Mount Bromo to Bali Travel Guide – On a Budget
The journey from the majestic Mount Bromo to the enchanting island of Bali is a route traveled by many adventurers. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness, this journey is a staple on the Indonesian travel circuit.
This guide is tailored for budget travelers seeking to make this journey efficiently and affordably, ensuring you don’t miss out on the experience while keeping your expenses in check.
If you want to get to Bali as fast as possible you can also fly from Surabaya. If you want to visit Ijen on your way to Bali this is the perfect route.
Overview of the Journey from Mount Bromo to Bali
Embarking on a trip from the volcanic terrains of Mount Bromo to the serene beaches of Bali involves various modes of transportation, each offering a unique glimpse of Indonesia’s diverse landscape. I will guide you through each step, focusing on a budget-friendly route.
Starting Your Journey – From Mount Bromo to Probolinggo
Choosing Your Transport: Bus or Alternatives
The first leg of the journey from Mount Bromo to Probolinggo is most commonly covered by bus. Local buses are available at regular intervals and are the most cost-effective means of transport. The journey provides an authentic local experience and a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of East Java.
I paid 75,000 IDR for my bus from Cemoro Lawang (Mount Bromo) to Probollingo. It took around 1 hour, 30 minutes. But I was dropped off 20 minutes away from the train station! So I took a grab to the train station (42,000 IDR)
If you have a train booked you might want to arrange a bus with your hotel in Cemoro Lawang so you avoid missing the train. I booked the train in Probollingo at the train station, but only economy seats were left. If it had been full my journey would have been a lot longer!
We have a full transport guide for how to go from Probolling – Cemoro Lawang you can read it here.
Probollingo to Banyuwangi: Train or Other Transport to Ketapang
From Probolinggo, the next step is to reach Banyuwangi’s Ketapang train station. The train journey is an economical and comfortable way to travel, with various classes available to suit different budgets. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
If you want to visit Ijen, which you should then going from Banyuwangi is very good. You could also easily spend a day just exploring the city, some stay for several days.
The train was 95,500 IDR IDR (Economy Class) and took 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Ketapang Train Station
Upon arriving at Ketapang train station, you’ll find that Grab and other ride-sharing services are not available. However, local transportation options like bemos (small vans) or ojeks (motorbike taxis) can be used to reach the ferry terminal. Negotiating the fare beforehand is advisable to avoid overpaying.
Chances are big you will need to sleep one night in Banyuwangi after coming from Mount Bromo before your ferry to Bali. It all depends on when you arrive, and how much traveling you want to do in one day. There are some hostels right outside the train station (Ketapang).
If you stay near the train station you can walk to the ferry terminal in 10-15 minutes. It’s very busy with drivers trying to get you to ride with them. So just stay in a hostel nearby, or walk directly to the ferry if you want to avoid the haggling.
Crossing the Sea – Boat Java (Ketapang) to Bali (Gilimanuk)
The ferry ride from Ketapang to Gilimanuk in Bali is not only an economical choice but also a nice adventure. The ferries runs every 20-30 minutes 24/7 and tickets can be purchased at the terminal. The journey takes around an hour, offering beautiful views and a refreshing sea breeze.
The ferry costs 18,000 IDR. At my hostel they also sold tickets, they were 50,000 IDR for the ferry. It runs so often, so best to just buy the ticket when you are at the ferry terminal.
Completing Your Journey – From Gilimanuk to Popular Destinations in Bali
Once in Gilimanuk, Bali, various local transportation options can take you to popular spots like Denpasar, Ubud, or Kuta. Public buses are available, though they take longer. For a faster, though slightly more expensive option, consider shared minibusses or shuttle services.
You can also book a bus from other places in Java and don’t travel independently. Then you don’t have to find a bus from Gilimanuk yourself, but it’s mostly very easy if you’re going to popular destinations. There are bus rides from most cities in Java to popular destinations in Bali, where you don’t have to book the ferry yourself.
I paid 60,000 for the bus to Denpasar (Ubung) which had AC and was good, it’s around 4 hours. The bus station is around 10 minutes walking from the ferry port in Gilimanuk.
Tips for Smooth Budget Travel
Traveling on a budget requires a bit of planning and flexibility. Here are some tips to make your journey smoother:
- Cash is King: Always carry enough local currency, as card payments may not be accepted everywhere.
- Safety First: While budget travel often involves public transport, prioritize your safety, especially when traveling late at night.
- Pack Light and Right: Bring essentials like water and snacks, it’s cheaper than buying on the ferry!
Budget Considerations: Calculating Your Costs
A comprehensive breakdown of costs for each leg of the journey will help you budget effectively. The trip from Mount Bromo to Bali can be quite affordable if you opt for public buses, trains, and ferries. Additional expenses to consider include food, drinks, and any incidental costs along the way.
My travel costs were:
- Bus from Cemoro Lawang to Probollingo – 75,000 IDR
- Grab ride to Probollingo – 42,000 IDR
- Train From Probollingo to Ketapang – 95,500 IDR
- Bus from Gilimanuk to Denpasar – 60,000
- Total – 272,500 IDR
The journey from Mount Bromo to Bali is an experience filled with diverse landscapes, cultural interactions, and memorable moments. By choosing budget-friendly transport options, you can enjoy this incredible journey without straining your wallet.
