Planning on watching the sunrise in Mount Bromo requires more consideration than just the date and season, and that is the best route to take. As travelers, it is most likely for you to land in Surabaya during your visit to East Java since it’s the heart of the province. And so, it is very common for travelers to depart for Mount Bromo from the city.
However, some travelers might also take another gateway to get to this remarkable destination, which is from Malang City. This gateway is also commonly chosen because it is located 2 hours away from the capital.
Now, from these 2 cities, there are several reasons why Surabaya is on the lead as the best option to go to Bromo. Let’s find out together in this article!
Transportation Cost
Just like we mentioned in the opening, travelers will most likely land in Surabaya when going to East Java. This is because the city has an international airport, providing easier access for overseas travelers.
This doesn’t work the same with Malang. Take a look at these travel sequences:

➤ Surabaya Gateway : Surabaya Airport → Drive to Sukapura through Probolinggo (2 hours) → Take Jeep (1 hour) → Reach Bromo
➤ Malang Gateway : Surabaya Airport → Transfer to Malang City (2 hours) → Drive to Tumpang Regency (1 hour) → Take Jeep (2 hours) → Reach Bromo
Going from Surabaya provides a significant reduction in transportation cost by removing the additional drive to Malang City. This one factor can become a huge consideration, especially for travelers with a fixed budget.
Time Efficiency
Similar to the previous point, by looking at the travel sequences, it is evident that taking the Malang Gateway requires more travel time to reach the destination. Also, you will have to take an earlier flight to Surabaya in order to catch your next transport to Malang.
This option robbed you from a chance to properly rest before your thrilling adventure. By choosing to depart from Surabaya, you can have more time to prepare and more time to charge your energy, preventing fatigue and exhaustion during your expedition!
Access to Public Spaces
As the second largest city in Indonesia, Surabaya provides a lot more local destinations for travelers on a transit. From historical places to shopping streets, the city offers a less monotonous journey for your holiday.
Check out our previous article on Surabaya for more information about the advantages of opting the city!
Let’s Get Going!
Did this short article provide you with a clear grasp as to why you should choose Surabaya as your departure city? Find out your best holiday option with our curated travel itineraries and let’s create a memorable journey with us to the grandeur Mount Bromo!