I've always believed that the best adventures are the ones we share. But planning a trip for my own parents and extended family—one that would be both awe-inspiring and comfortable.

The question was: could we experience the raw, volcanic heart of East Java at a pace that suited everyone? The answer was a resounding yes. This 5-day journey was more than an itinerary; it was a reminder that with thoughtful planning, adventure is a joy to be shared across all generations. Here’s how our family's story unfolded.

Day 1: A Wild Welcome at Baobab Safari Resort

Our journey began at Surabaya’s airport, where our private, comfortable transport quickly whisked the whole family away from the city. Instead of a long travel day, a short drive brought us to the incredible Baobab Safari Resort in Prigen.

The magic here is immediate. There are few things that can prepare you for the collective gasp from the family when they see a giraffe nibbling on leaves right from their hotel balconies. It was the perfect, gentle start to our trip, allowing everyone to settle in and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the wild without any stress.

Day 2: A Safari at Our Own Pace

Waking up already on-site was a huge advantage for a large group. We could explore Taman Safari Prigen at a truly leisurely pace. The drive-through safari was a massive hit, allowing everyone from the youngest to the eldest to experience the thrill of seeing tigers, rhinos, and hundreds of other animals from the comfort of our vehicles.

In the afternoon, we caught a few of the park's fantastic animal shows, which were easily accessible. It was a day filled with excitement for the younger ones and relaxed enjoyment for the seniors in our group. The highlight was definitely the Tiger and Dolphin Shows.

Day 3: Highland Charms in Batu and the Ascent to the Clouds

After a relaxed morning, our family convoy made the short drive to the cool highlands of Batu. Our stop was the enchanting Batu Love Garden (BALOGA). It was a wonderful change of pace—a peaceful walk among thousands of vibrant flowers and creative sculptures. The well-paved paths made it easy for everyone to stroll and enjoy the scenery.

In the late afternoon, we began our scenic ascent towards the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, arriving at our mountain lodge with plenty of time for the whole family to rest and acclimatize before the main event.

Day 4: The Bromo Sunrise Spectacle (and the Luxury of a Good Sleep)

This was the day everyone was waiting for. After watching sunrise from the comfort of Artotel Bromo Cabin, our private 4x4 jeeps whisked us away to the famous Penanjakan viewpoint. Witnessing the view over the Bromo caldera was a moment of pure, shared magic for the entire family.

After soaking it all in, we descended into the vast "Sea of Sand." Here, a new adventure began: for many in our family, it was their first time riding a horse. Seeing the mix of nervousness and pure excitement on their faces as they were gently guided across the volcanic sand towards the Bromo crater was a memory in itself.

Those who were up for it climbed the stairs to the crater rim, while others happily waited below. Before leaving the caldera, we made one last stop at the surprisingly lush Bromo Hillside, often called Teletubbies Hill, for some final photos against a completely different, greener backdrop. We then returned to our hotel for a hearty lunch before beginning our comfortable journey back to Surabaya for our final night.

Day 5: A Surabaya Farewell

On our final morning, we enjoyed a relaxed breakfast in Surabaya. With a few hours before our flight, we managed some last-minute shopping for local crafts and snacks (Spikoe cake is a must buy!) to bring home as memories of our incredible family adventure. The private transfer to the airport was smooth and stress-free, ending our trip on a perfect note.

Final Thoughts: A Journey for Everyone

This 5-day trip was a powerful reminder that even an action-packed day of adventure can be made comfortable and accessible for everyone. It wasn’t just about the epic views; it was about the shared firsts, like riding a horse across a volcanic plain. With the right planning, the wonders of East Java truly are for the whole family.

Ready to create your own multi-generational memories? At Avantour Travels, we specialize in crafting bespoke, worry-free journeys.

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