Malang – volcanoes and colourful villages
Just 2 days in the town of Malang, the main reason for this visit was the famous Bromo volcano trek for sunrise. The trek to the viewpoint was steep but so rewarding. The sunrise with the clouds beneath us was awesome. Followed by a trek across the sea of black volcanic sand to the rim of Bromo, the constantly smoking volcano, absolutely amazing. Even the giant cone of mount Semeru, the highest mountain in Java was spewing out ash into the atmosphere. We have had the most incredible experience today.
One other place of interest in Malang is Rainbow Village. Previously known as one of the worst slums in Indonesia and was potentially going to be cleared and knocked down until a group of students and the airforce with the financial support of a paint company painted it in multicolours. This went viral on social media bringing visitors and an income by means of a small donation on entry and sale of drinks and trinkets. This has contributed to slightly better way of life and improved sanitation for these families.
From Malang we started our journey towards Bali. Our expected 7 hour car journey to the port town of Banyuwangi took a turn for the worst. Just 6 miles from our hotel in Banyuwangi the traffic jam began, it took us a further 3 hours to complete that 6 miles! There was total gridlock caused by the cancellation of ferries due to strong winds, we hope that tomorrow brings better weather. It does! By 10 am we are on the ferry heading to Balu and looking back at the mighty mount Ijen volcano, Bali here we come.
12 Comments
Eha Carr
You two certainly did your homework. It has paid off, hasn’t it! Thank you for allowing us to be there at the sunrise at Mount Bromo . . . nature at its most wonderful . . . and then the manmade sadness, multihued tones or not, of the Rainbow Village . . . can you imagine what living there would be like, all the bright colour tones aside . . . next stop Bali . . . a totally different cup of tea . . . I know ‘everybody’ goes – many regard it as tropical suburbia to Australia . . . I am just wondering what places not screaming of tourism you may have found or will do so . . . enjoy!
Phil & Michaela
Whilst the colours make the village more appealing and creates a small income for them, in reality living conditions are still very poor with exception of a small handful of pristine houses which do look out of place. They do try and keep their bit of river clean though, men wade in daily and try and clear any debris.
Toonsarah
That has to be one of the most beautiful sunrise locations I’ve seen anywhere, and well worth the steep climb to get there! And as I said on FB, the Rainbow Village ‘project’ reminds me so much of the communas in Medellin 🙂
Phil & Michaela
Yes, we have seen our fair share of fabulous sunrises but this location with the volcano complex and looking down at the cloud was right up there, stunning 🤩
Steven Berger
What a great adventure. I’m not an early morning person but that sunrise really was special. Great pictures, can’t wait for Bali.
Stay safe,
Steve
Phil & Michaela
So worth the effort of an early start, just one of the best sunrises we have seen.
grandmisadventures
wow- that sunrise is absolutely worth the early morning trek to see it. I love the Rainbow Village- that is so creative
Phil & Michaela
The sunrise vas very special, just one of the best😊
Lookoom
What an adventure! Spending three hours covering the last six miles must have been incredibly frustrating, Thankfully, the weather improved the next morning and you were finally able to cross to Bali. The views to Bromo volcano are so neat.
Phil & Michaela
The traffic was horrendous. We are finding that much of Indonesia has a traffic problem. After our arrival at the harbour in Bali, it was a slow almost 5 hour taxi journey to our 1st base of Ubud. Quite torturous at times 😆
WanderingCanadians
Stunning captures of Mount Bromo. Sounds like it was worth the challenge and getting up early for!
Phil & Michaela
It certainly was worth the early start, just amazing 🤩