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Ijen Crater
Ijen Crater volcano complex at the eastern end of Java consists of a group of small strato volcanoes constructed within the large 20-km-wide Ijen (Kendeng) caldera. The north caldera wall forms a prominent arcuate ridge, but elsewhere the caldera rim is buried by post-caldera volcanoes, including Gunung Merapi stratovolcano, which forms the 2799 m high point of the Ijen complex.
Immediately west of Gunung Merapi is the renowned historically active Kawah Ijen volcano, which contains a nearly 1-km-wide, turquoise-colored, acid crater lake. Picturesque Kawah Ijen is the world’s largest highly acidic lake and is the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried from the crater floor.
Every first Friday of the month, Ijen National Park is close.
Interestingly, Sulfur is mined at the lake’s edge and the strong odor of this is not for those with a tender stomach. The people who work in these sulfur mines are well versed in their job. They carry the sulfur up to the top of the crater and afterwards walk the 19 km down the mountain to Banyuwangi where at a factory the sulfur is treated. These guys can carry as much as 80 kilos of the foul-smelling material!
Many other post-caldera cones and craters are located within the caldera or along its rim. The largest concentration of post-caldera cones forms an E-W-trending zone across the southern side of the caldera. Coffee plantations cover much of the Ijen caldera floor, and tourists are drawn to its waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic volcanic scenery.
Blue Fire Phenomenon
Ijen Crater is home to sulfur mines, and in this region, you can witness the stunning natural phenomenon known as blue fire a natural phenomenon that occurs in the darkness of night (before sunrise) due to the combustion of sulfur gases covered the sulfur mines.
The tour begins at 00:30 AM, departing from Banyuwangi but it could be modified to an Ijen Tour with a later departure (02.00 AM), depends on the level of crater activity and concentration of toxic gases, the decisions made by the authorities without announcement.
To visit Ijen Crater, why is a health certificate required?
The trek from Paltuding (gate) to Ijen Crater is a moderately challenging trek suitable for everyone; however, all visitors are required to have a health certificate from a official local clinic.
According to the new regulations, only those in good health, without high blood pressure or heart problems, are allowed to visit Ijen Crater. Without a health certificate, if there is a health problem due to heart or blood pressure problems, it will not be covered by insurance.
What the price of entrance tickets?
The new official rate of the entrances tickets to Ijen Bromo National Park as bellow
| Period | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| All periods | IDR 155.000 |
What s the price of trolley rental?
if you do not want to trek to Ijen crater, there are an alternative essay way to reach rim of the crater, a cart powered by 3 strong local people is available to reach rim of Ijen crater. The one way from entrances gate, will cost IDR 800.000/cart for 1 person. (its negotiable)
How to get transport to Ijen Crater?
Ijen Crater can be reached easily from Surabaya via Bondowoso which is located in the west of Ijen Crater or via Banyuwangi which is located in the east of Ijen crater and even from Bali via Banyuwangi.
We provide private affordable transport services from Surabaya, Malang, or Yogyakarta, and from Bali to Ijen Crater by using a private AC MPV type or bigger on customers request, including fuel driver and parking tolls. This is the reliable link to the pricing of transport from Surabaya to Ijen Crate
10 Essential FAQs
Visiting & Safety
- 1. What is Kawah Ijen famous for?Ijen Crater is famous for two unique phenomena: the Electric Blue Fire, which is ignited sulfuric gas visible only in the dark, and the largest highly acidic crater lake in the world, which is a striking turquoise color during the day. It is also the site of a traditional, highly dangerous sulfur mining operation.
- 2. When is the best time to see the Blue Fire?The Blue Fire is only visible in complete darkness. You must start your hike around 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM to reach the crater floor between 3:00 AM and 4:30 AM, before sunrise (which is typically around 5:30 AM).
- 3. How difficult is the hike to Ijen Crater?The hike is rated as moderate to challenging.
- The main trail from the Paltuding post to the crater rim is about 3 km (1.5 to 2 hours) and is steep and uphill.
- The descent into the crater to see the Blue Fire is an additional 45-minute, highly challenging descent over loose, rocky, and narrow paths in the dark. A good level of fitness is required.
- 4. Is a gas mask required, and is it safe to descend into the crater?Yes, a proper gas mask is mandatory. The crater floor and descent area have high concentrations of toxic sulfur dioxide gas, which can be lethal. Descending into the crater is technically difficult and dangerous due to the fumes, the dark, and the loose terrain. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced local guide for this part of the journey.
- 5. What is the best season and time of day to visit Ijen?The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October) for clearer skies and safer, less muddy trails. The optimal time for a visit is a midnight/early morning start to catch the Blue Fire, the sunrise, and the view of the turquoise lake before the sulfur smoke thickens later in the morning.
Logistics & Details
- 6. What are the typical opening hours and is Ijen ever closed?The official climbing time for Ijen Crater is typically from 2:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please note that Ijen Crater is usually closed to visitors every Friday of the first week of the month for conservation and maintenance. Always check for current closure announcements.
- 7. What gear should I bring for the Ijen hike?Essential gear includes:
- Warm clothing (jacket, gloves, hat) as temperatures can drop near 05C before dawn.
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip.
- Headlamp or flashlight (essential for the dark climb).
- A gas mask (usually provided by tour operators).
- 8. What should I know about the Sulfur Miners?Ijen is an active mining site where traditional sulfur miners risk their lives daily. They manually carry heavy loads (up to 80-100 kg) of sulfur chunks out of the crater. Visitors must be respectful, give them the right of way on the path, and never obstruct their work. You can also hire a miner’s trolley (called a “Gojek”) for assistance, which provides them with extra income.
- 9. Are there any restrictions on who can hike Ijen?Due to the extreme environment and high altitude, the hike is not recommended for young children (under 5-8 years old), pregnant women, or people with serious health issues like asthma, heart conditions, or vertigo.
- 10. Where does the hike start from, and what is the nearest major town?The hike starts from the Paltuding Post (Base Camp). The nearest major town and the most common starting point for tours is Banyuwangi, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Paltuding. Many tours also run from Bondowoso.
Photo Album of our customers
The photograph of our customers while they were at the Ijen crater.
Tour packages with Ijen Crater is available here! Further information and request a quotation we encourage you to contact us.
Recommended tours Ijen Crater
We offer all tour packages that are recommended for visiting the Ijen Crater, as below
- Bali Ijen Crater Bali 2 Days Tour
Tour from Bali to visit Ijen Crater in Banyuwangi, to watch blue fire phenomena, panorama view of huge acid water lake, sulfur porters, going back to Bali - Ijen Crater Blue Fire Tour depart from Banyuwangi (Private Trip)
Ijen Crater departs from Banyuwangi to watch a blue fire a rare natural phenomenon, panoeamic view of the huge acid water lake, and strong sulfur porters