Hiking to Ijen Crater in Java – An Unforgettable Adventure

It was 11:30 PM when the alarm jolted us awake, barely two hours into our sleep. Back home in India, this would normally be our bedtime, but we dragged ourselves from the comfort of our bed to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. It was time to head to Kawah Ijen, a long-time dream destination. With its turquoise blue crater lake, the famed Blue Fire, and the fact that Ijen is still an active volcano, it was everything our curious souls had been longing for.

Read on to know more about this epic place and our unforgettable adventure.

A Little About Mount Ijen

Mount Ijen (pronounced ee-jen), located in East Java, Indonesia, is an active volcano that is part of the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark. It is home to one of the most acidic crater lakes in the world, with an enchanting turquoise colour.

This remarkable site also features the rare and mesmerising blue fire phenomenon, believed to be one of the only two places on Earth where it can be observed. The blue flames result from sulphuric gases emerging from volcanic fissures, igniting upon contact with atmospheric oxygen. The entire volcanic landscape of the Ijen region is otherworldly, and an absolute must-visit.

Ijen is also alternately addressed as Kawah Ijen, Mount Ijen, Ijen Lake, Ijen Crater Lake, Ijen Volcano, Ijen Plateau etc. by many people as well as tour agencies. But at the end, they are all referring to the same place.

Choosing a Base for Mount Ijen Tour

Banyuwangi is the closest and the most popular base for Ijen tour. From Banyuwangi, it is approximately 1-1.5 hours of drive to reach the base of Mount Ijen, making it an ideal starting point for the early morning trek. But this is not the only reason why we chose Banyuwangi.

Ample Stay options: There are many hotels and home stays in Banyuwangi for different budget ranges.

Good Connectivity: Banyuwangi has excellent connectivity, featuring a major train station and an airport with domestic flights to key cities like Jakarta and Surabaya. Additionally, the city’s port makes it a convenient gateway to Bali, with regular ferry services.

Good restaurants and varied food options: Plenty of cafes and restaurants in Banyuwangi offering a wide range of options, from Western food to local dishes. Also, its warungs (local eateries) and bustling street food scene are perfect for sampling authentic Indonesian flavours.

Local Attractions and Day Trips: While Ijen is the primary attraction, the charming sea side town of Banyuwangi has much more to offer. It has a lovely waterfall (Jagir Waterfall) and some beautiful beaches (Wata Doodle, Pulau Merah etc.) to unwind at after an adventure.

Banyuwangi is also a great base for exploring West Bali National Park.

Bondowoso offers an alternative to Banyuwangi, although the drive is a little longer to Mount Ijen. Also, in terms of connectivity and accommodation options, Banyuwangi is more convenient. But if you do not mind being a little farther from town and prefer mountain, villages and scenic routes, then Bondowoso is a good option. Read More….

Interested in Java? Read our detailed guides for more information.