FOR a long time, Indonesia had never crossed my mind as a travel destination, despite its reputation for breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty.
East Java, in particular, is a region often overshadowed by more popular destinations like Bali.
However, this journey with my wife to uncover East Java's wonders left a lasting mark on my soul, and I am now eager to explore more of Indonesia's hidden gems.
Our well-planned six-day trip took us through some of East Java's most captivating locations.
We greeted the sunrise over Mount Bromo, scaled the heights of Mount Ijen, marvelled at the awe-inspiring Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and ventured into the untamed wilderness of Africa van Java.
We also wandered through the ancient, mysterious De Djawatan Forest and explored the vibrant rainbow village of Jodipan in Malang.
Initially, I had overlooked Indonesia in favour of destinations outside Southeast Asia, but something about East Java had been calling me back.
The trip wasn't even part of the original plan — it was sparked by a local influencer whose vivid journey to Mount Bromo captured my imagination.
This unplanned adventure turned out to be one of the most rewarding travel experiences I've had.
SCALING MOUNT IJEN AND EXPLORING MALANG
Our first destination was the Banyuwangi district, where we embarked on the challenging climb to the summit of Mount Ijen, standing 2,329m above sea level.
This tough trek left us exhausted, so we made Malang our next stop, providing the perfect retreat to recharge after our ascent.
Malang served as our base not only for relaxation but also for further exploration.
From here, we journeyed to Baluran National Park, a sprawling savannah famously dubbed "Africa van Java" due to its resemblance to the African plains.
Then came the eerie yet enchanting De Djawatan Forest, home to towering, ancient Hujan-Hujan trees that are between 100 and 150 years old — an otherworldly scene that felt like the set of an Indonesian horror film.
MAJESTIC MOUNT BROMO
Most travellers stay in Probolinggo to visit Mount Bromo or in Lumajang for the Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, but we opted to start from Malang, allowing us to experience the area's lesser-known attractions, like the Jodipan Rainbow Village.
This once-neglected slum was transformed into a vibrant community through the efforts of students from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang and a local paint company.
The multicoloured houses now stand as a testament to the positive changes that have come from this transformation.
At 12.30am, we embarked on our expedition to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, reaching King Kong Hill after a three-hour drive. The excitement built as we waited in the freezing cold, with temperatures around
5-degree Celcius, for the sun to rise.
Slowly, the first rays of light emerged, illuminating Mount Bromo's volcanic crater.
The sight was nothing short of extraordinary — plumes of smoke rose against the soft glow of dawn, creating a natural masterpiece that left me speechless and moved to tears.
The following morning, we set out for Tumpak Sewu Waterfall in Lumajang district.
Despite its recent surge in popularity, this breathtaking waterfall remains relatively unknown to many Malaysian tourists.
With its cascading waters resembling a thousand separate falls, and a backdrop of Mount Semeru captured perfectly by drone photography, it felt as though we had stepped into a prehistoric paradise.
A TREASURE WORTH EXPLORING
Our journey through East Java revealed a land rich in culture, natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its people.
From the bustling streets of Surabaya to the peaceful, challenging heights of Mount Ijen, each stop on our adventure offered a new perspective on Indonesia's heartland. By straying off the beaten path, we discovered the true essence of East Java, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
East Java is undoubtedly a destination deserving of more attention, a place where travellers can connect with nature, history, and the authentic spirit of Indonesia.
If you're looking for a travel experience that combines adventure, serenity, and cultural discovery, East Java should be at the top of your list.