Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen)
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Written on May 2021
During pandemic check Ijen's latest updates on https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org/#/ Ijen is an active volcano in East Java famous for its blue fire, a turquoise, tranquil, but highly toxic crater lake, and sulfur miners. It is one of the most amazing extra-terrestrial places on Earth, but also one of the deadliest.
1) Why should you visit Ijen
a) Blue Fire b) Crater lake - the largest natural acidic lake in the world c) Sulfur miners d) Sunrise 2) How to prepare for Ijen hike 3) What to Bring to Ijen 4) Hiking Ijen 5) Where is Mt Ijen? 6) When to go 7) Where to stay 8) Local guides - including contacts 9) Costs 10) What are the recommended attractions near Gunung Ijen? 11) FAQ 12) How we did it |
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1) Why Should You Visit Ijen
a) Blue Fire (Blue Lava)
The Ijen volcano has some of the highest levels of sulfur in the world. Because the sulfur can spews “blue lava”, unusual for a volcano. This blue glow isn't real lava. The glow is actually the light from the combustion of sulfuric gases. Those gases emerge from cracks in the volcano at high pressure and temperature—up to 600°C. When they come in contact with the air, they ignite, sending flames up to 5m high. Some of the gases condense into liquid sulfur, which continues to burn as it flows down the slopes, giving the feeling of lava flowing.
Unlike regular volcanoes whose bright red lava is visible in the day, Kawah Ijen’s blue burning flames can only be seen at night. The burning happens day and night, but it's visible only in darkness. The best time is between 2-4 am, that is why you need to start your tour very early, around 1 or 2 am. The vision of these flames at night is strange and extraordinary, and you will feel like on another planet.
There is no guarantee that you will see blue fire during your trip. The conditions need to be just right with no wind and hot internal temperatures in the vents. According to National Geographic, the miners sometimes ignite the sulfur and/or sulfur gases to produce the blue flames that are so prominent in nighttime photographs.
This phenomenon is very rare as there are only very few places in the world that this happens. Regularly on Mt Ijen and in Ethiopia only. Irregularly in Yellowstone and Hawaii (during wildfires or eruptions). That's why it is so special.
Unlike regular volcanoes whose bright red lava is visible in the day, Kawah Ijen’s blue burning flames can only be seen at night. The burning happens day and night, but it's visible only in darkness. The best time is between 2-4 am, that is why you need to start your tour very early, around 1 or 2 am. The vision of these flames at night is strange and extraordinary, and you will feel like on another planet.
There is no guarantee that you will see blue fire during your trip. The conditions need to be just right with no wind and hot internal temperatures in the vents. According to National Geographic, the miners sometimes ignite the sulfur and/or sulfur gases to produce the blue flames that are so prominent in nighttime photographs.
This phenomenon is very rare as there are only very few places in the world that this happens. Regularly on Mt Ijen and in Ethiopia only. Irregularly in Yellowstone and Hawaii (during wildfires or eruptions). That's why it is so special.
b) CrateR Lake
The turquoise lake in the crater of the Kawah Ijen volcano looks serene and inviting. However, it also happens to be the world's largest acidic lake. The water in the crater lake has a pH of less than 0.3 on a scale of 0 to 14 (7 is neutral). In fact, it's the acid that makes the water green.
Can you swim in the Kawah Ijen? No, the lake is a 90 C pool of sulfuric acid in which nothing lives, and which would kill any that dared to swim in it. Birds have been reported to drop dead from the lake's fumes and to fall into it if they fly overhead.
Can you swim in the Kawah Ijen? No, the lake is a 90 C pool of sulfuric acid in which nothing lives, and which would kill any that dared to swim in it. Birds have been reported to drop dead from the lake's fumes and to fall into it if they fly overhead.
c) Sulfur Miners
The Ijen volcano complex is home to one of the world's most dangerous sulfur mining operations in the world. You can see men carrying two baskets made out of bamboo loaded with mustard-yellow sulfur on their shoulders. There were about 20-30 miners on the day we were there.
Miners have been extracting sulfur here since 1968. At times they work at night under the eerie blue light to escape the heat of the sun, and to earn extra income.
The miners extract the sulfur rock, which is formed after the blue flames extinguish leaving behind a solid sulfur-rich rock. They then carry these large loads in baskets down the side of the mountain to be paid per kg. Each load has 80kg and I couldn’t even lift it! The workers don’t look like Rambos, but they can carry this weight on their shoulders up to the rim thru a path that is actually closed for tourists because it is dangerous!
Let's do the math: Sulfur miners are paid Rp 1000/kg. They usually take 2 daily trips (80kg each trip), so they can bring max 160kg/day, so max Rp 160 000/day. (11 USD). It is very little by European standards, but mining is one of the highest-paid professions in the region, and the workers are well-respected members of their communities. But they bear the scars of years spent on the edge of life and death. The side effects are nothing less but severe burns, sore bodies, ongoing coughing, poisoned lungs, and squashed shoulder bones. Average life expectancy barely exceeds 50 years. But the money keeps them going and when one has the opportunity, he saves up as much as he can, and after a few years, opens a guesthouse and becomes a tour guide (guide earns Rp 250 000/day).
Many miners use only wet cloths as gas masks. Some of the miners do have gas masks that visitors have given them but they have no money and to change the filters. We gave our masks to the miners at the end of our trip (we bought them on Tokopedia).
Here is a BBC short film about the sulfur miners:
Miners have been extracting sulfur here since 1968. At times they work at night under the eerie blue light to escape the heat of the sun, and to earn extra income.
The miners extract the sulfur rock, which is formed after the blue flames extinguish leaving behind a solid sulfur-rich rock. They then carry these large loads in baskets down the side of the mountain to be paid per kg. Each load has 80kg and I couldn’t even lift it! The workers don’t look like Rambos, but they can carry this weight on their shoulders up to the rim thru a path that is actually closed for tourists because it is dangerous!
Let's do the math: Sulfur miners are paid Rp 1000/kg. They usually take 2 daily trips (80kg each trip), so they can bring max 160kg/day, so max Rp 160 000/day. (11 USD). It is very little by European standards, but mining is one of the highest-paid professions in the region, and the workers are well-respected members of their communities. But they bear the scars of years spent on the edge of life and death. The side effects are nothing less but severe burns, sore bodies, ongoing coughing, poisoned lungs, and squashed shoulder bones. Average life expectancy barely exceeds 50 years. But the money keeps them going and when one has the opportunity, he saves up as much as he can, and after a few years, opens a guesthouse and becomes a tour guide (guide earns Rp 250 000/day).
Many miners use only wet cloths as gas masks. Some of the miners do have gas masks that visitors have given them but they have no money and to change the filters. We gave our masks to the miners at the end of our trip (we bought them on Tokopedia).
