Kawah Ijen

(A volcano with green lake, sulfur mining, blue fire, and amazing trekking route)

If you are reading my articles, you will get more understanding geographically about Indonesia. Mostly international tourists know about Bali if talking about my country, but that is in the past before internet exists. THAT is long long time ago, dudes!. The effect of internet is making every traveler smarter. 

Right now yes Bali is still top destination in Indonesia, but many new destinations are raising my friends especially in Java Island, Sumatera Island, Kalimantan Island, Sulawesi Island, Lombok Island, Flores Island, Komodo Island, Bunaken Island, Sumbawa Island, Moluccas Island, and Raja Ampat Island. See? Indonesia is a big country! More than 17.000 islands!. And, mostly population in Indonesia is living in Java Island (about 140 million). 

This article focuses about one rising destination in Java since few years ago, Kawah Ijen AKA Ijen Crater, one of the most popular volcano destinations in Indonesia.

 

The map of volcanoes in Indonesia (Doc.Wikipedia)

Indonesia has so many volcanoes (more than 100), and imagine if every local government in every provinces in my country make the volcanoes as tourist destinations. Unfortunately, not all local governments are aware about this. Until today only Bromo (East Java Province), Ijen (East Java Province), Tangkuban Perahu (West Java Province), Dieng (Central Java Province), Merapi (Yogyakarta Special Region), Merbabu (Central Java Province), Semeru AKA Mahameru (East Java Province), Rinjani (Lombok Province), and Kelimutu (Flores Province) are very popular for European tourists, local tourists, and Asian tourists. 

The beauty of Kawah Ijen

How to go to Ijen? There are 3 ways to go there. Here we go:

-                      Yogyakarta : European tourists mostly travelling to Yogyakarta – Bromo – Ijen – Bali. Then for Gili Islands or Lombok, they can go independently. This way is only famous for European travellers. I call this trip as Java – Bali Overland. This is a legend and classic trip, also full of adventures. Imagine, the combination of ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, city tour, volcano destinations (Bromo and Kawah Ijen), then leisure destinations like in Bali or Lombok (Gili Islands). It is a complete package trip, isn’t?

-                      Surabaya : Thanks for the new international airport in Surabaya, so that many direct flights from Singapore and Malaysia. If you are European, you can go to Bromo first, and then go to Ijen. After that, you can go to Bali by crossing the strait with Ferry from Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi District – East Java to Gilimanuk Port in Bali (just 1 hour guys!). But if you are Asian tourists, better you take Ijen first then Bromo for the last. After that, back to Surabaya for return to your country. 

-                      Bali :You can go to Ijen from Bali but this is not effective and efficient in time, except if your accommodation in West Bali National Park area or Lovina area, because not far from the Gilimanuk Port.

The sulfur miners in Kawah Ijen area

Reaching the paltuding post? There are two ways. Here we go: 
-          If your accommodation in Arabica Homestay or Catimor Homestay in Bondowoso District – East Java Province, you don’t need a jeep to go to the paltuding post (the starting point for trekking). You just need a car or long van to get there. The homestays are the nearest accommodation to the paltuding post.

-          If your accommodation in Banyuwangi District – East Java Province, you need a jeep or rent a good scooter. Please notice that, not every accommodation serves scooter. Mostly the travellers rent a jeep to reach the paltuding post.

 

The sulfur mining area at the bottom of the crater

Blue Fire? Blue fire is natural phenomenon that only two in the worlds (Iceland and Kawah Ijen). Many travellers have no idea about this attraction. You must bring special stuffs like special mask, anti-slip shoes, headlight, trekking sticks,  fit condition (you cannot go for Blue Fire if you have asthma and heart attack), and amazing camera. I’ve tried this attraction so I knew how it felt. Professional travel agents are never offering this attraction because too risky and absolutely dangerous. But many backpackers are doing this because they are ready for the consequences. You know what I mean, right?

 

Blue Fire at the bottom of the crater (Doc.www.vertlhorizon.com)

You must go at midnight (or before midnight) from your accommodation. From the paltuding post, you just follow the trekking route with your guide until the lip of crater of Ijen. Trekking at night is never easy and need more time (because less oxygen) . For local people or Asian, mostly need about 90 minutes until 2 hours for 3 km trekking route. So, around at 02.00 am from the lip of crater, you must go down to the sulfur mining area that close with the lake, because Blue Fire only in that area. Walking step by step and slowly, also need super focus and super concentration. No rush!. In this part, you need local sulfur miner to help you. 

Kawah Ijen (from different 'angle')

Around 03.00 or 03.30 am, you may enjoy the Blue Fire just right in front of you!. The sensation is super wow!. Do not stand too long in that area. After you get what you want (recording video or taking amazing photos), please return immediately to the lip of crater. Then, hike again to the secret area for the sunrise spot and you will take an amazing landscape of Ijen Lake from the best area. 

Enjoy your breakfast and waiting again until the sun shine goes through to the lake. You will never forget this experience in your lifetime. Blue Fire is not possible to conquer my friends but you need special preparation. You need 2 days 2 night, so that after this trip you may rest to revitalize your body.

 Kawah Ijen - sulfur mining area and a green lake

If Blue Fire is too difficult for you, you may choose the regular way. Go to the paltuding post by jeep or car from your hotel around 04.00 0r 04.30 am, and follow the trekking route then go to the secret area. Sorry, I cannot tell you. The regular way is more relax, and also spectacular you know. 

Other attractions? There are some by the way, but you cannot go if you only have time 1 day in Ijen. Kawah Wurung, visiting the sulfur river stream, coffee plantation, interview with local sulfur miners, visiting “the sulfur house”, clove plantation, and trying local Soto Ayam are very good additional attractions for you. Don’t forget to try the local coffee also!. 

As a professional and licensed guide, the safeties of clients are top priority. I never recommend Blue Fire except the clients want it with special “terms and conditions apply”. Need vacation? Contact me!.