Ready for a wild adventure through East Java? This East Java itinerary packs some of Indonesia’s most breathtaking sights into just three days.
You’ll chase waterfalls at the dramatic Tumpak Sewu, watch the sunrise over the iconic Mount Bromo, and hike in the dark to see the surreal blue flames of Kawah Ijen. Each place feels like a scene from a different planet.
Together, they create a bucket-list journey through East Java, which is perfect for travellers with limited time who still want to experience the region’s highlights. It’s also a great add-on to your Bali itinerary, with easy connections between the islands and the option to join a convenient 3 days 2 nights organised tour.
So, are you ready for an epic 3-day adventure? Let’s get started.
Day 1: Explore Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: East Java’s Most Epic Waterfall
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is often described as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia, and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why. With its dramatic horseshoe shape, lush green canyon, and powerful cascade, it’s a must on your 3-day East Java itinerary.
To kick off your adventure, you’ll travel from Malang to Tumpak Sewu, a scenic drive that takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. If you’re joining an organised tour, all transport is handled for you, making the journey smooth, convenient, and stress-free.
A Day of Adventure: Our Experience at Tumpak Sewu
We were picked up from our hotel in Malang just after 7 AM and began the journey through lush rice fields and rolling hills. As we approached the waterfall, mist floated over the cliffs, setting the tone for what felt like a real jungle expedition.
Standing at the viewpoint, Tumpak Sewu truly looked like Indonesia’s version of Niagara Falls. But the real magic happened on the trek down to the base. It’s steep, slippery, and involves bamboo ladders, but the reward is standing at the foot of this giant cascade. We were soaked, but smiling, and in awe.
After exploring the main falls, we continued to Goa Tetes Waterfall, a nearby cave with trickling waterfalls. It’s a peaceful spot and a great place to cool off or snap a few quiet photos away from the crowds.
We spent around 3 hours hiking the full loop, which was enough time to enjoy the views, take photos, and move at a relaxed pace.
Tip
Avoid flying a drone at the bottom of the falls. The GPS signal often cuts out here, hence the spot earning its nickname “drone graveyard.”
Evening Vibes in Cemoro Lawang
After the hike, we continued to Cemoro Lawang, the village at the foot of Mount Bromo. We stayed at Café Lava Hostel in a cosy chalet-style twin room with warm duvets, hot water, and breakfast included. It was perfect after a day of adventure.
For dinner, we grabbed a warm meal at Warung Edi, just a short walk from our hostel. On the way back, we found a local vendor selling hand-knit beanies with a cute Bromo design and we bought two for IDR 60k each. Trust me, you’ll be glad to have something warm once the temperature drops.
With a 3 AM pick-up for the Bromo sunrise tour, we headed to bed early feeling excited for what was coming next.
Read more: Don’t miss our full guide to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall with all the trekking details and practical info to help you plan the perfect visit.
Day 2: Sunrise Adventure at Mount Bromo
Watching the sunrise at Mt Bromo is one of the most iconic experiences in East Java, Indonesia. Picture this: glowing skies, a sea of clouds, and a smouldering volcano rising from the mist. It’s a must for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone craving an unforgettable moment.
While you can do a day trip from Malang, we booked a 3-day East Java tour that included Mount Bromo. It gave us time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed.
A Magical Sunrise at Bromo
Our day started early (3:00 AM, to be exact) with a bumpy but exciting 4×4 jeep ride to King Kong Hill, one of the best viewpoints in the area.
We reached the top just before sunrise. As the first light hit the horizon, Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru slowly emerged from a sea of clouds. It was freezing up there, so definitely bring layers, a scarf, and a hat to stay warm.
After sunrise, we drove across the Sea of Sands in the jeep, then hiked up to the rim of Mount Bromo’s crater. Standing on the edge of an active volcano with smoke curling into the sky was both surreal and humbling! It was a true highlight of our East Java itinerary.
Tip
Do you want to learn more? Don’t miss our full guide to Mount Bromo. It’s packed with info on viewpoints, trekking, sunrise spots, and how to plan the perfect visit.
From Bromo to Banyuwangi
After the hike, we returned to our guesthouse for a quick breakfast and shower. Then it was time to hit the road for Banyuwangi, the jumping-off point for Kawah Ijen. The drive took most of the day, so if you’re not in a rush (and doing this trip independently), consider adding an extra night to rest and recharge.
On the way, we stopped at a local health center for a quick check-up. It’s required before hiking Ijen. They check your blood pressure and issue a ‘fit to hike’ certificate (it only takes a few minutes and costs around IDR 25k).
We arrived in Banyuwangi in the evening and checked into Hotel Santika Banyuwangi, which was super comfy after a long day of travel. For dinner, we ate at HaniBani Reborn by Daipoeng, which was quick, casual, and tasty. Then it was time to prep for our midnight wake-up to hike Kawah Ijen.
Day 3: Kawah Ijen Blue Fire & Sunrise Crater Trek
The final day of our East Java itinerary took us to one of the most surreal places in Indonesia: Kawah Ijen. Famous for its blue fire phenomenon and striking turquoise crater lake, the Ijen volcano offers a sunrise trek unlike anything else.
Do you want to visit Kawah Ijen stress-fre?
The Kawah Ijen Blue Fire Trek
Our journey started at 12:45 AM with a short drive from Banyuwangi to the trailhead. There, we picked up our entrance tickets and were given gas masks for the sulphur gases. The hike began at 2:00 AM, joining a steady stream of fellow adventurers.
The hike to the Ijen crater rim took about 50 minutes on a steep, gravelly trail. From there, we carefully descended for another 40 minutes into the heart of the crater (the most intense part of the trek). It’s dark, steep, and slippery, but completely worth it.
At the bottom, we witnessed the rare blue flames of Kawah Ijen, a natural phenomenon that appears in just two places in the world.
Sunrise Over the Ijen Crater
As the sky slowly lit up, we climbed back to the rim and were rewarded with breathtaking views of the turquoise Ijen crater lake glowing in the early morning light. The combination of smoke, colour, and light was unreal, one of the most breathtaking and photogenic moments of our entire trip.
We started hiking back around 7 AM and reached the base just after 8, feeling tired but with full hearts.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
Back at our hotel, we had a hearty breakfast, freshened up, and packed for the next leg of our trip. A short drive took us to the port, where we caught the ferry to Bali, which was the perfect way to continue the journey.
The Kawah Ijen trek was challenging but absolutely unforgettable. Our guide played a huge role in making it meaningful, explaining everything from the sulphur mining process to the science behind the blue flames. It was the perfect grand finale to our 3-day adventure across Java.
Tip
Do you want to know more? Check out our complete guide to the Kawah Ijen Blue Fire trek with tips of what to pack, and everything you need to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Final Thoughts on Our East Java Adventure
Our 3-day, 2-night adventure through East Java was nothing short of incredible. From the dramatic Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, to the unforgettable sunrise at Mount Bromo, and the surreal blue fire of Kawah Ijen, every moment felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker (like us!), this East Java itinerary deserves a spot on your bucket list. Joining an organised tour made the whole trip easy and stress-free, but with a bit of planning, it’s absolutely possible to explore on your own too.
East Java truly shows a different side of Indonesia travel. One filled with raw beauty, powerful landscapes, and fewer crowds than Bali. So if you’re ready for something epic, this trip delivers. Plan it, live it, love it! Trust us, you won’t regret a single second.
