Packing & Fitness for Bromo, Ijen & Tumpak Sewu

Bromo, Ijen and Tumpak Sewu are not technical climbs, but they can be demanding:

• Long days: early departures, late arrivals, and some night-time sections (especially Ijen).
• Altitude & temperature changes: cool to cold nights, warm days, and wind at viewpoints.
• Uneven ground: volcanic sand, stone steps, rocky paths, wet and sometimes slippery sections.
• Stairs & slopes: especially at Ijen and Tumpak Sewu.

This page is here to help you prepare. It is not a medical evaluation. For Ijen, your final clearance comes from the health screening we include in relevant tours and the medical staff who perform it (see /travel-guide/ijen-health-screening).

Before booking, ask yourself:

• Can I comfortably walk 3–4 hours in a day, including hills or stairs, with breaks?
• Am I generally comfortable with early mornings or night starts?
• Am I able to walk on uneven or dusty ground without losing balance easily?
• For Tumpak Sewu: am I okay with steep, sometimes wet paths and using handholds / simple ladders?

If you are unsure or have a known heart, lung, or serious mobility issue, talk to your doctor first and tell JVTO about it in your booking form. We will adjust expectations where possible and be very clear about which routes may not be suitable.

For Ijen, your fitness is additionally checked through the included health screening, which may result in you being advised not to hike if it is unsafe for you.

These items are useful for most JVTO tours in East Java:

• Footwear
• Closed, comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots with good grip.
• Optional: light sandals for use at accommodation (not for hikes).
• Clothing
• Base layer (t-shirt or long-sleeve, breathable).
• Warm middle layer (fleece or light sweater).
• Windproof / waterproof outer layer for cold mornings and possible rain.
• Comfortable trousers (avoid jeans that stay wet and heavy).
• Extra socks.
• Weather & sun
• Hat or beanie (warm for night, cap for day).
• Light gloves for Bromo/Ijen early morning.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen and simple lip balm.
• Small daypack
• Enough space for water, snacks, camera/phone, extra layer.
• Rain cover or plastic liner.
• Personal items
• Basic personal medication (with original packaging).
• Travel-sized toiletries.
• Power bank & charging cable.
• Copy of your passport photo page (printed or on phone).

Your main luggage stays in the vehicle or accommodation at appropriate times. We tell you the best bag to carry for each day in your tour briefing.

For Bromo sunrise:

• More warmth
• Night and early morning at viewpoints can be very cold and windy.
• Bring: extra sweater or jacket, beanie, and warm gloves.
• Dust protection
• A simple buff, scarf or light mask can make dust and sulfur smell more comfortable.
• We still recommend stepping away if the air feels too dusty or uncomfortable.
• Electronics
• Camera / phone with enough battery — temperatures and early wake-ups can drain batteries faster than normal.

For Ijen night hikes:

• What JVTO provides
• Gas mask for sulfur gas.
• Basic trekking pole(s) when needed.
• Mineral water.
• Headlamp or flashlight (depending on your tour setup).
• JVTO travel t-shirt (on eligible packages).
• What you may want to bring
• An additional scarf or buff for comfort under or around the mask.
• Thin inner gloves (if your hands get cold easily).
• Light snacks that you know your body accepts well.
• Fitness & health
• Ijen is a steep, sustained hike with thin, cold air and possible sulfur gas exposure.
• If you have heart, lung, or serious circulation issues, you must tell us in advance and be honest during screening.
• Your final go/no-go decision for the hike follows the health screening process and current conditions (see `/travel-guide/ijen-health-screening`).

Tumpak Sewu involves steep paths, wet sections and spray from the waterfall. For this route:

• Footwear
• Shoes with strong grip that can get wet, or
• Sports sandals with heel strap and good traction.
• Clothing
• Quick-drying clothes; avoid heavy cotton that stays wet and cold.
• A lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
• Protection
• Waterproof bag or dry sack for phone, camera and passport.
• Small towel and a set of dry clothes for after the hike.

This route is not ideal for guests with serious knee, hip, or balance issues. Tell us in advance so we can advise honestly.

For detailed information on:

• How we handle extreme weather and volcanic alerts → see `/travel-guide/weather-and-closures`.
• How we integrate health screening for Ijen → see `/travel-guide/ijen-health-screening`.
• How we manage overall tour safety and follow official information sources → see `/travel-guide/safety-on-tours`.

Packing well and understanding your own limits is part of keeping your tour safe and enjoyable. JVTO’s role is to plan, brief, and adjust based on real conditions and official guidance; your role is to come prepared and to tell us the truth about your health and comfort levels.