Here is a BBC short film about the sulfur miners:
From where comes the sulfur? As the burning gases cool, they deposit sulfur around the lake. To speed up the formation of the mineral, a mining company installed ceramic pipes on an active vent near the edge of the lake. The pipes route the sulfur gases down the vent's sloping mound. When the gases cool, they condense into liquid sulfur, which then flows or drips from the pipes and solidifies in few minutes into hard sulfur mats. After the solid sulfur cools, the miners break it up and haul it off the mountain on their backs.
Sulfur stalactites sometimes form from the liquid sulfur dripping from the pipes. These are collected and sold to tourists. You can buy them to help the miners, but please remember that you cannot take them to the airplane. If you are using Banywangi airport count that it will be confiscated. You might be ok if your flight is from Bali airport, but in Banuywangi airport they are really checking for sulfur.
Mount Ijen hosts one of the last remaining active sulfur mines in the world, and in recent decades the miners themselves have become a controversial tourist attraction. Please step on a side if you are passing a miner, as his load is really heavy!
d) Sunrise on Mt Ijen
2) How to prepare for Ijen Hike
4) Hiking Ijen
6) When to go?
7) Where to Stay?
Ijen Resort and Villas (absolutely recommended)
The hotel is in Licin, on the way to Ijen, surrounded by rice paddies, a beautiful garden, and forest, with an amazing mountain view. Probably the most expensive hotel in the region, but we got a great deal during Ramadan (and pandemic).
Very relaxing, food was good, beautiful 2-hour walk with a guide around the hotel (Rp 150 000/trip).
It is not a new hotel. Many mosques around. The last 300m of the road to the hotel are bumpy.
eL Hotel Royale Banyuwangi
We have chosen this hotel because it is close to the airport (15 min by car, Rp 150 000), it is relatively new, clean, good value for money.
Kampoeng Joglo Ijen
Our friends choose this hotel because it is in Licin, on the way to Ijen, they could do a 2h walk with a guide around the hotel and it was a good value for money. They checked out very early at 1 am, before hiking Ijen.
The hotel was very well responsive via WA while planning our hike to Ijen.
Ijen Resort and Villas photos:
8) Local Guides
9) Costs
Download File
10) What are the recommended attractions near Gunung Ijen?
11) FAQ
Where on the Earth can you see Blue Lava?
Regularly on Ijen (Indonesia) and Dallol (Ethiopia) only.
Sometimes could be observed in Yellowstone National Park during wildfires and on Kīlauea (Hawaii) during the volcano’s Puna eruption.
I read on few web pages that there is blue lava in Iceland, but I can’t find anything about it.
What is sulfur used for?
Sulfur is used to manufacture countless products—from matches, rubber, insecticides, and fertilizer to cosmetics, batteries, sugar, and film.
Do I need a guide to hike Mt Ijen?
No, you don’t need a guide. But we really appreciated ours. Besides no need to worry if we are on the right path, he gave us information about miners and life in the region and “protected us from other guides and services that we didn’t want (e.g. human taxi)”
Guide cost Rp200 000 – 250 000 per group only
What's the address of Gunung Ijen (Mt Ijen)?
Indonesia, East Java. More info here (link)
What is the nearest airport to Mt Ijen?
There is a new airport in Banyuwangi, from there it takes only 90 min by car to the Ijen parking area, where you can start your trek.
How do you get to Mount Ijen?
Via Banyuwangi airport
From Banyuwangi airport it takes only 90 min by car to the Ijen parking area. (Jakarta – Banyuwangi is about 2 h flight)
From Bali
Many tourists came to Ijen from Bali via Ketapang Harbour. It is possible to do it in 24h - leave at 6 pm and return at 6 pm the next day, not staying overnight.
How long does it take to climb Mount Ijen?
The journey from the parking area to the Ijen crater rim will take about 1.5 - 2 hours. You can finish your journey here or you can go down to the caldera (to see the lake, miners and blue fire from close – 50 min down and 50 min back up – currently closed for tourists) or you can go to the other side of the rim to see the sunrise - 30 min. More info here (link)
Should I book Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) tickets in advance?
Yes. We recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot since Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) can get crowded and nr of tourists might be limited (during pandemic 300 people per day). Book via https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org . Your guide or travel agency can do it for you.
How much does it cost to visit Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) 2021?
Rp 5000 – 7500 for locals, Rp 100 000 – 150 000 for foreigners (Kitas holders are considered foreigners) during weekdays and weekends respectively. See all cost related to your trip here (link)
Do I need the covid test to hike Ijen?
In April 2021 nobody on Ijen controlled our test (just at the airport to fly, but not for the hike)
Where can I take the Covid test in Banuywangi for my flight back to Jakarta?
There is a covid testing station direct at the Banuywando airport, open from 6 am – 2 pm. There were no people and we had our Swap Antigen in 15 minutes for Rp200 000.
What hotels are near Gunung Ijen (Mt Ijen)?
See section Where did we stay here (link)
Is Ijen for Children?
Who should not go to Ijen?
The first part of the trek from the parking area to the rim (link) is doable by anyone. I would say even for children 6+ (but I wouldn’t take my kids to Ijen due to toxicity). If you don’t like to hike, you can take a human taxi.
The second part, from the rim to caldera, don’t go if you have any existing breathing conditions (asthma, panic easily when breathing anything other than oxygen, etc.) or have extremely sensitive eyes. Going into and out of the crater is very steep and extremely dangerous. Clouds of sulfur can descend at any time, meaning there is no air to breathe. The water in the lake is like cooking hot. The crater is definitely not for children.
The third part, around the rim to see the sunrise is for anyone, but definitely not for not-obedient children. The edge of the Ijen rim can be very dangerous in parts. However, I wouldn’t take my kids to Ijen due to toxicity in the region.
Which clothes should I take to Mt Ijen?
Take a warm cloth, many layers, and stop-wind. The temperature on the top can be as low as 11C and if it is windy then it feels really cold. During the day it is around 20C.
It was 16C at night when we were there and the wind was strong on some parts of the rim.
I had trekking shoes (sport shoes are fine), long trousers, trekking t-shist, turtleneck, fleece sweater and thin wind-stop jacket, winter scarf, winter cap, and gloves. I used everything!
Some agencies have the warm cloth rent included in their price.
Foto of my cloths
Where can we rent the masks?
You need a gas mask only if you plan to go to the caldera. You don’t need a gas mask for the trek from the parking area to the rim and on the rim. Only in the caldera (by the crater lake where are blue fires and sulfur miners).
If you go with a guide or agency, they will help you to rent a gas mask.
However, durnig covid it might be difficult to rent a mask.
As for the rest of the trek you can have a textile mask with you (like you use for covid) – we didn’t use it and we didn’t feel the sulfur smell in the air, but it might depend on weather conditions.
Advice: Purchase a gas mask in advance and bring your own. On Tokopedia a gas mask costs Rp 60 000, while rent is Rp 50 000. The mask has to fit on your face. That way you can try it at home, you know that your mask is working and the filter cartridges are new and will protect you.
