July, 2026

Amazing- after an obstacle years ago, finally made the trek up to Kawah Ijen with its turquoise crater lake, known to be the most acidic lake in the world.
A one hour drive from Banyuwangi to the start point with a hot tea to warm up and begin hike at 2am to get up to the viewpoint for sunrise.

We could not go down into the crater to see the famous blue fire due to safety concern but that was fine- I was very happy to relax and see the view!

Local sulphur miners still go down in dangerous conditions to haul baskets of sulphur by hand, weighing 80-100kg…and get paid Rp 1500 per kilo, so can be around USD 10 for up to 100kg! Such incredible hard work and many not using gas masks. Sulphuric gas emerges through cracks at a temperature of 600C- with condensation into liquid and encountering oxygen, the gas ignites into blue flames like a gas stove. You can look up photos of this amazing natural phenomena!

Walking down seeing the landscape in daylight is incredible nature. Many of the local sulphur miners offer to take you up or down by trolly used for bringing sulphur down once emerged from the crater. They call the trollies lamborghinis and try to make more money this way. Although I wanted to support these guys..happy my knees made it!

The hike approx 3.5km with a gradual and partially steep incline of 500 meters to elevation of 2386m. Mt Ijen last erupted in 1969.
It is always best to go with a licensed local guide who helps take care of all the logistics including a mandatory health check prior to the hike. The hike for sunrise is most popular, but it also attracts the crowds. During my hike, others on the trail were very quiet and respectful which was appreciated.
Ijen in Javanese actually means alone or lonely. And once the sun came up, my only wish was to be able to stay on longer to enjoy the quiet. This of course is possible if you are with a private guide.
Or, if seeing the sunrise is not a priority, you can start up on the trail later in the early morning, while the sunrise trekkers are coming downhill. Then you can feel more alone with the incredible nature of Ijen.

For a Magical Turtle Adventure:
Continue to Sukamade Beach in Meru Betiri National Park along the remote south coast of Java:
Learn and See More: https://alamasia.net/turtle-birth-and-release-sukamade-east-java/

Back to East Java: Mt. Bromo to Ijen and Crossing to Bali:
https://alamasia.net/east-java-volcanoes-ijen-to-bromo/

Back to East Java Ancient Kingdoms: Singosari and Majapahit:  https://alamasia.net/east-java/

Back to Main Indonesia Page:
https://alamasia.net/asia-destinations-news-and-links/bali-and-indonesia/