Looking Back at Our Bromo Trip

Fjällraven Discover Bromo 2025 | 4–6 July 2025

From 4–6 July, I joined Fjällraven Discover Bromo 2025 — a three-day hike across Mount Bromo’s incredible landscapes. Honestly, I didn’t really know what I was signing up for. It was my first time doing a hike like this and I was nervous — I hadn’t trained, I wasn’t sure if I was fit enough, and carrying a heavy backpack for three days straight sounded rough. But by the end, I walked away tired, grateful, and really proud of myself.

Day 1: Through the Sea of Sand

We started at 9:30am, and my pack weighed 12.5kg (stuffed into the Exped Lightning 45W). The first day was 12.7km, starting with a walk through the Sea of Sand — an open stretch where the mountains felt so far away. It looked incredible, but by the 7km mark I was already running low on energy. That cold drink from Tokokopituku? A lifesaver.

By 4pm, when we reached camp, all I wanted to do was sit. I set up my Helinox Chair Zero first (priorities), then my Exped Lyra II tent. Dinner was a random but satisfying mix — mac & cheese, instant noodles, and marshmallows roasted under the glow of the Snow Peak Hozuki lantern. A simple but perfect end to the day.

Day 2: Above the Clouds

We started later, around 9am, after a quick cup of Milo (in my andwander cup!). The first 45 minutes were brutal — pure uphill under the sun, and I had to stop so many times. But then, we broke above the clouds. That moment made every sweaty, shaky step worth it.

That day’s hike was 8.4km, ending with yet another uphill climb (everyone was groaning at this point). Dinner made up for it: rendang with rice, roasted corn, and bakso thanks to the Fjällraven Indonesia team. The temperature dropped to 8–10°C at night, and I was so glad for my Montane Anti-Freeze Hoodie.

Day 3: The Final Stretch

The last day was also the longest — 13.1km. Most of it was flat, but we had to cross the Sea of Sand again (this time stopping for sweet drinks at a pushcart, because why not).

The hardest part came right at the end: a zig-zag climb that felt never-ending. I had to pause countless times, but my Masters Pathfinder Calu Lite poles kept me steady. Along the way, we’d step aside for horses carrying people up the same path — a quirky little detail that made me smile even though I was dead tired.

By 2pm, we reached Lava View Hotel. My bag felt so much lighter at just 9kg after finishing most of the food. Exhausted, relieved, and honestly just proud of myself for making it through.

What I Learned

• Get your gear early and pack smart.
  
  

• Trekking poles = lifesaver.
  
  

• Drink water, even if you’re not thirsty.
  
  

• A bit of training would’ve helped (note to future me).
  
  

• Good shoes are everything — my KEEN Jasper Zionic held up the whole way, no blisters.
  
  

• Don’t overpack. Seriously. (You will thank yourself during the trek)
  
  

• Sleep in your next day’s clothes — less hassle in the morning, less weight in your bag.
  
  

What I Loved

• The views — Bromo is breathtaking from every angle.
  
  

• Evenings at camp, swapping food and stories.
  
  

• The cool mountain air that made everything feel fresh.
  
  

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. See you at Fjällraven Discover Bromo 2026.