In case, if for some reason, you don’t have a mask, wear a wet flannel. Sulfur dioxide is very soluble in water. So wet flannels pretty much do the trick.
Will the gasses hurt my eyes?
If you go down to the caldera the gases can also hurt your eyes. Depends on the wind. So you should also think about eye protection. Either use a full-face mask or if you have a half mask (for mouth only) take googles with you. Or you just close your eyes and wait till the wind change.
Is the sunrise at Ijen Crater really a must-see? Do we really need to be there at the top at 5.30 am or is the Ijen Crater excursion also interesting enough to do during the daytime?
Hmm… the park is NOT open 24/7. In April 2021 it was open from 3 am – 12 am, which means you have to be back at the parking area latest by noon. Check the actual open time on https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org .
People usually go to Ijen at night to see the blue fire (visible in darkness only) and miners (work at night until maybe 9-10 am(?))
Sunrise is beautiful, but you can see a beautiful sunrise in many other places.
So, I would say, if you don’t mind not seeing blue fires and sunrise, you don’t need to be at the rim at 5:30 am but you should be there latest by 9 am. That way you should still be able to see the miners, walk to the other side of the rim and come back before noon.
Do the miners also work during the day?
In April 2021 the park was open from 3 am – 12 am only, which means that everyone must be back at the parking area latest by noon. Miners like to work at night because the weather is cooler. They finish around 10 am.
Do miners work during Ramadan?
Yes, they do. (However not sure if they work during Idul Fitri)
Does the Ijen hydrogen sulfide have the same effect as Viagra?
Well…while writing this article, I came across this phenomenon, as some men mentioned that they were surprised by the effect. And actually, there are some serious studies about the effects of hydrogen sulfide on erectile function! :)
Did anyone die in Ijen?
I didn’t find any news about tourists dying while falling off the rim (what was the reason why I searched out this question), which I found surprising seeing how they do their selfies. However, a miner and 2 tourists died in Ijen.
In 2015 died a swiss tourist and in 2016 student from Bali. It is not clear why they died, but it might be because of the high sulfur toxicity in the area.
“In May 2020 a gas explosion at Ijen generated a plume that rose 250-500 m above the surface of the lake. Two sulfur miners heard the explosion from under the water at 1230, which created 3-m-high waves in the lake; the miners ran but one tripped and fell into the lake and died.”
Sources: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/09/01/swiss-tourist-dies-mount-ijen.html
https://coconuts.co/bali/news/balinese-uni-student-dies-ijen-hike/
https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/06/02/tremor-at-east-javas-mount-ijen-triggers-isolated-tsunami-killing-one.html
12) How we did it
Reserve Ijen entrance tickets via https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org, find a hotel, find a car with a driver (normal car, no need of a jeep, the road to Ijen Base Camp is relatively good), guide or book a tour (you can go without a guide).
If you come by airplane: flight ticket, Swap Antigen, e-HAC (April 2021)
Check if the volcano is open. It is an active volcano and when there is any sight of eruption activity it might be closed to visitors.
Check with your guide, agency, or on https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org/#/ what time is the park open (e.g. during a pandemic it opened at 3 am only).
If you come by airplane: flight ticket, Swap Antigen, e-HAC (April 2021)
Check if the volcano is open. It is an active volcano and when there is any sight of eruption activity it might be closed to visitors.
Check with your guide, agency, or on https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org/#/ what time is the park open (e.g. during a pandemic it opened at 3 am only).
3) What to bring to Ijen
Trekking or sport shoes, warm cloth with many layers (long trousers, trekking t-shist, turtleneck, fleece sweater and thin wind-stop jacket, winter scarf, winter cap, and gloves), headlamp, spare batteries, normal mask, small money, wet tissue, water, energy bars, raincoat, sunblock, camera, personal items (e.g. medicine), no jewelry (sulfur might damage it, silver will turn yellow).
If you plan to go to caldera: the gas mask (you can rent it for Rp 50 000 or buy on Tokopedia for Rp60 000), poles (you can rent it for Rp 50 000. You can also go without poles), googles.
If you do not intend to start your hike early in the morning, the necessary items are steady shoes and light jacket and raincoat.The path can be very slippery on the way down, so good shoes are a must. It might be drizzling along the way, and the wind is strong at the rim which can make you very cold.
Check the dress for the early morning hike:
If you plan to go to caldera: the gas mask (you can rent it for Rp 50 000 or buy on Tokopedia for Rp60 000), poles (you can rent it for Rp 50 000. You can also go without poles), googles.
If you do not intend to start your hike early in the morning, the necessary items are steady shoes and light jacket and raincoat.The path can be very slippery on the way down, so good shoes are a must. It might be drizzling along the way, and the wind is strong at the rim which can make you very cold.
Check the dress for the early morning hike:
4) Hiking Ijen
I would divide the hike into 3 parts.
- From Base camp to the Rim/Blue Fire viewpoint
- From Rim to the Lake Crater
- Sunrise trek on the rim
Part 1 - From Base camp to the Rim/Blue Fire Viewpoint (4km, 90 - 120 min)
You should reserve an entrance ticket in advance (https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org). You can pay it in advance online or you can pay on the spot when collecting the tickets. (If you do not have the ticket booked in advance, they will be able to issue it at the entrance office, too.) No covid test was required (April 2021). Go to the toilet in the base camp. There are only “nature bush toilet” along the way.
Tourists usually start at midnight or 1 am, in order to see the blue fires. Blue fires are nicest during dark, between 2-4 am. We started at 3 am, as during pandemic the park is open only from 3 am-12 pm.
The first part is wide road with no rocks, easy to walk, but sometimes pretty steep. If you run out of breath, just make a break and continue. The last 30 minutes is easy and mostly flat.
This part is doable by anyone. I would say even for children 6+ (but I wouldn’t take little kids to Ijen due to toxicity. You never know how the wind blows). If you don’t like to hike, you can take a human taxi (trolly pushed and pulled by 3 men, Rp 800 000 both ways). There are many at the beginning of the hike and some on the way up.
There are 2 stations to take a break.
When you reach the rim, there is a Blue fire viewpoint, from where you can observe the magical blue fires from a safe distance. Sulfur miners will be passing by you.
It might be quite windy on some parts at the top.
We didn’t smell any sulfur, but just in case have a textile mask with you (like you use for covid)
Tourists usually start at midnight or 1 am, in order to see the blue fires. Blue fires are nicest during dark, between 2-4 am. We started at 3 am, as during pandemic the park is open only from 3 am-12 pm.
The first part is wide road with no rocks, easy to walk, but sometimes pretty steep. If you run out of breath, just make a break and continue. The last 30 minutes is easy and mostly flat.
This part is doable by anyone. I would say even for children 6+ (but I wouldn’t take little kids to Ijen due to toxicity. You never know how the wind blows). If you don’t like to hike, you can take a human taxi (trolly pushed and pulled by 3 men, Rp 800 000 both ways). There are many at the beginning of the hike and some on the way up.
