Volcan Ijen hike in East Java, Indonesia is a truly magical experience! Trekking through Java Island was one of the most stunning adventures I have experienced in my life. It’s a unique mixture of natural wonders with a cultural heartland.
I started my trip in Jakarta (crazy city!), stopping in Yogyakarta – famous for its rich traditional arts and cultural performances, and the incredible Borobudur temple complex, to reach Mount Penanjakan – the best sunset spot, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and Kawah Ijen. Then I continued my adventure through Bali, Flores and the exotic islands: Rinca & Komodo Islands, and Kanawa Island – heaven on earth!!
Volcan Ijen hike - the world’s largest acidic volcano!
Kawah Ijen hike is magnificent – Mount Ijen is the world’s largest acidic volcano with a stunning turquoise crater lake boiling at 300 degrees! Additionally, you can witness the famous Blue Flames – a phenomenon out of this world.
Hiking Mount Ijen is quite challenging; however, it is accessible to every traveler and does not require a special fitness level. Although you need to know it is still a few hours of night trek through rocky terrain. We didn’t have any guide, but most people would be hiring one. Check Mount Ijen Crater Tour from Bali.
How long is Kawah Ijen hike?
Most visitors would book a tour to Ijen Crater, but it is also doable alone, as the path is pretty well-maintained. The road is quite simple, you will walk a few kilometres to get to the top of the crater. Start trekking toward Ijen crater early enough (we started at 1 a.m.) to witness the sunrise and blue flames around 4am. You can’t miss either of them!
Only if you’re there before 4 a.m., you might have a chance to see a unique phenomenon at the bottom of the crater – the blue flames.
The Volcan Ijen hike is about 10 kilometres in total.
Magnificent phenomenon of the blue flames in Kawah Ijen.
Ijen Crater’s blue flames are caused by ignited sulfuric gases that emerge from cracks in the volcano at high temperatures. The gases burn with a blue hue when they come into contact with oxygen at temperatures exceeding 360°C (680°F)!
This phenomenon creates a spectacular and unique sight, especially in the dark of the night. The combination of the blue flames against the dark volcanic landscape makes for a truly unforgettable experience. However, it’s important to note that witnessing the blue flames can be physically challenging due to the steep terrain, the toxic gases present in the area and the heat! Some habitats say that Ijen blue flames can only be seen once a week, but I’m not sure if it’s true.
Ijen Crater acidic lake.
While it is slowly getting bright, the day uncovers the beauty of the acidic lake. Volcan Ijen contains the world’s largest acidic volcanic lake. The acidic lake has a green-blue lagoon colour and boils constantly at 300 Celsius degrees!
Kawah Ijen sulfur miners extract sulfur from the volcanic crater. These miners endure challenging working conditions, including toxic sulfur gases, rugged terrain, and heavy loads, to extract sulfur from the volcanic vents within the crater.
Can you believe the miners typically carry large baskets of sulfur, weighing up to 70-90 kilograms, from the crater floor to the processing area outside the crater rim, often enduring harsh fumes and difficult physical labour in the process.
Sulphur mining at Ijen Crater.
Kawah Ijen sulfur miners extract sulfur from the volcanic crater. These miners endure challenging working conditions, including toxic sulfur gases, rugged terrain, and heavy loads, to extract sulfur from the volcanic vents within the crater.
Can you believe the miners typically carry large baskets of sulfur, weighing up to 70-90 kilograms, from the crater floor to the processing area outside the crater rim, often enduring harsh fumes and difficult physical labor in the process.
Their work is not only physically demanding but also carries health risks due to prolonged exposure to sulfur dioxide gas, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems.
Despite the challenges, the sulfur miners at Ijen Crater continue their work, as it is a vital source of income for the local communities in the area. We’ve worked to improve safety and provide protective gear for these miners. You can also contribute with small tips.
They are extremely nice, shy and friendly. Some of them will uncover parts of their bodies showing shoulder and back deformations. Some will let you try to carry the basket hahhhha! Their bones are covered with a crusty skin from the stick holding heavy baskets.
From the top of the caldera, they still need to walk 3 km to reach the payment spot, where the stones are stored. The minors are so tiny that it’s actually hard to believe that they can be so resistant.
You can also take a walk around the caldera to admire the lake from the top perspective.
Safety advice for Volcan Ijen hike.
Safety: As this is an area of high volcanic activity – it is dangerous, and you enter on your own responsibility. Besides, you are constantly in the clouds of sulphur smoke, and this gas is toxic, so consider having a gas mask if a simple face mask is not enough for you. For me it was manageable with a simple face mask.
Kawah Ijen hike difficulty.
Level of difficulty: The hike to the crater rim and down to the blue flames is quite demanding, especially the ascent back up due to steep and rocky terrain. We started at 1am to reach the crater rim before sunrise, to witness the surreal blue flames and the acidic crater lake. It takes approx. 3 hours to reach the crate and it’s an optimal time to admire the blue flames.
The trail to Kawah Ijen is a mix of volcanic rock, dirt paths, and steep sections. This is where you’ll encounter the local sulfur miners, who carry heavy loads of sulfur through the harsh terrain.
Mount Ijen hike length.
The total length of the Mount Ijen hike is 6 miles/10 kilometres.
Hiking Mount Ijen takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. You will also spend some time admiring the blue flames.
From the edge of the crater, you will hike down to the bottom lake – which will take an additional 1.5h-2h.
The trail down leads through the rocky terrain, this is where we met the minors (always let them go first!). You probably won’t stay too long at the bottom of the crater, because the choking smoke is too heavy.
The Ijen Volcano tour is definitely targeted for adventurous hikers; it is doable for anyone with a relatively good fitness level.
Once you hike back, it’s also possible to walk around the crater. At that time, the sun is up and on a clear day, the view of the turquoise lake nestled within the crater is spectacular! The colour of the lake is a result of the high sulfur content, creating an otherworldly landscape.
Ijen Crater is easily accessible from Bali; there’s a popular tour on Klook – Ijen Blue Fire Hiking Tour from Bali.
What to wear for the Volcan Ijen hike?
- Wear a few layers /it gets cold during the night trek/.
- Take a rainproof jacket.
- Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential.
- Face/gas mask – YES it’s highly recommended.
- Plenty of water and some snacks /chocolate, nuts, protein bar/.
- Headlamp – Since the hike starts in the dark, a reliable headlamp is a must.
- Use a toilet before approaching the hike.
- GUIDE: not required but recommended if you have little experience hiking volcanoes.
- Camera or phone!
Hiking saftey tips.
- While Mount Ijen is generally safe for hiking, always stay on marked trails.
- Check the volcanic activity status before your trip.
- If you are joining a guided tour, make sure to choose the top-rated. Local guides are knowledgeable about the terrain and ensure your safety.
Best time for Mount Ijen trek.
The best time to hike Mount Ijen is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. In dry season the weather is generally clearer, providing better visibility for the stunning views.
Where to stay when hiking Mount Ijen?
BEST PLACE TO STAY WHEN HIKING MOUNT IJEN: The best place to stay in a village called Banyuwangi. There ‘s lots of accommodation options. Amazing budget stays start from few dollars per night on agoda.com.
Exceptional hotels (4* and 4.5*) and B&B stays start from only 30$ on agoda.com.
IJEN CRATER ENTRANCE FEE: 100.000 IDR (~6 USD) on weekdays and 150.000 IDR (~10 USD) on weekends.
Explore Mount Bromo and Mount Penanjakan tours.
There are many tour options to see wonders of Tengger Semeru National Park. Some most popular options, including multiday immpressive advantures, with best reviews contain:
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