East Java
East Java is one of the Republic of Indonesia's 27 provinces, occupying an area of some 48,000 km2 just south of the equator. Including the island of Madura, it accounts for a little more than a third of Java's total land surface and supports a population of almost 33,000,000 inhabitants. To the east, across a narrow strait, lies the island of Bali; to the west are the provinces of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Mount Bromo
Many local and foreign travelers make the trek for the mystical experience of watching the sunrise from the crest of the Bromo volcano. A pony ride from the village of Ngadisari takes you over a sea of sand to the foot of the volcano. Ascend the 50 steps to reach the rim. On the vast expanse of sand, formerly a caldera, there are two volcanoes; the extinct Batok which ia a perfect cone and Bromo. Volcanic sulphur fumes and smoke still emanate from the depths, and when the God of Bromo begins to rumble, the surrounding population quickly brings their offerings. The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is held on the 14th day of Kasada, the twelfth month in the Tenggerese calendar year. It is a dazzling event where villagers from the surrounding areas bring their humble offerings to the holy volcano.
Surabaya
A booming city of over 3 million people, Surabaya offers many good hotels, shopping centers and plentiful sources of entertainment. Its well-stocked zoological garden includes several species of Indonesian fauna: orang utans, komodo dragons and a collection of nocturnal animals. Kalimas is an old traditional harbor for the world famous Bugis schooners, which can still be seen in all their former glory. Across the Madura Strait, half an hour by ferry from Surabaya is the island of Madura, famous for its unique bull races.
Ijen Crater
Kawah Ijen is the world's largest highly acidic lake and is the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried from the crater floor. Coffee plantations cover much of the Ijen caldera floor, and tourists are drawn to its waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic volcanic scenery.
