Bromo. It is located about 3 hours drive from Surabaya and since the new toll road, it can be faster from Surabaya to reach Probolinggo. Cemoro Lawang is the closest village to Mount Bromo, some hotels and also homestays can be found here easily. And to reach to Mount Bromo you can just walk some 1 hour. Seruni View Point is located as wel nearby this village. There are some other villages located a little bit down, such as Sukapura, Sapikerep, Jetak, which also has some hotels available. If you stay in this area, you can just go to the caldera area for sunset time and seeing Mount Bromo, Mount Batok and Mount Semeru. For Sunrise to Mount Penanjakan/ Kingkong Hill, it takes about 1 hour by 4WD from the area. If you stay in Surabaya and would like to do Bromo Midnight Tour, accessing via Probolinggo is the best option. And you can also visit the exotic Madakaripura Waterfall, a 200 meters high horsetail waterfall can be accessed after Bromo.
MOUNT BROMO VIA PASURUAN
Tosari is the village where hotels grow. There is a big hotels located here: Bromo Cottage and lately there are new hotels also built in the area. The Village is located about 45 minutes to Mount Penanjakan. Even the location is far from Tengger Caldera, still, you can enjoy walking and seeing local farms and also seeing sunset with Mount Arjuno. If you want to do Bromo Midnight Tour from Surabaya, this access is also available, located slightly closer from Surabaya than Pasuruan.
MOUNT BROMO VIA MALANG
Tumpang is the closest village to Mount Bromo located nearby Bromo tengger Semeru National Park. There are homestays available in this area, and located about 45 minutes drive from Malang and about 3 hours from Surabaya Airport. Malang is best option if you visit Malang and Batu and also would like to do Bromo Midnight Tour. If you access via this region, you will be passing also whispering Savannah and also Coban Pelangi Waterfall. And for your information, if you into adventure and waterfalls, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall can be accessed via Malang, that if you have limited time to visit Tumpak Sewu and Bromo, you can access via this region.
MOUNT BROMO VIA LUMAJANG
Accessing Bromo via Lumajang is not very popular, as it is located a little far from Surabaya Airport. From Surabaya to Lumajang is about 4 hours and from Lumajang to Bromo Tengger National Park is about 3 hours and must use 4WD. You will be passing Ranu Pani and forest and then pass by the sea of sand. If you want to visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, the most beautiful tiered waterfall in Java, you maybe can stay one night in Lumajang for exploring the waterfall next day and stay overnight in Probolinggo for Bromo.
IJEN CRATER
This acid crater can be accessed via Banyuwangi and Bondowoso. Both regions have already accommodations available.
IJEN CRATER VIA BONDOWOSO
Bondowoso is located about 6 hours drive from Surabaya and about 8 hours drive from Bali (Kuta/Seminyak) and about 3-4 Hours from Ketapang Harbor or Banyuwangi. Bondowoso is best option to stay if you start and finish Bromo Ijen Tour in Surabaya as it is more time efficient. Bondowoso city to Paltuding, the basecamp to start hiking Ijen is about 2 hours drive, that it is recommended to depart at 00.00 from hotel for Ijen Blue Fire. There are homestays located closer to Ijen, nearby the pantation, more basic, just one hour drive. When driving back, you can stop by at hotspring, waterfall and coffee plantation. If you go with group and using BUS, not recommended via Bondowoso.
IJEN CRATER VIA BANYUWANGI
Banyuwangi is located about 7 hours drive from Surabaya and about 4 hours from Bali. Due to the rich of nature and tourism potentials in Banyuwangi, the accomodations in this regions evolves very fast these years. You can find homestays to fancy -villa style hotels here. Banyuwangi to Paltuding camp is about 1 hour drive, you can depart at 01.00 AM from hotel for Ijen Blue Fire. Banyuwangi is a good option if you want to finish your trip in Ketapang Harbor or Bali and not returning to Surabaya. Also if you start your trip in Bali and would finish in Surabaya or If you also want to visit other destinations in Banyuwangi such as: Meru Betiri National Park, Alas Purwo National Park and others. Banyuwangi has also airport with some direct flights available from Surabaya and Jakarta. Banyuwangi can also be accessed by train from Probolinggo (Bromo).