Plan a CruiseProbolinggo Cruise Port Guide
Probolinggo is a city situated on the north coast of East Java, Indonesia, with its harbor located on the Java Sea. The port is actively used by brightly colored fishing vessels. Larger cruise ships typically utilize tenders to transfer passengers to the shore facilities, which include a 1km finger jetty and a 173m pier.
The city center of Probolinggo is approximately a 1.5 km walk south from the port. The area is known for its blend of Javanese, Maduranese, Pendalungan, and Tenggerese cultures, all of whom maintain strong traditional customs. The region is famous for its excellent mangoes and a variety of agricultural products.
Getting Around from the Port
The city center is a manageable 1.5 km walk south from the cruise port. Taxis are not available directly at the port. For transport into the city and to explore local attractions, "Becak" (pedicabs) are readily available. A Becak ride to the city center costs approximately Rp. 50.000 (US$ 5). For excursions to destinations outside the city, such as Mt. Bromo, you will need to arrange a jeep or private minibus.
Attractions and Activities
- Mount Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall: A highly recommended excursion is a trip to the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park to see Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia's most famous volcanoes. This dramatic landscape is a must-see, even if you can't make it for sunrise. The park is about 45 km from Probolinggo and takes approximately 90 minutes to reach by jeep or private minibus. While in the park, you can also visit the impressive Madakaripura Waterfall.
- Jabung Temple: Located 26 km east of Probolinggo, this intriguing red brick Buddhist funerary shrine was completed in 1354 and offers a glimpse into ancient Javanese history.
- Probolinggo City Exploration: Explore the city of Probolinggo itself to observe local life. Attractions accessible by Becak include the Red Church, Museum of Probolinggo, Gotong Royong Traditional Market, Tri Dharma Temple, Batik Center, Java Ceramic, Fish Traditional Market, and Dr. Sutomo street, which is a local shopping hub. You might also have the unique opportunity to witness an Angklung instrument performance by local elementary students at Mater Dei Elementary School.
Dining & Shopping
Probolinggo is well-known for its excellent mangoes and other local produce like rice, corn, and sugar. The city is also a hub for handicraft industries, with local artisans producing a variety of handmade items including bamboo crafts, ceramics, garments, home decorations, and bags. These products make for unique souvenirs and can be found at local markets such as the Gotong Royong Traditional Market and along Dr. Sutomo street.
Safety
When using credit cards in Indonesia, it's important to exercise caution due to reported issues with cloning and fraud. While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, American Express may be problematic. Be aware that smaller operations often add a surcharge of 2-5% for credit card payments compared to cash.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are common in major cities for cash withdrawals. The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. While English is spoken in some tourist-oriented areas, it's not universally prevalent.