Found out how I had it to myself in the description below!
Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen are often done together on a tour, which encompasses a lot of driving and not much sleep. I didn't fancy this, so I set my mind to doing it a little slower, and it worked out perfectly!
With regards to Ijen, it is possible to do without a guide, but you will need to drive yourself there on not the best roads, and if you wish to try and see the blue fire down in the crater, you will have to queue for a long time to hire a gas mask. - I spoke with people who did it and I'm not sure the disparity of the costs are much. I stayed at Ijen Backpacker in Banyuwangi, and they helped me with every step, including transport and accommodation contacts for Cemoro Lawang. [ Ссылка ]
Now - BROMO - I stayed in Cemora Lawang, and using Maps.me took myself via the villager path alongside the Cemora Indah hotel, down into the sea of sands. This way, you can avoid excess tourist charges when in the jeep tours.
My TOP TIP for being on Bromo on your own, go for brunch in the local cafe and wait for all the jeeps to return to town, this is your cue to go! There will just be a handful of people left so by the time you reach the top, it might only be you!
Fear not, you wont need a jeep for the sunrise either. Its around a one hour walk along the road and up the side of the hill, and the jeeps can't even get that far up either so everyone has to walk! Leave town by 3-3:30am and you'll be fine
So the final step is get yourself on a flight to Indonesia!
#travel #indonesia #bromo #ijencrater
