(A panorama of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, formed by stitching 2 photos)

We were all embracing ourselves against the wet and cold climate on the top of Mount Penanjakan. It was probably 4:45 a.m. and we could hardly see each other’s face. I couldn’t differentiate whether it was drizzling or the whole area was just covered with thick  mist. We were all standing at an altitude of 2,770m. It’s not the highest point of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, but it’s the best place to see the sunrise and one of the most iconic images of Indonesia — a spectacular view of the serene Mount Batok, the steaming Mount Bromo and the erupting Mount Semeru, all sitting on a plateau surrounded by mountain ranges covered in lush greens. But only could be seen during ideal weather condition for sure! And I guess all of us just didn’t have the luck that morning. Sky was brightening, but visibility was still low. From the top of Mount Penanjakan, we hardly see anything below.

The sun had already risen over the horizon, and tourists were leaving one by one. Most tourists proceeded to the next destination — the crater of Mount Bromo, in much disappointment, I guessed.

When our jeep was descending the mountain, the view got better, but still misty. The panoramic photo above was taken at that point of time, after much post-processing. The weather was just terribly bad to take a crisp clear image. Original image lacks clarity. It was a dull and foggy morning. But be assured that what’s coming up soon will be far more interesting, both the journey and the photos!