Dining options in Mount Bromo are quite limited and of mediocre quality. It's better not to waste too much money on meals when there are more valuable experiences to invest in. 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.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mount Bromo is around $9 (Rp148290) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $17. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Mount Bromo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $3
- Lunch: $1 to $4
- Dinner: $3 to $6
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
Most restaurants in Cemoro Lawang are connected to an accommodation. Cafe Lava offers budget rooms at moderate prices and also has decent food in their restaurant. You can also choose to dine at roadside warungs or the few independent restaurants in town, such as Bromo Corner Cafe, next to the national park office, or Waroeng Basuki, which serves local East Java and Peranakan Chinese food at affordable prices.
Around the caldera, there are also many shops, which are a popular place to visit for coffee in the morning time before or after the sunrise. Nearby are other shops which also sell hot tea, grilled corn, noodles, and other snacks and drinks.
Accommodation
There are plenty of places to stay in Mt. Bromo but if you're looking for luxury, you won't find it here without a price tag. Proximity to the volcano will cost you, but keep in mind that that farther away you stay, the earlier you'll need to wake up to get to the site of the sunrise.
Most budget hotels will come at a higher cost, especially during high travel season in the summer. Many rooms in Mt. Bromo, though advertised as moderate, may be basic with simple amenities. Budget rooms can simply consist of a small room that may fit just a bed and require that you share a bathroom. SM Bromo Hotel is considered expensive, considering its no-frills rooms, but it is clean and just a ten-minute drive to get to the viewpoint. Cafe Lava Hostel is another popular bed and breakfast within a close distance to the volcano but has a reputation of inconsistency with cleanliness. Homestays are also available in town.
Considering that most spend less than a day and sleep only a few hours in Mt. Bromo, many don't mind paying higher prices to be closer to the caldera. However, if you choose not to stay in Mt. Bromo, you also have the option stay in Surabaya or Malang and leave the city around midnight to arrive in Mt. Bromo early in the morning, in time to see the sunrise. This way, you can avoid budget hotels at expensive costs, but still enjoy the activities near the crater.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Pack a picnic to save cash and enjoy the views. Find a local grocery store or market, gather some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.