Luhur Poten Temple Of Mount Bromo: Witnessing Sunrise And Culture

Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo is a temple that stands in the middle of a sea of sand. Some people even say that this temple is the only building in the desert. This temple is often called Sanggar Agung Poten. Hindus in Tengger pray here. Its location at the foot of Mount Bromo makes Luhur Poten Temple have an alluring panorama as well. Read our detailed review to learn more and explore the full potential of Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo.

A Sacred Sanctuary in the Sea of Sand: The Uniqueness of Luhur Poten Temple on Mount Bromo

The name Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo comes from the name of the land where this temple stands, Poten. Then, the word ‘Poten’ comes from the Javanese word empot-empot ing ati, which means the deepest heart.

Furthermore, Buddhist Tengger residents used Poten land to celebrate Labuh Kasada. In 2000,Tengger Hindus worked together to establish the Luhur Poten Temple after their Hindu Dharma reformation. Plus, the temple celebrates its birthday before the Labuh Kasada celebration at noon, which is every 14th of the Kasada Month according to the Tengger Saka calendar. (Wikipedia)

The temple is surrounded by some pretty impressive scenery, with mountains like Mount Bromo, Mount Semeru, and Mount Batok. The temple itself is located at an altitude of about 2200 meters above sea level.

The Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo is unique for its blend of Javanese and Balinese cultures. The temple building has three zones or mandalas: Mandala Utama, Mandala Madya, and Mandala Nista. Each zone serves a different purpose.

Mandala Nista Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo

Mandala Nista is the frontmost area, or jaba sisi. This is where you go from the outside of the temple to the inside.

Mandala Madya Luhur Poten Temple

Mandala Madya, or jaba tengah, is where you prepare for and accompany the prayer ceremony. This area consists of Kori Agung Candi Bentar, Bale Kentongan, and Bale Bengong. 

Mandala Utama Luhur Poten Temple

Mandala Utama, or the main area, is where the temple is worshiped. There are four parts to the center area: Padma, Bedawang Nala, Sekepat Building, and Bale Pawedan.

Enjoy the Beauty and Culture of Bali: When the Best Time to Visit the Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo

The sea of sand here makes the air quite hot and dry during the day, so it’s best to come before noon or even in the afternoon. It’s best to visit the Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo when the sun is not too strong.

As for the seasons, the best time to explore the Luhur Poten Temple is the dry season, from May to September. You can enjoy clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It’s the perfect place for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, this season is also the peak tourist season. You might have to deal with the larger crowds and potentially higher accommodation prices.

The temple is open all year round. If you want to encounter fewer crowds and potentially find higher accommodation prices, you should choose the rainy season. However, from October to April, it can be challenging due to heavy rainfall. There might be some limitations on the hiking trails due to wet conditions.

Navigating the Path: Reaching the Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo

There are several ways to reach the Luhur Poten Temple from Java or Bali, depending on your starting point and transportation. Here are some of the best ways to reach the temple:

Travelling from Java

Train and Taxi

Take a train from Solo to Probolinggo. The journey is about 6 hours. From Probolinggo, take a shared taxi to Cemorolewang . It’s a small village near Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. From Cemorolewang, you can hike to the temple. Alternatively, you can take a jeep tour to the temple to catch the sunrise.

Flights and Taxis

Fly from Surabaya to Probolinggo. It will probably only take you about an hour. From Probolinggo, take a shared taxi to Cemorolewang. Then, you can walk to the temple or take a jeep.

Travelling from Bali

Road Tour

Book a 3-day road trip from Bali to Java, including a visit to Ijen Volcano. The tour involves a night hike to the Ijen Crater to witness the blue flames and then continues to Mount Bromo. Enjoy the beauty of the Luhur Poten Temple. Then, the tour ends at Surabaya airport, where you can continue to your next destination.

Flights and Taxis

Fly from Denpasar, Bali to Surabaya. The flight time is about an hour. From Surabaya, take a taxi to Cemorolewang. From Cemorolewang, you can hike to the temple or take a jeep tour.

It’s important to plan your trip around the current status of Ijen Crater, as it’s an active volcano. In the event of unusual volcanic activity or safety concerns, access may be temporarily closed.

READ ALSO: Trip to Bromo & Ijen from Bali

READ ALSO: Trip to Bromo & Ijen from Surabaya

READ ALSO: Trip to Bromo & Ijen from Yogyakarta

 

Beyond the Temple Walls: Immersive Experiences to Embrace at the Luhur Poten Temple

A temple is a place of worship. As such, you should maintain a respectful attitude when exploring it. The same applies when you’re enjoying a moment at Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo. Moreover, to truly appreciate the temple’s beauty and meaning, consider engaging in the following enriching activities.

If you’re into spirituality, the temple offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for meditation and reflection. Meanwhile, nature lovers will love the stunning views of the Sea of Sand, Mount Batok, and the surrounding mountains.

Further, visitors can also explore the temple’s surroundings, which offer various activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and photography. The temple itself is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing, with the golden light casting a warm glow over the surrounding landscape.

Come and Experience the Magic of Luhur Poten Temple

Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo is more than just a historical landmark. It is a window into the Tengger people’s soul. Visiting this sacred site allows you to witness the harmonious blend of nature, culture, and spirituality that defines Mount Bromo. Whether you are looking for a spiritual connection, awe-inspiring natural wonders, or a glimpse into a unique way of life, Luhur Poten Temple offers an unforgettable experience.

So, pack your bags and go to Mount Bromo. Stand in front of Luhur Poten Temple of Mount Bromo and feel humbled and inspired by the volcano.