The majestic Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia’s natural wonders that magnetically attracts domestic and international travellers. Surrounded by a sea of sand and towering mountains in East Java, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park offers an unforgettable experience for its visitors.
Other amazing natural phenomena are adjacent to this active Somma volcano, namely Pasir Berbisik. This hidden wonder of nature is found in a large area covered by fine white sand, the Bromo Sand Sea. Its appeal lies in the distinctive rumbling sound produced when footsteps or wind cross this sand as the picturesque blue sky and stunning panorama of Bromo illustrate a day of exploration.
Pasir Berbisik Activities To Do
Before we get on to the list of activities to do in Pasir Berbisik, it’s best to get familiar with the area’s innate charm.
Where did Pasir Berbisik get its name?
“Pasir Berbisik” in literal translation is “Whispering Sand”. Strong winds that often hit the area cause sand grains to fly into the air, which produces a hissing sound similar to a human’s whisper when these grains of sand come into contact and rub against each other.
The hiss or whisper in Javanese culture is considered communication between spirits. The Javanese believe that nature’s spirits communicate with each other through the sounds of nature, such as wind and water. So, in Pasir Berbisik’s case, the whisper is often interpreted by the spirit of nature that inhabits this area.
Here’s a local folklore to familiarise yourself with: Tengger Joko Seger and Rara Anteng got married. They built a settlement and ruled the Tengger area, but were not blessed with any offspring. They then resorted to meditation at the top of Bromo to seek answers until they heard a supernatural voice stating their blessing with offspring was possible - on the condition that their youngest child would be sacrificed to the Bromo crater. The condition was met and they had 25 children, with their youngest child disappearing in the flames and entering the crater.
The youngest child advised the Tengger people to live in peace and harmony by worshipping Sang Hyang Widhi, the almighty God of Indonesian Hinduism practised by the Hindus residing in Bali and Java. Every Yadnya Kasada, the Tengger community holds offerings in Pantai Berbisik and Bromo Crater. In the traditional Tengger Hindu calendar, this ceremony is performed every 15th day of Kasada.
When should you visit Pasir Berbisik?
You can visit all year round, but weather conditions and tourist experiences can differ depending on the season. The dry season, which lasts from May to September, is the best time to visit the Bromo area, as the weather tends to be sunnier with breezy gusts of wind.
This form of a vast stretch of sand holds heaps of interesting and entertaining activities. Let’s get on to the list…
Offroad with Jeeps or dirt bikes
The sandy terrain can either be challenging or easy for vehicles to drive on. Let the Jeep driver take you on a thrilling ride. Peep through the window to catch the breathtaking sight of sand dust drifting behind the wheels against Mount Bromo’s stunning vista. Or, hire a dirt bike. Racing with friends at high speed on a stretch of sand will be thrilling.
Saddle up and go horseback riding
Want to go old school? You can get around in Pasir Berbisik by riding horses rented by locals for approximately Rp35,000. The horses are docile and are led by a handler to ensure your safety. But if riding horses is too much for you, you can always have a photo op instead.
Snapping dreamy pre-wedding photos
Pasir Berwhisper Bromo is one of the most popular pre-wedding photo locations in Indonesia The vast and beautiful desert, along with the majestic backdrop of Mount Bromo, make this spot the perfect choice for capturing wedding moments
Experience “Frozen Bromo”
Mount Bromo generally has a cold temperature from nighttime to sunrise, as low as between 9 and 13 degrees Celcius. Its most freezing point is from July to August when the temperature can reach -5 degrees Celsius. Pasir Berbisik has the lowest temperature as ice and snow are formed. The ice can reach a thickness of 2 to 3 cm!
Visiting Pura Luhur Poten
Not exactly within Pasir Berbisik, but nearby it is one of the highest temples in Indonesia that still functions as a place of worship for Hindus called Pura Luhur Poten. This temple was built in Javanese and Balinese architectural styles infused with thick Hindu nuances. At certain times, the Tengger Tribe often holds religious ceremonies at this temple which tourists can visit and witness firsthand.