For those who don’t know, “Pasir Berbisik” refers to a vast sea of sand located within Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, situated at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level!
What is Pasir Berbisik in Bromo?
This unique tourist spot is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, featuring a high-altitude desert-like area. In reality, this sand sea is a massive caldera, the remains of an ancient Tengger volcano that has since become a desert at a high elevation.
Originally, this area was not known as Pasir Berbisik. The name became popular after it served as a backdrop for the 2001 feature film “Pasir Berbisik,” directed by Nan Achnas. The film tells the story of a village girl named Daya, who often imagined that the sand was whispering to her while she lay on it. This scene was filmed in the sand dunes of Bromo, giving the area its name.
Today, Pasir Berbisik is not just a film location; it’s also a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Many visitors come here specifically for photo shoots, pre-wedding sessions, and even music video productions. Additionally, the sand sea is a favorite destination for motorcycle touring enthusiasts like myself.
The Origin of the Name Pasir Berbisik in Bromo
Are you curious about the origin of the name “Pasir Berbisik”? This impressive tourist spot in Bromo is as popular as other attractions like the Bromo Teletubbies Hill or the newly famous Seruni Point. Pasir Berbisik refers to a vast sea of sand within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, a must-visit for tourists and extreme motorcycle enthusiasts alike.
The name “Pasir Berbisik” actually comes from the 2001 film of the same name, shot in this extensive sand dune area. But did you know that the sand here can indeed seem to “whisper”? This phenomenon occurs when strong winds blow, causing fine sand particles to collide and produce a whispering sound, making the name all the more fitting.
This vast sand sea is also frequented by photographers and musicians looking to create captivating video clips. The desert’s mystical allure often leaves viewers in awe, which is why the area is bustling with visitors daily.
But keep in mind, Pasir Berbisik is located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, so it can get quite cold. If you plan to visit, make sure to dress warmly, ideally with thick clothing or a comfortable jacket to ward off the chilly mountain air.
My Adventure Touring in Pasir Berbisik Bromo
One of the entrances to Bromo’s sand sea is from the Bromo-Semeru intersection if you’re coming from Tumpang, Malang. If you continue straight, you’ll reach Ranu Pane, the starting point for the Mount Semeru trek. However, if you turn left, you’ll pass through the Teletubbies Valley and eventually arrive at the sand sea and savannah of Mount Bromo.
Don’t be surprised if the road is a bit rough, or even severely damaged in some areas. I’ve traveled this route twice, and once I even fell off my motorcycle, mainly due to my carelessness—riding with one hand while the other was busy capturing the landscape of Pasir Berbisik.
At the end of the Teletubbies Valley savannah, the quiet Pasir Berbisik awaits. Occasionally, you’ll hear the distant roar of trail bikes—adrenaline junkies reveling in high-speed rides across the whispering sands.
A friend once told me that trail bikes are often rented out in Malang for adrenaline enthusiasts who traverse the Malang-Tumpang-Bromo route. I didn’t want to miss out, even if I was only riding a matic scooter. I tried a little stunt, speeding across the whispering sands, which sometimes required me to balance carefully due to the soft sand beneath.
Bromo’s Sand Sea: An Ancient Tengger Volcano Caldera
Pasir Berbisik in Bromo is essentially a giant caldera, part of the ancient Tengger mountain range, with a diameter of around 8-10 kilometers. So, when you’re in the sand sea, you’re actually within the area of the Tengger mountains, some of which are still very active.
The best time to experience Pasir Berbisik in Bromo is during the rainy season, as the sand won’t be as dusty as in the dry season. You’ll also get the bonus of seeing the Teletubbies Valley savannah turn green.
Interested in trying it out? My only advice is not to create your own path—stick to the designated routes for safety and to avoid damaging the savannah. Happy adventuring!
How to Get to Pasir Berbisik Bromo
The easiest way to get there is by riding your own motorcycle. However, if you don’t have your own vehicle, you can rent a 4WD or jeep, commonly available in Bromo. The rental cost is around IDR 500,000 to IDR 700,000, depending on the agreement.
Entrance Ticket Prices for Pasir Berbisik Bromo
The entrance fee to the sand sea is included in the ticket to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, which is quite affordable:
– Local Tourist (Weekdays): IDR 29,000
– Local Tourist (Weekends/Holidays): IDR 34,000
– Foreign Tourist (Weekdays): IDR 220,000
– Foreign Tourist (Weekends/Holidays): IDR 320,000
– 6-Wheel Vehicle: IDR 50,000
– 4-Wheel Vehicle: IDR 10,000
– 2-Wheel Vehicle: IDR 5,000
– Bicycle: IDR 2,000
– Horse: IDR 1,500
– Horse Riding: IDR 150,000
– Jeep Rental: Starts at IDR 500,000 per jeep
– Trail Bike Rental: Starts at IDR 250,000 per bike
Ticket prices may change, so it’s best to check with the national park authorities beforehand.
Activities to Do at Pasir Berbisik Bromo
There’s plenty to do during your visit, such as:
- Visiting Mount Bromo: The main attraction, apart from the sand sea. If you have your own vehicle, you can park your motorcycle at the base and continue with a short trek. The summit of Mount Bromo is only about a 20-30 minute walk, depending on your physical condition.
- Stopping by Pura Luhur Poten: This Hindu temple is often a place of worship but can also be viewed up close. It’s one of the few temples in Indonesia situated at such a high altitude, making it an interesting visit.
- Exploring the National Park by Jeep: For those who don’t want to drive themselves, you can rent a jeep to take you around the park, including stops at Mount Bromo, Pananjakan, the savannah, and the sand sea.
- Horseback Riding: If you prefer a more relaxed tour around the sand sea, you can rent a horse. The Tengger locals often rent out horses, and you’ll be accompanied by a handler to guide you.
- Motorcycle Touring: Bring your own motorcycle or rent a trail bike upon arrival. Touring around the Tengger caldera by motorcycle is a fun activity, especially for those who enjoy trail or motocross riding. Even if you’re using a matic scooter, as long as you’re an experienced rider, you can navigate the sandy terrain.
- Moto Vlogging: You can even document your adventure, just like I did with my matic Vario 110 and PCX 150 scooters. Yes, it’s possible to tour Bromo with a matic scooter, despite what others might say. It all depends on the rider’s skill!
If you’re interested in more tips for motorcycle touring, check out my motovlogs:
- Part 1: Journey from Probolinggo to Bromo: A popular route for a more relaxed tour, suitable even for matic scooters.
- Part 2: Exploring Bromo’s Sand Sea: My experience touring the vast sands of Bromo with a matic scooter.