There are 2 stations to take a break.
When you reach the rim, there is a Blue fire viewpoint, from where you can observe the magical blue fires from a safe distance. Sulfur miners will be passing by you.
It might be quite windy on some parts at the top.
We didn’t smell any sulfur, but just in case have a textile mask with you (like you use for covid)
Part 2 - From the Rim to the Caldera (50 min down, 50 min up)
If you find it dangerous you can skip this part.
This path is forbidden already many years, but tourists use to ignore it. This is a difficult, toxic, slippery, and dangerous trek. It is steep and stones can be rolling. You need to be fit, have good shoes and a gas mask (and googles). Go carefully, at your own pace, watch your steps. Your security is very important.
You might use poles here. There is no taxi. Definitely not for children. Close to the lake, you will see blue fires and sulfur miners working. Blue fires are nicest during dark, between 2-4 am.
Sulfur clouds are unpredictable and can change direction any minute with the wind. Sometimes it’s so thick you can’t see or breathe. If that happens, we were advised, don’t panic—just wait for the wind to move it along.
This path was really prohibited during the pandemic (April 2021) and we couldn’t go there.
This path is forbidden already many years, but tourists use to ignore it. This is a difficult, toxic, slippery, and dangerous trek. It is steep and stones can be rolling. You need to be fit, have good shoes and a gas mask (and googles). Go carefully, at your own pace, watch your steps. Your security is very important.
You might use poles here. There is no taxi. Definitely not for children. Close to the lake, you will see blue fires and sulfur miners working. Blue fires are nicest during dark, between 2-4 am.
Sulfur clouds are unpredictable and can change direction any minute with the wind. Sometimes it’s so thick you can’t see or breathe. If that happens, we were advised, don’t panic—just wait for the wind to move it along.
This path was really prohibited during the pandemic (April 2021) and we couldn’t go there.
Part 3 - Sunrise trek on the rim (30 min)
After Blue fire viewpoint on the rim, you can continue another 30 min to the other side of the rim to see the sunrise and take some amazing pictures. This path is not difficult, but I consider it very dangerous as you can easily fall from the rim to the crater. Many tourists are taking pictures on the edge of the rim and I am surprised that nobody died yet while taking a selfie. This part is ok only for children that obey their parents (but as I said, I wouldn’t take my kids to Ijen due to toxicity. You never know from where the wind blow). No taxi here.
6) When to go?
Best time to visit Ijen: During the dry season which mostly starts from April until the beginning of November. However, July to September is a favorite time for tourists and it might be crowded.
If you can, go on weekday (weekends are more crowded).
Trek during the night if you want to see the blue fire. It will be gone at 5 am in the morning.
The worst time to visit Ijen: Start from the end of December until March, there will be more rain that will start from morning until night. If you can, try to avoid the holidays and long weekends, because a lot of people will be along the trail leading from the base camp to the crater rim during those periods.
If you can, go on weekday (weekends are more crowded).
Trek during the night if you want to see the blue fire. It will be gone at 5 am in the morning.
The worst time to visit Ijen: Start from the end of December until March, there will be more rain that will start from morning until night. If you can, try to avoid the holidays and long weekends, because a lot of people will be along the trail leading from the base camp to the crater rim during those periods.
7) Where to Stay?
1) Licin (village on the way to Ijen, lot of nature, forest, rice paddies, beautiful)
We stayed 2 nights in Ijen Resort and Villas (hotel in Licin, on the way to Ijen) and 1 night at eL Hotel Royale Banyuwangi (hotel in the city Banyuwangi, 15 min from the airport).
Our friends stayed a few years ago 1 night in Kampoeng Joglo Ijen (hotel in Licin, on the way to Ijen).
2) Banuywangi (city 15 min from the airport, 1h from Ijen Base camp).
There's plenty of hotel in Banyuwangi. We stayed at eL Hotel Royale Banyuwangi
3) Base camp (Paltuding)
You can stay in a tent. According to tripadvisor it is possible to rent a tent & sleeping bags at the food stalls (called "warung") (e.g. Agus Elis" 0823-5917-4244)
4) No sleep
Some people don't even sleep around Ijen. They just arrive late (e.g. from Bali), start trek at midnight and return to Bali right after the hike.
We stayed 2 nights in Ijen Resort and Villas (hotel in Licin, on the way to Ijen) and 1 night at eL Hotel Royale Banyuwangi (hotel in the city Banyuwangi, 15 min from the airport).
Our friends stayed a few years ago 1 night in Kampoeng Joglo Ijen (hotel in Licin, on the way to Ijen).
2) Banuywangi (city 15 min from the airport, 1h from Ijen Base camp).
There's plenty of hotel in Banyuwangi. We stayed at eL Hotel Royale Banyuwangi
3) Base camp (Paltuding)
You can stay in a tent. According to tripadvisor it is possible to rent a tent & sleeping bags at the food stalls (called "warung") (e.g. Agus Elis" 0823-5917-4244)
4) No sleep
Some people don't even sleep around Ijen. They just arrive late (e.g. from Bali), start trek at midnight and return to Bali right after the hike.
Ijen Resort and Villas (absolutely recommended)
The hotel is in Licin, on the way to Ijen, surrounded by rice paddies, a beautiful garden, and forest, with an amazing mountain view. Probably the most expensive hotel in the region, but we got a great deal during Ramadan (and pandemic).
Very relaxing, food was good, beautiful 2-hour walk with a guide around the hotel (Rp 150 000/trip).
It is not a new hotel. Many mosques around. The last 300m of the road to the hotel are bumpy.
eL Hotel Royale Banyuwangi
We have chosen this hotel because it is close to the airport (15 min by car, Rp 150 000), it is relatively new, clean, good value for money.
Kampoeng Joglo Ijen
Our friends choose this hotel because it is in Licin, on the way to Ijen, they could do a 2h walk with a guide around the hotel and it was a good value for money. They checked out very early at 1 am, before hiking Ijen.
The hotel was very well responsive via WA while planning our hike to Ijen.
Ijen Resort and Villas photos:
8) Local Guides
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Pak Alfin: +62 812 3477 0106
Pak Dedi: +62 813 5831 2378 (recommended by Grand Harvest Resort) Pak Dedi and Pak Alfin are certified guides that helped us to organize a 3-day program around Ijen, arranged an (old) car with a driver (driver could be better), picked us at the airport. Pak Alfin speaks good English, is knowledgeable, and is a pleasant person. Very recommended. |
Our guide, pak Alfin
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9) Costs
Ijen Entrance for foreigners: Rp 100 000/pax (weekday) or Rp 150 000/pax (weekend/holiday). There is no discount for KITAS holders. Locals: Rp 5 000 – 7 500 / pax
Human taxi to Ijen: Rp 800 000 both ways, up and down
Sulfur stalagmite: around Rp 20 000 (depends on size, form, …)
Rent of gas mask, headlight, poles: around Rp 50 000 each
Car with driver: Rp 400 000-500 000/trip (The driver will drop you at Ijen entrance, waiting and drop you back at the hotel)
English speaking guide: Rp 200 000 – 250 000/trip (guide is not obligatory)
Ijen hike offers via hotel:
- Ijen Resort and Villas: Rp 650 000 per person (inlc. car, driver, guide, entrance fee, mask)
- Kampoeng Joglo Ijen: 400,000/trip car, driver and masks. Rp 200.000/trip English speaking guide, Ijen entrance not included.
