Hi Lykkers, ready for a real adventure? If you're craving a vacation that mixes city life, wild landscapes, amazing food, and a bit of hiking thrill, this 5-day Surabaya + Mount Bromo trip might just be the perfect escape.
We went all in, and we're here to help you recreate every bit of their exciting journey—minus the planning stress.
Once they landed at Surabaya Juanda Airport, a private car service picked them up—no language barrier, no haggling with apps, just smooth sailing to the hotel. They stayed at Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo, got a bit of rest, and started exploring the city right away.
First stop: Tunjungan Plaza—a mega-mall where you can eat, shop, and cool down in the AC. Then it was on to Jembatan Merah, the Red Bridge area, where Dutch-era buildings and old streets create the perfect spot for some street photography.
Last stop of the day: Chinatown. The lanterns lit up the whole area, and local snacks and street food stalls made it a delicious and cozy way to end the day.
They used KKday's Indonesia eSIM—no need to swap SIM cards or search for Wi-Fi. Just activate on your phone and you're ready to upload pics, navigate around, and stay online all the time.
The second day was all about diving into Surabaya's local life. It started with breakfast at Mie Mapan, a beloved local noodle chain. Their go-to? "Mie Ayam Komplit"—flavorful dry noodles with shredded chicken, fried wontons, tofu, and soup. You can customize the spice level and choose between dry or soup noodles (the dry version's a fan favorite!).
After breakfast, they visited colorful Chinese temples tucked in peaceful corners of the city, then walked through Pabean Traditional Market, where the air is full of the scent of spices and the energy of local life. Even without speaking the language, smiles and gestures got them through just fine.
Final stop: the Submarine Monument—a real retired submarine parked beside a river downtown. You can even walk inside and see old navy gear and exhibits!
Want to save time and avoid traffic stress? Book a Surabaya private city tour with driver. It includes hotel pick-up and drops you at must-see spots like temples, markets, and street food gems.
This was the most exciting and exhausting day of all. They left their hotel around 2–3 AM to catch the sunrise at Mount Bromo. The ride involved a 4WD jeep up winding dark roads, but the reward? Breathtaking views from Penanjakan Viewpoint—where Mount Bromo, Batok, and Semeru line up like a painting, all glowing in the first light of dawn.
After the sunrise, they bounced across the black volcanic sand in their jeep, heading closer to the crater. You can walk the final stretch or take a horse ride (extra fee, wear a mask—the dust is real!).
Then came the big challenge: 250 steep steps to the crater. It's a real workout, especially in the thinner mountain air. But once you're up there, looking into the steaming, rumbling volcano—it's unforgettable.
Back to the hotel around noon, they rested and wrapped up the day with dinner at places like Domicile Kitchen Lounge (chic and creative), Layar Seafood (local favorite), or Warung Bu Kris (budget-friendly local eats).
After yesterday's mountain hike, Day 4 felt calmer but no less spectacular. They took a long drive (about 4 hours) to visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, nicknamed "Indonesia's Niagara".
On the way, they stopped by Teras Semeru, a scenic lookout with views of Semeru Volcano and lush rice fields.
Then came the highlight: Tumpak Sewu. It's a wide, dramatic waterfall that spills down in curtain-like streams, surrounded by tropical greenery. You can take epic photos from the top or hike down to the base and feel the water mist on your face. It's slippery and wet, so wear good shoes!
Their final day was a chill one. They had a relaxing lunch at a cozy local spot (nothing rushed!), and then headed to the airport using the same reliable private transfer service. It was the perfect way to end the trip—full, happy, and no stress.
Every place they visited is open to travelers and super beginner-friendly. Whether you're into photography, hiking, food, or just exploring a new culture, this 5-day Surabaya + Bromo trip checks all the boxes. And the best part? It's totally doable—just follow their route and customize it to your pace.
Lykkers, if this trip made your heart beat a little faster, maybe it's time to turn it into your own adventure. Pack your comfy shoes, book that volcano tour, and don't forget to eat all the noodles. If you've been to Surabaya or are planning to go, drop your favorite tip or question—we'd love to hear from you!
Safe travels and happy exploring!