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⛰️ In our 45th issue, we explored the state of sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia, primarily highlighting Plataran Menjangan located in West Bali. In this issue, we continue our sustainable tourism series with another Plataran resort—this time, however, it’s not by the ocean but nestled in the mountains and near a volcano: Plataran Bromo.

Breathing Easy, Living Green: Plataran Bromo’s Sustainable Touch

♻️ At Plataran Bromo, they’re all about elevating your travel experience—literally and sustainably! Settled in the breathtaking highlands of East Java, they take eco-friendly hospitality to new heights, ensuring that every guest not only enjoys nature’s beauty but also helps protect it. They’re making a difference, one conscious step at a time:

💡 Lights Out, Nature In 

They love shining a light on sustainability—just not too much of it! That’s why they educate their guests on the efficient use of electricity and water. And while most hotels might offer air conditioning, they take a fresher approach. With Bromo’s naturally cool climate, their rooms are designed to let guests embrace the crisp mountain air, no artificial breeze needed.

🥕 Farm to (Your) Table 

What’s on your plate at Plataran Bromo? Only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. They believe great food starts from the ground up, which is why they work closely with local farmers who supply them with staples like cabbage and potatoes—Bromo’s agricultural gems.

🌱 Stay and Plant a Legacy 

Imagine checking into your room while doing something good for the planet at the same time! Every stay at Plataran Bromo contributes to tree-planting efforts in Plataran Menjangan, helping to restore and protect Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. So, while you unwind in Bromo’s serene landscape, your visit is actively helping another beautiful destination thrive.

 👣 Less Plastic, More Impact 

Single-use plastics? No, thanks! Their rooms are designed with sustainability in mind, minimizing plastic use in both amenities and bottled water. They’re always looking for ways to cut down on waste, ensuring that your visit leaves a positive mark on the environment, not a plastic footprint.

🎞️ Unforgettable Eco-Adventures That Create Lasting Memories

🏞️ Plataran Bromo offers a range of immersive activities that connect guests with nature, culture, and adventure. Whether it’s chasing the sunrise at Mount Bromo, exploring the ancient Luhur Poten Temple, or embarking on a thrilling jeep tour across the volcanic landscape, every experience is designed to be both meaningful and memorable.

🌾 Delve into the Tenggerese traditions, take part in off-road biking and guided hikes, or saddle up for horseback riding through breathtaking scenery; for those with a passion for food, hands-on cooking classes highlight local flavors and sustainable ingredients, ensuring that every adventure is as enriching for the soul as it is for the senses.

💚 Adventures That Are Simply Bromo-tiful 

For travelers looking to really maximize all the activities Plataran Bromo offers, there are a variety of unique encounters that are equally thrilling and meaningful:

1. 🌄 Sunrise at Mount Bromo – Catch the first rays of light painting the sky over one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking volcanic landscapes.

2. 🚘 Jeep Adventures – Buckle up for an off-road journey across the Sea of Sand, an otherworldly expanse that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie.

3. 🐴 Horseback Riding with the Tenggerese – Experience local traditions firsthand as you ride across the volcanic plains with Bromo’s legendary horsemen.

4. 🛕 Luhur Poten Temple Visit – Step into history at this sacred Hindu temple nestled in the heart of the caldera.

5. 🥾 Trails – Lace up your boots and explore scenic trails that reveal sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

6. 🚴🏼‍♀️ Off-Road Cycling – Feel the adrenaline as you bike through rugged terrains with panoramic vistas.

7. 🧑🏼‍🍳 Culinary Journeys – Take part in a hands-on cooking class and learn how to prepare delicious Tenggerese dishes using local ingredients.

8. 🧫 Cultural Encounters – Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Tenggerese people, from their music and dance to their ancient rituals.

🌋 Bromo: A Peak Experience

🗻 Towering at 2,329 meters, Mount Bromo stands proudly in the heart of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. It is surrounded by the Tengger Caldera, which also includes Mount Batok (2,470m), Mount Kursi (2,581m), Mount Watangan (2,661m), and Mount Widodaren (2,650m). This majestic volcano and its towering neighbor, Mount Semeru, rise from the remnants of an ancient crater, forming the mystical Segara Wedi, or "sea of sand." Here, Tenggerese horsemen wrapped in traditional batik and ikat fabrics gallop across the sweeping terrain, embodying the region’s deep cultural heritage.

📖 Amidst this lunar-like landscape stands Pura Luhur Poten, a sacred Hindu temple nestled in the heart of Java’s highlands. Just like the morning mist that veils Bromo’s peaks at sunrise, this awe-inspiring destination is steeped in myths and legends.

🗓️ The Tenggerese people, descendants of the mighty Majapahit Empire, have called this land home for over 500 years. Today, around 100,000 of them continue their time-honored traditions across 30 villages dotting the slopes of Mount Bromo, keeping their heritage as alive as the volcano itself.

🎉 At Plataran Bromo, sustainability is celebrated in every way—from energy conservation to supporting local communities, every detail is thoughtfully designed to create an experience that’s as enriching for you as it is for the planet.

🎁 By choosing eco-conscious resorts like this and supporting sustainable initiatives, travelers can experience Indonesia’s breathtaking landscapes while preserving them for future generations. Come for the views, stay for the values, and leave knowing you’ve been part of a special initiative!

📚 Want to learn more about Plataran Bromo?

…and its other initiatives? Check out their website to learn more!

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❓ Did you enjoy this week’s issue? If yes, please do forward to your friends who would enjoy the read as well.

📧 Also, feel free to let us know what you thought by giving us feedback at [email protected].

🌊 SEA you next time!

Karina & Massimiliano