Some hotels offer a 3D/2N package. Please check the hotel web page for latest package offer. Here is the example of the Ijen Resort, and Villas package for Rp 3-6 mio / pax.:
Human taxi to Ijen: Rp 800 000 both ways, up and down
Sulfur stalagmite: around Rp 20 000 (depends on size, form, …)
Rent of gas mask, headlight, poles: around Rp 50 000 each
Car with driver: Rp 400 000-500 000/trip (The driver will drop you at Ijen entrance, waiting and drop you back at the hotel)
English speaking guide: Rp 200 000 – 250 000/trip (guide is not obligatory)
Ijen hike offers via hotel:
- Ijen Resort and Villas: Rp 650 000 per person (inlc. car, driver, guide, entrance fee, mask)
- Kampoeng Joglo Ijen: 400,000/trip car, driver and masks. Rp 200.000/trip English speaking guide, Ijen entrance not included.
Some hotels offer a 3D/2N package. Please check the hotel web page for latest package offer. Here is the example of the Ijen Resort, and Villas package for Rp 3-6 mio / pax.:
| 3d2n_exotic_explore_package_ijen_resort_and_villas_apr2021.pdf |
10) What are the recommended attractions near Gunung Ijen?
1. Relaxing walk around your hotel
In case you are staying in Licin (village between Banuywangi and Ijen, full of greenery) as we did, take a relaxing walk around your hotel. Some hotels (e.g. Ijen Vila and Resort, Kampoeng Joglo Ijen) offer a 2 hours trip around thru paddies, forests, and villages with a guide.
Photos from our 2h walk around Ijen Vila and Resort with hotel guide:
In case you are staying in Licin (village between Banuywangi and Ijen, full of greenery) as we did, take a relaxing walk around your hotel. Some hotels (e.g. Ijen Vila and Resort, Kampoeng Joglo Ijen) offer a 2 hours trip around thru paddies, forests, and villages with a guide.
Photos from our 2h walk around Ijen Vila and Resort with hotel guide:
2. Baluran National Park
Baluran National Park is the biggest Savanna in Asia, well-known as The Africa of Asia. Read more about Baluran here.
Baluran National Park is the biggest Savanna in Asia, well-known as The Africa of Asia. Read more about Baluran here.
3. De Djawatan Forest
Feel like in the film The Lord of the Ring.
Breathtaking 100-years old tree alley. The ferns hanging from tree branches add to the uniqueness and beauty to the forest. Standing under the De Djawatan trees, visitors will feel like they are in a mysterious fairytale. Very instagramable.
In the past, here was an old building that was used as a place to manage manual trains.
Access is very easy, only about 30 min from Banuywangi, located next to the main road.
Feel like in the film The Lord of the Ring.
Breathtaking 100-years old tree alley. The ferns hanging from tree branches add to the uniqueness and beauty to the forest. Standing under the De Djawatan trees, visitors will feel like they are in a mysterious fairytale. Very instagramable.
In the past, here was an old building that was used as a place to manage manual trains.
Access is very easy, only about 30 min from Banuywangi, located next to the main road.
4. Pantai Pulau Merah
We were surprised by how beautiful, long (3km!), and clean the beach was.
Don’t expect to see any red or pink beach. Just the green hill opposite the beach has some brown-reddish stones. The hill can be visited on foot during low tide.
The waves were small and pleasant on the left side of the beach, in front of the restaurants. However, in the middle of the beach the waves are stronger, so be careful. It is an ideal place for beginner, amateur, and professional surfers with an average waves of 2m. In rainy season (Dec, Jan) waves can reach 5m.
We ordered lunch in a local restaurant at the beach, walk a bit, swim and eat. The fish (Napoleon) was delicios. Changing rooms and toilets were "challenging".
Last 20 km of the road could be in a better condition.
We were the only tourists (weekday, mid day), but I can imagine that it is a popular destination for locals over the weekend.
We were surprised by how beautiful, long (3km!), and clean the beach was.
Don’t expect to see any red or pink beach. Just the green hill opposite the beach has some brown-reddish stones. The hill can be visited on foot during low tide.
The waves were small and pleasant on the left side of the beach, in front of the restaurants. However, in the middle of the beach the waves are stronger, so be careful. It is an ideal place for beginner, amateur, and professional surfers with an average waves of 2m. In rainy season (Dec, Jan) waves can reach 5m.
We ordered lunch in a local restaurant at the beach, walk a bit, swim and eat. The fish (Napoleon) was delicios. Changing rooms and toilets were "challenging".
Last 20 km of the road could be in a better condition.
We were the only tourists (weekday, mid day), but I can imagine that it is a popular destination for locals over the weekend.
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5. Warung Crater and Kali Pait
We didn’t go here. 6. Bromo volcano Some tourist join the Ijen trip with the Bromo volcano trip and also visit Malang - this is a bit further, min 7 h by car. Read more about Bromo here. 7. Bali Many tourist come to Ijen via Bali |
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11) FAQ
Is Ijen an active volcano?
Yes, Mount Ijen is an active volcano. It is one of several active stratovolcanoes constructed over the 20 km wide Ijen caldera, the largest caldera in Java.
Eruptions from Ijen are very hazardous because of the risk of the lake draining to form catastrophic lahars.
How often does the Kawah Ijen volcano erupt?
When did Ijen last erupt?
The volcano remains active. The last magmatic eruption occurred in 1817. Phreatic eruptions occurred in 1796, 1917, 1936, 1950, 1952, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. These have caused very little damage but present a danger to anyone mining sulfur or visiting the caldera. (source: https://geology.com/volcanoes/kawah-ijen/)
What is special about the Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) volcano?
Blue Lava, the world's largest acidic lake and sulfur miners
What is the most acidic lake in the world?
The turquoise lake in the crater of the Kawah Ijen volcano is the world's largest acidic lake. The water in the crater lake has a pH of less than 0.3 on a scale of 0 to 14 (7 is neutral).
Is Blue Lava real?
The blue glow isn't lava, as can be read on many websites. The glow is actually the light from the combustion of sulfuric gases that condense into liquid sulfur, which continues to burn as it flows down the slopes, giving the feeling of lava flowing.
Why does Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) have blue lava?
What causes blue lava?
