These images were taken on the island of Indonesian Java. Mt Bromo lies at an altitude of 2,329 metres, where the air is a lot drier and cooler than the tropical climate down at sea level. Upon arrival, a pocket of steam escaping from our freshly opened bags reminded us of just how drastic the difference in air quality was up here, after just an hour of driving.
The above picture would be the size of a 50p coin in relation to the panoramic stitch above. Just about visible is a tiny motorbike in the lower third of it, a man crossing the Sea of Sand, a vast crater surrounding Mt Bromo, in the shadow of the billowing ash cloud escaping from the volcano. I felt so small and humbled standing in front of these natural forces, listening to the rumble coming from below.
Cemoro Lawang, a sleepy little village with friendly locals living off the land and tourism, lies right on the edge of the massive crater. Climbing the mountain that faces Mt Bromo in the dark was a thrilling challenge and it gave splendid views of the sunrise over the crater.
