Let’s Roll with Mr. Haziq: East Java Adventure on a Budget

by Hani Yasmin
October 20, 2023
Places to Explore
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On 5 September, Mr. Haziq landed at Juanda International Airport, backpack slung over his shoulder, ready for an epic adventure through East Java and Lombok. This wasn’t your typical luxury trip—it was a solo escapade on a shoestring budget. With a devil-may-care attitude, he filled out the customs declaration form on the spot.

Outside, he hopped into a Grab, and it was off to Sidoarjo Station for a cool 200k rupiah. For the app-savvy, there was Gojek and Ingrab waiting on the PlayStore. At Sidoarjo Station, he grabbed a train ticket to Malang Station for just 12k rupiah. The journey took him through the night, and upon arrival, it was a 1.5-kilometer trek to Mador Malang Dorm Hostel. He found this cozy spot on the Agoda app. This hostel wasn’t just about dorm life; it also dished out adventure packages to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Bromo Mountain, and Kawah Ijen. Haziq decided to go for it, and the whole four-day, three-night package set him back 1.68 million rupiah.

The next morning, Haziq got breakfast from Indomart and set out for Tumpak Sewu waterfall, about two hours away from his hostel. The views were out-of-this-world, and the guided tour lasted 3-4 hours. Here’s a pro tip: pack water shoes or rugged slippers because you’ll get wet. Lunch wasn’t in the package, but local vendors had you covered. At around 3 pm, Haziq toasted his adventure with a 7k rupiah coke and dug into Javanese Fried Rice with Es Tea (iced tea) for an extra 20k rupiah.

The next day, It was Mr. Haziq’s birthday, and he had something extraordinary planned. At 12:30 AM, he embarked on a two-hour journey to the Bromo Mountain area. On arrival, it was time to switch to a trusty Jeep, grab a quick bite, and get briefed on the Bromo Mountain adventure, including prime spots for catching the sunrise.

After that stunning sunrise, it was a hearty breakfast before hopping into a Jeep to head towards Bromo Mountain. The Jeep didn’t take you all the way, so you’ll need to decide between a 3-4 km walk or pony up 100k rupiah for a horse ride.

Mr. Haziq chose the walk and soon found himself climbing the stairs to the summit.

The morning session ended with a return to Palm Resort, where lunch (self-paid) and dinner (self-paid) awaited.

The next leg of his adventure involved a scenic two-hour drive to Kawah Ijen. With breakfast included, he set out, knowing it would take approximately 4-5 hours to reach the magnificent Kawah Ijen. If luck was on your side, you might have been treated to the mesmerizing sight of the blue flames dancing around 4-5 AM.

Witnessing the sunrise at Kawah Ijen was an otherworldly experience, with trekking trails ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging. Haziq savored every moment, set his own pace, and immersed himself in the natural beauty around him. As the adventure concluded, Haziq wrapped up his East Java journey with a simple yet satisfying meal of Indomie and Es Tea (iced tea).

Before we wrap up, let’s take a moment to wish Mr. Haziq a belated but heartfelt Happy Birthday! May your future adventures continue to be as exciting and memorable as this one. Haziq didn’t expect his last-minute trip to have gone so smoothly, but perhaps it was luck or just his adventurous spirit. One thing’s for sure: spontaneity led to unforgettable memories. So, why not take a leap and plan your own impromptu adventure?

Expenses (per pax):

Grab (Airport – Sidoarjo Station)	Rp 200 000
Train Ticket (Sidoarjo – Malang Station)	Rp 12 000
4 Days 3 Nights Package Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Bromo Mountain Kawah Ijen	Rp 1 680 000
Coca – Cola	Rp 7 000
Javanese Fried Rice with Es Tea (ice tea)	Rp 20 000
Horse Ride (optional)	Rp 100 000