A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Dewa Sanzan for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a spectacular, breathtaking, and scenic volcano. Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a traditional, religious, and sacred religious site. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Dewa Sanzan travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dewa Sanzan. Although Mount Bromo and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations, Dewa Sanzan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dewa Sanzan is very popular for its museums and attractions and shopping, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. It is also well known for Haguro-san.

How is Mount Bromo different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dewa Sanzan and Mount Bromo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Dewa Sanzan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Mount Bromo and Dewa Sanzan can be an enjoyable experience.

Mount Bromo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Dewa Sanzan. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Neither Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mount Bromo The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

People don't go to Dewa Sanzan for the nightlife. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Mount Bromo and Dewa Sanzan both have great trails.

Many visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular spot for hiking. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan is mediocre for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Dewa Sanzan can be found for those interested. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Mount Bromo is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly volcano. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly volcano. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Mount Bromo is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Mount Bromo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Dewa Sanzan is a good volcano for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Mount Bromo and Dewa Sanzan are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mount Bromo. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

Dewa Sanzan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mount Bromo and Dewa Sanzan both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Public transit is generally limited in Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable place. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

For even more information, also check out Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mount Bromo and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dewa Sanzan than in Mount Bromo. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

Families should spend more time in Mount Bromo than Dewa Sanzan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Mount Bromo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Mount Bromo than Dewa Sanzan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mount Bromo that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dewa Sanzan than Mount Bromo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dewa Sanzan.

One day in Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the spectacular volcano of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this volcano has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the spectacular destination of Mount Bromo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This volcano offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the traditional destination of Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This religious site offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan?

The breathtaking volcano of Mount Bromo offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The traditional religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Bromo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Bromo and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dewa Sanzan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dewa Sanzan than you might in Mount Bromo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Bromo Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.