Ijen Crater, located on the border between Banyuwangi and Bondowoso regencies in East Java, is one of Indonesia’s most stunning natural tourist destinations. Famous for its rare natural phenomenon, the blue fire, Ijen Crater has become a top attraction for both local and international tourists looking to witness an extraordinary natural beauty. With its breathtaking views and fresh mountain air, Ijen Crater offers an unforgettable experience, especially for nature and adventure lovers.
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| img: tripadvisor.com |
The blue fire phenomenon at Ijen Crater is one of the most iconic in the world. This blue fire occurs due to sulfur gas burning when it comes into contact with air. The sulfur gas escapes from the high-pressure fissures of the crater and burns brightly with a blue flame at night. This phenomenon can only be observed at night until early morning, typically between 03:00 and 05:00 local time zone, as daylight makes the blue fire invisible. In addition to the blue fire, Ijen Crater is also known for its turquoise-colored crater lake, which is formed from chemical reactions involving sulfur deposits. This adds to the allure of Ijen Crater as a must-visit natural destination, especially for adventurers and nature lovers. The rare blue fire phenomenon, stunning crater views, and the experience of hiking in the dark make this place incredibly special.
The hike to Ijen Crater is challenging, especially due to the steep trail. Ensure you are in good physical condition and ready to hike at night. Although Ijen Crater is located in a tropical region, temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night and early morning. Be sure to bring warm jackets, gloves, and other clothing to keep comfortable. Ijen Crater is a highly sensitive environmental area. Do not leave trash behind and make sure to preserve the natural beauty of the site. Because of the sulfur gas around the crater, it is highly recommended to wear a mask to protect your breathing from harmful gases.
The hike to Ijen Crater is an enjoyable yet challenging experience. The trail is about 3 km long, with a steep incline, and it takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the crater’s rim. Hikers will pass through lush tropical forests before arriving at the crater's edge. The main activity at Ijen Crater is witnessing the blue fire phenomenon. Visitors typically begin their hike at night to reach the crater before sunrise and enjoy the mesmerizing blue flames. During this time, visitors can also see sulfur miners bravely extracting sulfur from the crater’s base. After witnessing the blue fire, visitors can enjoy the stunning view of the crater lake, which is a vibrant turquoise color. From the crater's edge, you can admire the vast sulfur lake surrounded by steep cliffs. Another unique attraction at Ijen Crater is the sulfur miners, who still carry out mining activities in the crater. They descend into the crater and carry heavy sacks of sulfur. This is a rare sight and provides visitors with a unique experience.
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| img: ijenexpeditiontour.com |
Ijen Crater is open every day, but the ideal visiting hours for tourists are during the night until early morning. The hike typically begins at around 01:00 to 02:00 WIB that visitors can arrive at the crater before sunrise to witness the blue fire. Entrance Fee for Ijen Crater is around IDR 10k to IDR 15k per person. For entry to the hiking area, there is usually an additional charge of IDR 50k to IDR 70k per person. If you want to use a guide service to help with your hike and provide information about Ijen Crater, the fee ranges from IDR 200k to IDR 300k.
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| img: alamy.com |
To reach Ijen Crater, visitors must first head to Banyuwangi, which is the closest city and main access point to Mount Ijen. Below are several ways to get to Ijen Crater.
From the center of Banyuwangi, you can reach Ijen Crater by rental car or private vehicle. The distance is about 40 km, and it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to get there. If you rent a motorcycle, the trip to Ijen Crater will be more flexible and faster, especially if you avoid traffic. From Banyuwangi, you can take public transportation such as a bus to Sempol Village, which serves as the gateway for hiking to Ijen Crater. From Sempol Village, you will need to take an ojek (motorcycle taxi) to the hiking post.
From Surabaya Gubeng Station, you can take a train to Banyuwangi. The train journey takes about 6-8 hours. From Surabaya, you can drive to Ijen Crater by private car or rent a vehicle. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic. There are many buses from Surabaya to Banyuwangi, stopping at terminals connected to transportation options heading to Ijen Crater.
If you're coming from Bali, you can take a ferry from Gilimanuk Port in Bali to Banyuwangi. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour, and then you can continue your journey to Ijen Crater. After crossing by ferry, you can continue the journey to Ijen Crater by private vehicle or rental transportation.