Ijen Crater Lake
Witness the world's largest acidic crater lake, mesmerizing blue flames, and breathtaking sunrise at Ijen Crater.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
See the magical blue flames
Ijen Crater Lake
Best Time
See the magical blue flames
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the world's largest acidic crater lake, mesmerizing blue flames, and breathtaking sunrise at Ijen Crater. 
"An unforgettable experience! The midnight hike to see the blue fire is surreal. "
😷 Bring a Gas Mask
Essential for the strong sulfur fumes. Rent or bring your own for comfort.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It gets very cold before dawn. Layers are key for the hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ethereal Blue Flames
Witness the mesmerizing natural blue fire, a rare phenomenon caused by ignited sulfuric gases. Best seen at night.
+1Turquoise Acidic Crater Lake
Marvel at the world's largest acidic crater lake, boasting a stunning, otherworldly turquoise hue.
+1Sunrise from the Crater Rim
Experience a breathtaking sunrise over the volcanic landscape, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Blue Fire
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
😷 Bring a Gas Mask
Essential for the strong sulfur fumes. Rent or bring your own for comfort.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It gets very cold before dawn. Layers are key for the hike.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The terrain is steep and rocky; good grip is crucial.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water for the challenging trek.
Tips
from all over the internet
😷 Bring a Gas Mask
Essential for the strong sulfur fumes. Rent or bring your own for comfort.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It gets very cold before dawn. Layers are key for the hike.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The terrain is steep and rocky; good grip is crucial.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water for the challenging trek.
📅 Check Opening Status
Volcanoes can close unexpectedly. Check local advisories before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ijen Crater offers an unforgettable, albeit challenging, adventure with its surreal blue flames, mesmerizing turquoise lake, and stunning sunrise views. While the hike is demanding and the sulfur fumes intense, most visitors find the unique natural phenomena well worth the effort. Proper preparation with warm clothing and gas masks is essential for a comfortable experience.
"Took train from Surabaya Gubeng to Ketapang station and join local tour. We started driving at mid-night to reach park gate which opened at 2am. It was a ~4km hike with ~2.5km uphill 45° and another ~800m hike down into the crater. We greet by famous Blue flame, turquoise lake & miner at work."
Shanmugam Raja
"An unforgettable experience! The midnight hike to see the blue fire is surreal, and the view from the crater at sunrise is absolutely stunning. Challenging but worth it. Bring a gas mask and warm clothes. A true bucket-list adventure in East Java! We took a tour arranged by our host."
Faizan Faiz
"Unbelievable scenery 😎 Awesome experience and marvelous. For moderate climbers, is ok. For beginner, is better to prepare @ warmup first before climbing. ✅ At base camp, you can eat, take a cup of coffee or rent gloves/jacket/shoes/goggles and masks (recommended as you are getting near to the lake, you may encounter sulfur gas that can make your breathing quite uncomfortable), so be careful and always take precautions. ⚠️ By the way, overall experience, thumbs up 👍🤩"
Syamil Nordin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors travel to Banyuwangi, East Java, and then arrange a tour or private transport to Ijen Crater. Tours often include pick-up from your hotel. Ferries from Bali to Banyuwangi are also common.
Yes, it's a popular day trip from Bali. You'll typically take a ferry to Banyuwangi and then proceed to Ijen. The journey can be long, so consider an overnight stay in Banyuwangi.
Organized tours are highly recommended as they handle transportation, guides, and often provide necessary gear like gas masks. This simplifies logistics significantly.
The drive from Banyuwangi to the Ijen crater base takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
While possible, it's more challenging. You'd need to arrange your own transport to the base and hire a local guide there. Tours are generally more convenient and safer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees vary, but expect to pay around IDR 150,000 - 200,000 for foreign tourists. Tours will include this fee.
Ijen Crater is typically open for night hikes to see the blue fire, starting around 1 AM. The crater rim is accessible for sunrise viewing. Always check current opening status as it can change.
For tours, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. For independent entry, you can usually purchase tickets at the entrance.
Some sources mention a medical certificate or check-up might be required, especially for accessing certain areas or during specific periods. It's best to confirm with your tour operator.
No, the blue fire phenomenon is only visible at night due to the ignition of sulfuric gases. Daytime visits are for the crater lake and sunrise views.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The hike is challenging, with steep, rocky, and often dusty paths. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the crater rim. It's considered moderate to difficult for beginners.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing (layers are best), and a windbreaker. A hat and gloves are also advisable.
Yes, the sulfur smell can be quite strong and irritating. Wearing a gas mask or a damp cloth over your mouth and nose is highly recommended.
It's the ignition of sulfuric gases escaping from volcanic vents, creating a striking blue flame. It's a unique natural spectacle.
Access to the crater floor to see the blue fire and the lake up close is often restricted or depends on volcanic activity. Always follow the guide's instructions.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The crater rim offers stunning views of the turquoise lake and surrounding landscape, especially at sunrise. The paths leading up also provide dramatic vistas.
Exercise extreme caution. The ground can be unstable, and the fumes are toxic. Always maintain a safe distance and follow your guide's advice.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A tripod can be useful for low-light shots of the blue fire, but be mindful of the terrain and crowds. Protect your gear from dust.
Many visitors are moved by the miners' hard work. If you choose to photograph them, do so respectfully and consider asking for permission.
Long exposure shots in low light are key. Ensure your camera is stable and protect it from any dust or moisture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do decide to go, ensure children are old enough to handle the trek and are equipped with appropriate gear, including a well-fitting gas mask. Consider booking a tour with experienced guides who can manage the group's safety. The sunrise views might be a reward, but the pre-dawn blue fire viewing is very late for most children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for shared transport options or local buses to Banyuwangi. Once there, inquire about group tours or shared jeep services to the crater. Packing your own snacks and water will also help save money.
🚶 Solo Adventurers
Be prepared for a physically demanding hike. Having a reliable gas mask and warm clothing is crucial. The experience of witnessing the blue fire and sunrise is often enhanced by sharing it with fellow travelers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Blue Flames
+1This process is a powerful display of the volcano's geothermal activity. The sulfur is a key component of the volcanic emissions, and its combustion is what produces the visible flames. While visually stunning, these gases are also highly toxic, necessitating the use of gas masks for visitors.
The intensity and visibility of the blue flames can vary depending on atmospheric conditions and the volcano's current activity. It's a fleeting and awe-inspiring spectacle that draws visitors from around the globe seeking a glimpse of this natural wonder.
The World's Largest Acidic Crater Lake
+2Despite its stunning appearance, the lake is highly corrosive and dangerous. The extreme acidity is a direct result of volcanic gases dissolving into the water. This makes it one of the most acidic natural bodies of water on Earth, a testament to the raw power of volcanic processes.
The lake's appearance can change with the light and atmospheric conditions, adding to its mystique. While direct contact is impossible and dangerous, its visual impact from the crater rim is unforgettable, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding volcanic landscape.
The Lives of the Sulfur Miners
+1These miners extract sulfur for industrial use, earning a meager income for their efforts. Their daily lives are a stark reminder of the human element intertwined with this powerful natural landscape. Witnessing their resilience is a profound part of the Ijen experience for many visitors.
The physical toll of this work is immense, with miners often carrying loads of 70-90 kg. Their dedication and strength in such hazardous conditions are truly remarkable and add a layer of social commentary to the natural beauty of Ijen.
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