The Ijen volcano has some of the highest levels of sulfur in the world. It spews blue lava (what is actually not lava, just blue flames). The blue, unusual for a volcano, is due to the presence of an active solfatara (a natural volcanic steam vent) that emits strong gases with high levels of sulfur. Some of the gases condense into liquid sulfur, which continues to burn as it flows down the slopes, giving the feeling of lava flowing.
More info here (link)
Can you make blue lava at home?
Yes, you can, but be super careful! It smells like hell and it is probably dangerous (sulfur is used in gunpowder). Buy sulfur from a miner, make it into a powder and light a small amount of it at night on a plate, like in this video (from minute 7:50):
Yes, Mount Ijen is an active volcano. It is one of several active stratovolcanoes constructed over the 20 km wide Ijen caldera, the largest caldera in Java.
Eruptions from Ijen are very hazardous because of the risk of the lake draining to form catastrophic lahars.
How often does the Kawah Ijen volcano erupt?
When did Ijen last erupt?
The volcano remains active. The last magmatic eruption occurred in 1817. Phreatic eruptions occurred in 1796, 1917, 1936, 1950, 1952, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. These have caused very little damage but present a danger to anyone mining sulfur or visiting the caldera. (source: https://geology.com/volcanoes/kawah-ijen/)
What is special about the Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) volcano?
Blue Lava, the world's largest acidic lake and sulfur miners
What is the most acidic lake in the world?
The turquoise lake in the crater of the Kawah Ijen volcano is the world's largest acidic lake. The water in the crater lake has a pH of less than 0.3 on a scale of 0 to 14 (7 is neutral).
Is Blue Lava real?
The blue glow isn't lava, as can be read on many websites. The glow is actually the light from the combustion of sulfuric gases that condense into liquid sulfur, which continues to burn as it flows down the slopes, giving the feeling of lava flowing.
Why does Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) have blue lava?
What causes blue lava?
The Ijen volcano has some of the highest levels of sulfur in the world. It spews blue lava (what is actually not lava, just blue flames). The blue, unusual for a volcano, is due to the presence of an active solfatara (a natural volcanic steam vent) that emits strong gases with high levels of sulfur. Some of the gases condense into liquid sulfur, which continues to burn as it flows down the slopes, giving the feeling of lava flowing.
More info here (link)
Can you make blue lava at home?
Yes, you can, but be super careful! It smells like hell and it is probably dangerous (sulfur is used in gunpowder). Buy sulfur from a miner, make it into a powder and light a small amount of it at night on a plate, like in this video (from minute 7:50):
Where on the Earth can you see Blue Lava?
Regularly on Ijen (Indonesia) and Dallol (Ethiopia) only.
Sometimes could be observed in Yellowstone National Park during wildfires and on Kīlauea (Hawaii) during the volcano’s Puna eruption.
I read on few web pages that there is blue lava in Iceland, but I can’t find anything about it.
What is sulfur used for?
Sulfur is used to manufacture countless products—from matches, rubber, insecticides, and fertilizer to cosmetics, batteries, sugar, and film.
Do I need a guide to hike Mt Ijen?
No, you don’t need a guide. But we really appreciated ours. Besides no need to worry if we are on the right path, he gave us information about miners and life in the region and “protected us from other guides and services that we didn’t want (e.g. human taxi)”
Guide cost Rp200 000 – 250 000 per group only
What's the address of Gunung Ijen (Mt Ijen)?
Indonesia, East Java. More info here (link)
What is the nearest airport to Mt Ijen?
There is a new airport in Banyuwangi, from there it takes only 90 min by car to the Ijen parking area, where you can start your trek.
How do you get to Mount Ijen?
Via Banyuwangi airport
From Banyuwangi airport it takes only 90 min by car to the Ijen parking area. (Jakarta – Banyuwangi is about 2 h flight)
From Bali
Many tourists came to Ijen from Bali via Ketapang Harbour. It is possible to do it in 24h - leave at 6 pm and return at 6 pm the next day, not staying overnight.
How long does it take to climb Mount Ijen?
The journey from the parking area to the Ijen crater rim will take about 1.5 - 2 hours. You can finish your journey here or you can go down to the caldera (to see the lake, miners and blue fire from close – 50 min down and 50 min back up – currently closed for tourists) or you can go to the other side of the rim to see the sunrise - 30 min. More info here (link)
Should I book Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) tickets in advance?
Yes. We recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot since Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) can get crowded and nr of tourists might be limited (during pandemic 300 people per day). Book via https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org . Your guide or travel agency can do it for you.
How much does it cost to visit Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) 2021?
Rp 5000 – 7500 for locals, Rp 100 000 – 150 000 for foreigners (Kitas holders are considered foreigners) during weekdays and weekends respectively. See all cost related to your trip here (link)
Do I need the covid test to hike Ijen?
In April 2021 nobody on Ijen controlled our test (just at the airport to fly, but not for the hike)
Where can I take the Covid test in Banuywangi for my flight back to Jakarta?
There is a covid testing station direct at the Banuywando airport, open from 6 am – 2 pm. There were no people and we had our Swap Antigen in 15 minutes for Rp200 000.
What hotels are near Gunung Ijen (Mt Ijen)?
See section Where did we stay here (link)
Is Ijen for Children?
Who should not go to Ijen?
The first part of the trek from the parking area to the rim (link) is doable by anyone. I would say even for children 6+ (but I wouldn’t take my kids to Ijen due to toxicity). If you don’t like to hike, you can take a human taxi.
The second part, from the rim to caldera, don’t go if you have any existing breathing conditions (asthma, panic easily when breathing anything other than oxygen, etc.) or have extremely sensitive eyes. Going into and out of the crater is very steep and extremely dangerous. Clouds of sulfur can descend at any time, meaning there is no air to breathe. The water in the lake is like cooking hot. The crater is definitely not for children.
The third part, around the rim to see the sunrise is for anyone, but definitely not for not-obedient children. The edge of the Ijen rim can be very dangerous in parts. However, I wouldn’t take my kids to Ijen due to toxicity in the region.
Which clothes should I take to Mt Ijen?
Take a warm cloth, many layers, and stop-wind. The temperature on the top can be as low as 11C and if it is windy then it feels really cold. During the day it is around 20C.
It was 16C at night when we were there and the wind was strong on some parts of the rim.
I had trekking shoes (sport shoes are fine), long trousers, trekking t-shist, turtleneck, fleece sweater and thin wind-stop jacket, winter scarf, winter cap, and gloves. I used everything!
Some agencies have the warm cloth rent included in their price.
Foto of my cloths
Where can we rent the masks?
You need a gas mask only if you plan to go to the caldera. You don’t need a gas mask for the trek from the parking area to the rim and on the rim. Only in the caldera (by the crater lake where are blue fires and sulfur miners).
If you go with a guide or agency, they will help you to rent a gas mask.
However, durnig covid it might be difficult to rent a mask.
