When you think of Indonesia, what comes to mind? Sun-kissed beaches, humid jungles, and tropical heat, right?
Well, wipe that image from your mind for a second. Deep in the highlands of Java, there’s a time of year when the grass literally turns white, temperatures drop below freezing
Welcome to the weird, beautiful, and slightly legendary world of Embun Upas — Indonesia’s very own tropical frost!
Wait, It “Snows” in Java?!
Okay, full disclosure, it’s not actual snowfall dropping from the sky. But if you roll out of bed at 5:00 AM in places like Mount Bromo — you’d swear winter has arrived.
Locals call this “Embun Upas” it happens when the morning dew meets the cold temperature and frozen up the dew which looks like it is snowing!
Embun Upas happen every year during the peak dry season — usually around July to August — a thin, glittering layer of ice crystals coats the fields, crops, and temple grounds. And because it can layered local crops — it became a poison dew!
The Story Behind the Name “Poison Dew”
Here’s where things get spicy. In the local Javanese language, upas literally translates to poison.
“Wait… is it radioactive? Toxic?” Nope! It’s totally harmless to humans. But for local farmers growing potatoes and veggies, this delicate frost is an absolute nightmare!
When the morning sun hits the icy leaves, it instantly scorches the plants, turning them black and killing the crop overnight! So to the farmers, that pretty white frost was basically crop poison!
Cold Mornings, Warm Crowds
Even though this phenomenon is one of misfortune for the local farmer but this phenomenon able to attract big crowds to witness the vast cold white snow
Especially for local visitors, it never failed to captivate their heart! The beauty of white pattern laying around the caldera and frost Bromo’s scenic view
Can you imagine the beauty of this scenery yet? But beware with one crucial thing to witness this view yourself
Run Before the Warm Atmosphere Comes!
Remember! Even though the temperature definitely would be cold but Indonesia’s sun still warm enough to take this beautiful phenomenon once the sun rise and shine
So, if you want to witness the beauty of Embun Upas — a rare phenomenon at Bromo, giddy up, wear your warmest clothes and jacket and good luck!
Come Alive With Our Travel Buddy!
Embun Upas might be a rare phenomenon that happened at Mount Bromo, but our travel buddy can help you to quell your doubt!
Trust our professional travel buddy to accompany you throughout your trip at Bromo in our website BromoVacation.com and see you!
