When Islam swept over the great Majapahit Empire in the 15th century, most of Hindu believers escaped to Bali Island. A few of them, however, chose to find a haven close to one place that neither Islam revolution nor modern technology ever fully conquer. Nature had decreed that Mount Bromo and its surrounding area around now Probolinggo District, East Java, stay with its pristine, inexorable law.

Mount Bromo is a highly volatile volcano and not always easy to predict. There have been at least four eruptions since 2010, some of them involving death tolls. While deadly, the volcano is also beautiful. It soars high from amidst a vast stretch of volcanic ash aptly called Segara Wedi (literally means "Sea of Sand") at an altitude of 2,329 metres (7,641 ft). The plain that hosts Sea of Sand also comprises Mount Semeru that can be seen at the back of Mount Bromo.

Due to such altitude, temperature in Bromo is very cold. Most of the time, people living around the volcano wear sarongs (Javanese traditional cloth) and warm cloth. These geologycal and climate features, together with Sea of Sand, offer safe protection for people seeking refugee around the mount. Crossing the sand is not easy. Only human and horses feet able to trample the extremely soft soil.

The mount's environmental characteristics greatly affect local culture. People living around the mount are called Tengger tribe. Their ancestors were people who refused to convert to Islam. They preserve their Hindu practices and cultures until now. One of their most attractive cultures is the festival of Yadnya Kasada that lasts for one month. At the end of the festival, Hindu believers throw sacrifices and offerings into the caldera for the gods.

Tengger people also preserve a temple. Situated on Sea of Sand, the temple is called Pura Luhur Poten. While Balinese temples are made of red bricks, this Tenggerian pura is built of volcanic rocks.

It is only recently that hardened paths were built that lead to the area round the crater - fostered by tourism. Now tur operator also offer jeep transportation. In addition, Bromo is now a popular tourist destination and hospitability industry has been thriving throughout the area. Hotels, villas and homestays are easily found, making it easier for tourists and travellers to enjoy this deadly-beautiful volcano.