As for the rest of the trek you can have a textile mask with you (like you use for covid) – we didn’t use it and we didn’t feel the sulfur smell in the air, but it might depend on weather conditions.
Advice: Purchase a gas mask in advance and bring your own. On Tokopedia a gas mask costs Rp 60 000, while rent is Rp 50 000. The mask has to fit on your face. That way you can try it at home, you know that your mask is working and the filter cartridges are new and will protect you.
In case, if for some reason, you don’t have a mask, wear a wet flannel. Sulfur dioxide is very soluble in water. So wet flannels pretty much do the trick.
Will the gasses hurt my eyes?
If you go down to the caldera the gases can also hurt your eyes. Depends on the wind. So you should also think about eye protection. Either use a full-face mask or if you have a half mask (for mouth only) take googles with you. Or you just close your eyes and wait till the wind change.
Is the sunrise at Ijen Crater really a must-see? Do we really need to be there at the top at 5.30 am or is the Ijen Crater excursion also interesting enough to do during the daytime?
Hmm… the park is NOT open 24/7. In April 2021 it was open from 3 am – 12 am, which means you have to be back at the parking area latest by noon. Check the actual open time on https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org .
People usually go to Ijen at night to see the blue fire (visible in darkness only) and miners (work at night until maybe 9-10 am(?))
Sunrise is beautiful, but you can see a beautiful sunrise in many other places.
So, I would say, if you don’t mind not seeing blue fires and sunrise, you don’t need to be at the rim at 5:30 am but you should be there latest by 9 am. That way you should still be able to see the miners, walk to the other side of the rim and come back before noon.
Do the miners also work during the day?
In April 2021 the park was open from 3 am – 12 am only, which means that everyone must be back at the parking area latest by noon. Miners like to work at night because the weather is cooler. They finish around 10 am.
Do miners work during Ramadan?
Yes, they do. (However not sure if they work during Idul Fitri)
Does the Ijen hydrogen sulfide have the same effect as Viagra?
Well…while writing this article, I came across this phenomenon, as some men mentioned that they were surprised by the effect. And actually, there are some serious studies about the effects of hydrogen sulfide on erectile function! :)
Did anyone die in Ijen?
I didn’t find any news about tourists dying while falling off the rim (what was the reason why I searched out this question), which I found surprising seeing how they do their selfies. However, a miner and 2 tourists died in Ijen.
In 2015 died a swiss tourist and in 2016 student from Bali. It is not clear why they died, but it might be because of the high sulfur toxicity in the area.
“In May 2020 a gas explosion at Ijen generated a plume that rose 250-500 m above the surface of the lake. Two sulfur miners heard the explosion from under the water at 1230, which created 3-m-high waves in the lake; the miners ran but one tripped and fell into the lake and died.”
Sources: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/09/01/swiss-tourist-dies-mount-ijen.html
https://coconuts.co/bali/news/balinese-uni-student-dies-ijen-hike/
https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/06/02/tremor-at-east-javas-mount-ijen-triggers-isolated-tsunami-killing-one.html
12) How we did it
We have been here already 3 times and it has been each time different:
Option 1 (April 2021)
Day 1, Monday
We flew from Jakarta to Banyuwangi airport with an early flight at 5:30 am (as that was the only flight available during the pandemic). We booked a car with a driver in advance. As we had a whole day, we went to see the National Park of Baluran, the biggest Savana in Asia, well-known as The Africa of Asia. Afterward, we went to our hotel, Ijen Resort and Villas, where we spent few relaxing hours by a pool, had an early dinner and went to bed at 8 pm.
Option 1 (April 2021)
Day 1, Monday
We flew from Jakarta to Banyuwangi airport with an early flight at 5:30 am (as that was the only flight available during the pandemic). We booked a car with a driver in advance. As we had a whole day, we went to see the National Park of Baluran, the biggest Savana in Asia, well-known as The Africa of Asia. Afterward, we went to our hotel, Ijen Resort and Villas, where we spent few relaxing hours by a pool, had an early dinner and went to bed at 8 pm.
Click here to learn more about our trip to Baluran National Park.
Day 2, Tuesday
Kawah Ijen hike! The next morning, we were picked up at 2 am by our guide and driver. At 3 am we arrived at the Parking Area Kawah Ijen (base camp), where we collected and paid for our entrance tickets (that we have booked in advance via https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org as there was a limit of 300 pax per day during the pandemic). There were 11 tourists on that day. Before the pandemic there use to be you to be 700 tourists per day during weekdays and up to 2000 during the weekend. As you can imagine, the path to the rim is a steep “highway”. Pretty wide and well maintained. Those that don’t like to hike can even hire a “human taxi”. It is a trolly pushed and pulled by 3 men. They can bring you up to the rim and back.
We started our trek at 3:15 am and we reached the rim around 4:45 am. It was a beautiful night with lots of stars, we even saw a falling star.
It was still very dark when we arrived at the rim. We saw our first sulfur miners, but there were no blue fires that night and because of the pandemic, it was prohibited to go down to the crater. Our guide was scared to go there, as he thought that he might lose his license and even the miners didn’t want to take us. This is funny because before the pandemic many tourists went down, even it was still prohibited. Our friends went there 3 years ago without any problem and saw the blue fires. Well, we didn’t see anyone go down, just the miners and as the path from the rim to the crater lake is dangerous, we didn’t dare to go there by ourselves. So, we went to see the sunrise on the other side of the rim. It took us about 30 min to get there.
We took many pictures, waited for the sun to illuminate the lake and then around 8 am we returned to the spot on the rim where miners were transferring the sulfur pieces from their back to trollies. By that time, we were the only tourist there what was amazing. We gave them our gas masks that we didn’t use and bought some small sulfur stalagmites (that were later confiscated at the Banuywangi airport). Our friend bought few sulfur pieces just to support the miners and didn’t even take them.
In about 1 hour we were down at the Parking Area Kawah Ijen and in our car. By that time, it was much hotter already, so we took off our layers of clothes.
We went to see Kalipait Sulphur Water Fall by car. It contains water also from Ijen crater and is full of sulfur and other minerals. It is only 2 km from the Ijen parking area.
Around 10:30 am were returned to Ijen Resort and where we had breakfast.
Ijen Resort and Villas offers 2-hour soft trekking with a guide around the hotel thru rice paddies, forest, and villages, which we took from 3-5 pm. (Rp 150 000/tour)
Day 2, Tuesday
Kawah Ijen hike! The next morning, we were picked up at 2 am by our guide and driver. At 3 am we arrived at the Parking Area Kawah Ijen (base camp), where we collected and paid for our entrance tickets (that we have booked in advance via https://tiket.bbksdajatim.org as there was a limit of 300 pax per day during the pandemic). There were 11 tourists on that day. Before the pandemic there use to be you to be 700 tourists per day during weekdays and up to 2000 during the weekend. As you can imagine, the path to the rim is a steep “highway”. Pretty wide and well maintained. Those that don’t like to hike can even hire a “human taxi”. It is a trolly pushed and pulled by 3 men. They can bring you up to the rim and back.
