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An idyllic gateway to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Plataran ensures a closeness with the wild while maintaining a supreme level of comfort and sophistication. The hotel's style is a patchwork of destinations including Japanese-esque rooms, cosy, alpine lounges and and vintage elegance. But it's the view that'll constantly draw your attention and you won't be able to resist peaking at the delightful scenes of blooming orchards, farms and forests at all hours. Waking to this sight each morning will undoubtedly inspire your daily activities, which could entail exploring the 'Sea of Sand', ascending the towering peaks at dawn, or riding horseback just like the locals do.
From $190 person/night
The sunset views over Java are staggering, especially over a cocktail from the Kinandari Lounge & Bar.
It can get very chilly in this region of Java, so don't forget to pack your woolly warms.
Certain rooms have a lot of stairs leading up to them, which can be difficult after hiking Mount Bromo.
There are plentiful dining options, ranging from an eclectic menu of international and Indonesian cuisine at Syailendra to the Teras Bromo, an open-sided dining room with a range of pan-Asian dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. The former has a distinctive warmth to it with rustic, bar brickwork and many cosy nooks to curl up in with a good book. When you're in the mood for a tipple, head for one of the bars for a drink with a side of views.
The rooms at Plataran Bromo range in size and style, but across the board, they have a classic, streamlined look. Some have a more Balinese design and others are distinctly Japanese. The suites have polished wood panelling, wicker furnishings and white-washed walls and their bathrooms have a large, roll-top tub, whilst Mezzanine rooms share a sitting and dining area amongst seven screened rooms. If you book the three-bedroom Founder's Home, you'll have a fully-equipped dining room and kitchen.
There's plenty of adventure to be had at the Plataran Bromo, much of which is related to the park's namesake volcanoes. There are hiking routes galore with the option to ascend in time to watch the sun rise followed by a breakfast picnic, cycles into the countryside, or horseback rides across the caldera's 'Sea of Sand'. You can also become a farmer for the day and learn about the harvesting process, or enjoy a cooking class, making jam with fruits from the garden.
The national park isn't just about its dramatic landscapes. It's also home to wildlife like the Javan leopard, Javan rusa deer and various bird species, including the rare Java hawk-eagle. While encounters with these creatures are rare, their presence adds an extra layer of magic to Mount Bromo.