Tumpak Sewu, Bromo and Ijen in Three Days, from Malang or Surabaya

Three days, two nights, and a route that starts with water rather than fire. Tumpak Sewu is the biggest waterfall in the East Java region, and reaching the bottom of it means going down bamboo stairs to the river, with a local trekking ranger. Day one: pick-up at 07:00 from your hotel in Malang, about two hours to the waterfall, back at the car park by midday, then five hours to Cemoro Lawang and a bed. Day two: a private 4WD at 03:00 to the Penanjakan sunrise point, then down to the Bromo crater and up it on foot. Late breakfast at the hotel, check out, and five to six hours to Bondowoso. Rest, then check out again at midnight. Day three: an hour and a half to Ijen, where a ranger meets you. The climb to the summit is about 4 kilometres and takes two hours. If the weather allows it, you can go down to the source of the blue fire with the ranger, and that part is at your own risk. Back up for the sunrise from the summit, then down to the parking area and a breakfast box. The trip finishes at Ketapang harbour, where the driver buys your ferry ticket to Bali. One condition attached: the ticket is complimentary, so if you ask to be dropped at a hotel in Banyuwangi instead, it is not refunded. Pick-up from Malang or from Surabaya, whichever suits. The cancellation terms are stricter than the usual 24 hours, so read them before booking.