LOCATION:
Located deep inside Tengger Caldera. Jeeps can be rented from Tosari, Cemoro Lawang or Ngadas. The one I took from Bromo Cottages Hotel in Tosari cost me Rp275.000 ($30) which includes the sunrise trip at Gunung Penanjakan before descending across the Sea of Sands to the foot of Mount Bromo.

DESCRIPTION:
Overshadowed by Mt Bromo (2,392m) that constantly oozing hot sulphuric gases, and by Mt Semeru (3,676m) in the far horizon which coughs out hot ashes every 1/2 hour on average, Mt Batok is often regarded as a side attraction that completes the spectacular set of volcanoes in the ancient Tengger Caldera (Bromo, Batok and Kursi).

Nonetheless, to me, the mountain is extremely unique. Just like Mt Bromo or Mt Kursi, this perfectly shaped mountain rises from the Sea of Sands. Hence, despite being measured close to 8,000-ft above sea level, it doesn't look that tall. In fact, from the base, its peak can seem to be conquered in a heartbeat.

Mt Batok, just like most volcanoes, is of brown volcanic cone. But the similarity ends here. In recent times, the mountain has witnessed some growth of vegetation that gives it a breathtaking hues of meadow green and yellow. I could not ascertain when was the last time the volcano erupted, but it has to be many years or centuries ago. Its slopes are very unique if you inspect closely - alternating ravines and crevices patched by dark and light green, and muddy brown features.

On its foot, you can witness the traces of ancient lava flow among the black sand. There are also tiny shrubs thriving within the gaps, along with the tall cemara trees that recently have made Mt Batok home.

MY VERDICT:
A beautiful mountain in its own right.