Visiting the Magical Ijen Crater in Indonesia – A Complete Travel Experience
- Flo MBT
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
If you’re looking for one of the most unique natural wonders in Indonesia, a visit to Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) in East Java is an unforgettable adventure. Famous for its turquoise acidic lake and the rare blue fire phenomenon, this volcanic crater draws travelers from around the world. On our three-day tour through East Java, the highlight was definitely the Ijen Crater hike.
In this article:
Preparing for the Hike - Ijen Crater
Our journey to Ijen began late at night. At 11:30 PM, we were picked up from our hotel and made a quick 10-minute drive to a local clinic. Before entering the park, every visitor is required to have a medical certificate, which includes a quick check of pulse and blood pressure. This ensures you’re fit enough for the trek.
From there, we drove about an hour to the base camp. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a hot cup of coffee and delicious fried bananas – the perfect energy boost before the climb. We then met our guide, who explained safety rules, provided us with head torches and gas masks, and prepared us for the adventure ahead. Guides are limited in how many people they can take, so the experience feels personal and safe.
The Ascent to Ijen Crater
The hike itself is steep and challenging, especially in the dark. The climb takes around 1.5–2 hours, and while it isn’t easy, the reward is worth every step. As we reached the top, the real adventure began: descending into the crater itself.
This part of the trek requires caution. At times, the smell of sulfur is strong, so it’s important to wear your mask. If the smoke gets into your eyes, the best thing to do is stop, close your eyes, and wait until it clears. The descent is rocky and narrow, but the views at the bottom are unlike anything else.
The Blue Fire & Crater Lake
At the base of the crater, we witnessed the blue fire phenomenon, a natural wonder caused by burning sulfuric gases that ignite as they escape cracks in the volcano. This phenomenon can only be seen in a few places worldwide, and Ijen is the most famous.
Just as the sun began to rise, we turned our eyes to the breathtaking Ijen Crater Lake. With its turquoise water, it is the largest highly acidic crater lake in the world.
Facts About Ijen Crater
Altitude: 2,799 meters above sea level.
Lake: The Ijen Crater Lake has a pH of around 0.5, making it extremely acidic.
Sulfur Mining: Local miners extract sulfur by hand, carrying loads of up to 80–90 kg up the steep slopes.
Blue Fire: The largest natural blue flame phenomenon in the world.
Tips for Visiting Ijen Crater
Start the hike well-rested and wear good hiking shoes.
Always carry your gas mask and use it when necessary.
Bring warm clothes – temperatures can be cold at night.
Respect the miners; their work is extremely tough.
Don’t rush – enjoy the experience and the views.
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