Surabaya, Indonesia: 5 Days and 4 Nights, the Ultimate Volcano and Waterfall Travel Guide

Hey everyone! Today, I'm sharing an amazing travel destination with you—Surabaya, Indonesia! With magnificent volcanoes, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant cityscapes, it's an absolute must-have on your travel bucket list! Without further ado, let's dive into the guide👇 📍Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Surabaya - City Stroll ✈️ Upon arrival at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, take the pre-booked airport transfer to your hotel, check in, relax, and adjust to the time difference. 🌆 In the evening, explore Tunjungan Street, home to many old buildings from the Dutch colonial period, exuding a touch of European romance. Stroll along the main street, experiencing the blend of history and modernity, and discover hidden culinary gems. Don't miss the Indonesian specialty Soto Ayam, a delicious chicken soup served with rice—absolutely divine! Day 2: Ijen Volcano - A Dreamy Rendezvous with Blue Fire and Sunrise 🌋 Depart around 1:00 am for Ijen Volcano. The night climb is both thrilling and challenging, with rugged mountain roads. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking boots and bring essential gear like a gas mask, goggles, and a flashlight. 🔥 Reaching the summit, you'll witness the mesmerizing blue flames, a unique spectacle created by burning sulfur, making you feel like you're in a sci-fi movie. As dawn breaks, enjoy a breathtaking sunrise overlooking the sulfur lake below—a view so beautiful it'll take your breath away! Day 3: Bromo Volcano - Crossing the Sand Sea to See the Crater 🌅 Depart around 2:30 am and take a jeep to Bromo Volcano. Along the way, you'll traverse the vast sand sea, experiencing the immensity and mystery of the desert. Upon reaching the viewing platform, find a good spot to await the sunrise. When the first rays of sunlight touch the crater, the whole world is painted gold—an incredibly awe-inspiring sight! 🌋 After watching the sunrise, ride a horse or hike to the crater for a closer look at the volcano's magnificence. Remember to wear a mask and sunglasses to protect yourself from the volcanic ash. Day 4: Sewu Waterfall - A Real-Life Jurassic Park 🌊 Head to Sewu Waterfall in the morning. This cascading waterfall, hidden within a primeval forest, seems straight out of a fairy tale. Follow the upstream path, enjoying the picturesque scenery along the way, but be cautious as some areas are steep. 🌳 Upon reaching the waterfall, you'll be captivated by its grandeur. The massive water flow plunges from above, creating layers of splashing water, surrounded by lush greenery—truly resembling Jurassic Park. Every photo you take here will be a masterpiece! Day 5: City Shopping - Departure 🛍️ On the last day, explore Surabaya's city center and indulge in some retail therapy at Sogo Shopping Mall, which offers a wide selection of local Indonesian brands at affordable prices. You can also visit local markets to find unique souvenirs for friends and family. ✈️ Arrange an airport transfer in advance according to your flight schedule, concluding this unforgettable Surabaya trip. 📝Travel Preparations 1. Documents: Passport (valid for more than 6 months), e-visa, flight itinerary, hotel confirmation (print these in advance). 2. Items: European adapter (2 round pins), power bank, phone charger, data cable; hiking boots, jacket, sports gloves, goggles, gas mask (essential for volcano climbing); quick-drying clothes, waterproof bag (for the waterfall); sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and other sun protection items. 3. Apps: Download Google Maps, Google Translate, and Grab (a super convenient ride-hailing app). 🍜Food Recommendations 1. Rujak: A street food specialty featuring a sweet and sour fruit salad—a must-try. 2. Layar Seafood: A highly-rated local seafood restaurant, famous for its salted egg yolk shrimp. 3. IBC Pondok Tempodoeoe: An Indonesian restaurant offering great value, especially their grilled fish. 4. Locca Hands: Their bone marrow beef rice is a surefire hit. 💡Tips 1. Indonesia offers visa-on-arrival. Prepare USD 35 or IDR 500,000 for the visa fee. 2. Prioritize safety when climbing volcanoes. Follow the guide's instructions and avoid venturing off alone. 3. Local transportation can be chaotic. Opt for Grab to avoid unlicensed taxis.