TOUR AROUND EAST JAVA

EMOUNT BROMO
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There are three routes into the Tengger highlands on Mt. Bromo.
The most commond approach to the Bromo caldera is from the northeast via a road that leaves the main highway near Probolinggo and climbs 44 mountainous kilometres up to Ngadisari. Another road runs south from Pasuruan up to Tosari and Wonokitri. From here, it's a longer climb up to the rim of the caldera, but it's less crowded. Finally, there is a steep track that runs up from Malang via Tumpang to Ngadas, a village in the forested region between Bromo and Semeeru.

The mountain resort of Tretes, 60 km south of Surabaya, offers an escape from the urban heat. Near Pandaan, on the road to Tretes, is Candi Jawi, a 14th century temple built to enshrine King Kertanegara's ashes. During the dry season, the Chandra Wilwatikta open-air amphitheatre present massive dance-dramas.

Along the coastal road between Surabaya and Banyuwangi, lies Pasuruan, one-time sugar capital of Java. Pasuruan's renovated Grand Mosque is, without a doubt, one of Java's most beautiful. The Madakaripura Waterfall, accessible from Probolinggo, about 40 km east of Pasuruan, is reputed to be a sort of from Pasuruan to Malang passes the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens which specialises in dry climate lowland vegetation mainly from eastern Indonesia and are second only to the gardens at Bogor.

MALANG
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Situated 450 metres above the oppressive heat of the lowlands, Malang is perched on a picturesque plateau ringed by volcanoes. The Malang area contains many interesting antiquities, but the modern city is a creation of the colonial era - its development fueled after 1870 by enterprising Europeans who set up coffee, rubber, and cacao plantations alongside the government sugar estates.

Malang's alun-alun (town square) took shape in 1882 along the usual Javanese lines : bordered by a market, mosque, and local ruler's residence. Colonial priorities dictated that it also have a home for the Dutch assistant resident, a Protestan church, and later a bank. In 1994, a new municipal centre was established across the Brantas River. The Balai Kota houses municipal offices; the original fountain in the park was replaced by Tugu monument.