We started our trek at 3:15 am and we reached the rim around 4:45 am. It was a beautiful night with lots of stars, we even saw a falling star.
It was still very dark when we arrived at the rim. We saw our first sulfur miners, but there were no blue fires that night and because of the pandemic, it was prohibited to go down to the crater. Our guide was scared to go there, as he thought that he might lose his license and even the miners didn’t want to take us. This is funny because before the pandemic many tourists went down, even it was still prohibited. Our friends went there 3 years ago without any problem and saw the blue fires. Well, we didn’t see anyone go down, just the miners and as the path from the rim to the crater lake is dangerous, we didn’t dare to go there by ourselves. So, we went to see the sunrise on the other side of the rim. It took us about 30 min to get there.
We took many pictures, waited for the sun to illuminate the lake and then around 8 am we returned to the spot on the rim where miners were transferring the sulfur pieces from their back to trollies. By that time, we were the only tourist there what was amazing. We gave them our gas masks that we didn’t use and bought some small sulfur stalagmites (that were later confiscated at the Banuywangi airport). Our friend bought few sulfur pieces just to support the miners and didn’t even take them.
In about 1 hour we were down at the Parking Area Kawah Ijen and in our car. By that time, it was much hotter already, so we took off our layers of clothes.
We went to see Kalipait Sulphur Water Fall by car. It contains water also from Ijen crater and is full of sulfur and other minerals. It is only 2 km from the Ijen parking area.
Around 10:30 am were returned to Ijen Resort and where we had breakfast.
Ijen Resort and Villas offers 2-hour soft trekking with a guide around the hotel thru rice paddies, forest, and villages, which we took from 3-5 pm. (Rp 150 000/tour)
Day 3, Wednesday
We didn’t plan to stay 3 days, but as our flight was canceled, we had to (and we don’t regret it).
We left our amazing resort at 10 am and went to Pantai Pulau Merah (Beach of the Red Island), which we reached quite late, around 2 pm, as on the way we had to check in to eL Hotel Royale Banyuwangi (that is 15 min from the airport) and had to take Covid Antigen Test that was at that time necessary for our flight back to Jakarta. We were surprised by how beautiful, long, and clean the beach was. The waves can be strong and there use to be surfing competitions in December and January (rainy season). However, at the beginning of the beach, in front of the restaurants, the waves were tiny. Don’t expect to see any red or pink beach. Just the hill opposite the beach has some brown-reddish stones. We ordered lunch in a local restaurant at the beach, walk a bit, swim and eat. Around 5:20 pm we visited the breath-taking oldest big tree alley with an age more than a hundred years old at Benculuk Perhutani. It would be good to be there at 4:30 pm, as the sunset is about 30 min earlier in East Java than in Jakarta, what we forgot.
Day 4 Thursday
Early morning, we flew back to Jakarta.
Option 2 (in 2017)
Day 1
Flight Jakarta - Banyuwangi, stay in Kampoeng Joglo Ijen, go for a relaxing 2 hours tour arround hotel with a hotel guide.
Day 2
Midnight check out from hotel, 1am start a Ijen trek, after hike go directly to National Park of Baluran, the biggest Savana in Asia. Sleep in hotel in Banuywangi
Day 3
Morning flight Banuywangi-Jakarta
RELATED POSTS:
We didn’t plan to stay 3 days, but as our flight was canceled, we had to (and we don’t regret it).
We left our amazing resort at 10 am and went to Pantai Pulau Merah (Beach of the Red Island), which we reached quite late, around 2 pm, as on the way we had to check in to eL Hotel Royale Banyuwangi (that is 15 min from the airport) and had to take Covid Antigen Test that was at that time necessary for our flight back to Jakarta. We were surprised by how beautiful, long, and clean the beach was. The waves can be strong and there use to be surfing competitions in December and January (rainy season). However, at the beginning of the beach, in front of the restaurants, the waves were tiny. Don’t expect to see any red or pink beach. Just the hill opposite the beach has some brown-reddish stones. We ordered lunch in a local restaurant at the beach, walk a bit, swim and eat. Around 5:20 pm we visited the breath-taking oldest big tree alley with an age more than a hundred years old at Benculuk Perhutani. It would be good to be there at 4:30 pm, as the sunset is about 30 min earlier in East Java than in Jakarta, what we forgot.
Day 4 Thursday
Early morning, we flew back to Jakarta.
Option 2 (in 2017)
Day 1
Flight Jakarta - Banyuwangi, stay in Kampoeng Joglo Ijen, go for a relaxing 2 hours tour arround hotel with a hotel guide.
Day 2
Midnight check out from hotel, 1am start a Ijen trek, after hike go directly to National Park of Baluran, the biggest Savana in Asia. Sleep in hotel in Banuywangi
Day 3
Morning flight Banuywangi-Jakarta
RELATED POSTS:
Option 3 (with kids 9, 11 and 14yrs old, in October 2021)
We travelled by car to Bali and Gunung Ijen was one of our stops on the way.
Day 1
We arrived to Ijen Resort and Spa in the afternoon, we still had time to enjoy the amazing surroundings.
Day 2
We asked for an earlier breakfast - 6.30am.
After the breakfast we headed for the Gunung Ijen base parking and entrance point, located about 1hr drive from the resort.
We arrived at 8am, purchased our ticket directly at the ticket office and started the hike by ourselves. The road is up the hill but it is quite easy and if you are used to hike or doing exercise, you do not necessarily need a guide. If you are a big group, you might use him to join the faster or slower part of the group or give you a hand when slippery.
We hiked up to the rim, enjoyed the amazing views of the lake and caldera (the clouds came and went off so you need to spend some time up here), we talked to the miners, took some extraordinary pictures with them.
The wind strong but generous to us and kept blowing another direction so we did not have any problems with the sulphur smell.
We returned back to the base point at about 11.30.
We travelled by car to Bali and Gunung Ijen was one of our stops on the way.
Day 1
We arrived to Ijen Resort and Spa in the afternoon, we still had time to enjoy the amazing surroundings.
Day 2
We asked for an earlier breakfast - 6.30am.
After the breakfast we headed for the Gunung Ijen base parking and entrance point, located about 1hr drive from the resort.
We arrived at 8am, purchased our ticket directly at the ticket office and started the hike by ourselves. The road is up the hill but it is quite easy and if you are used to hike or doing exercise, you do not necessarily need a guide. If you are a big group, you might use him to join the faster or slower part of the group or give you a hand when slippery.
We hiked up to the rim, enjoyed the amazing views of the lake and caldera (the clouds came and went off so you need to spend some time up here), we talked to the miners, took some extraordinary pictures with them.
The wind strong but generous to us and kept blowing another direction so we did not have any problems with the sulphur smell.
We returned back to the base point at about 11.30.
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