Tips: Visiting Ijen Crater Before off to Bali!

Visiting Ijen Crater before off to Bali!

The paradise island of Bali has so much to offer, from world-class diving and surfing to breathtaking treks in the wild animal parks and bird sanctuaries; from inspirational spirituality to fine dining in restaurants served by world-renowned international chefs and of course, for so many the name "Bali" calls to mind the island's hundreds of intricately carved temples - most? 1,000 years old and still in use. It could be nearly impossible to fit everything in. One of the most exciting things it has to offer are its famous active volcano hikes. Among them are Mount Batur, Mount Bratan and Mount Agung - which has caused quite a few disruptions over the past few years.?

But if you’re looking to be blown away, we recommend booking a private Ijen Crater tour. Also known as the Ijen Blue Fire, it really is spectacular, featuring the largest acid lake in the world and the only natural ‘blue fire’ on earth! Here’s everything you need to know before you go.?

How to get there and when to go

Mount Ijen is actually situated in East Java, away from the hustle and bustle of central Bali. The nearest airport to Ijen is Surabaya, so you may wish to fly there and stay in the area for a few days before and after completing your hike.?

The most common way to get there from Java island is to drive from Surabaya or Malang, take a 7 hours driving by car ride to Banyuwangi and then you will only be about an hour drive from Mount Ijen. Usually tourists take the Mount Bromo tour before going to the Ijen Blue Fire tour because it is in the same line to go to. On our private Mount Ijen Tour we actually provide all the transportation so no need to worry about the planning, tickets, accommodation, etc. The total travel time will take around a day, depending on your exact location before in Java.

In the matter of when to go, the dry season in Bali is April-October. This is probably the best time of year but it is also the busiest so you may consider going outside of these months. To be honest, it’s perfectly fine to visit all year round, there’s just a slightly higher chance of a shower if you go during the wet season in Bali.

But you might actually be thankful for the opportunity to cool down when you’re halfway through your hike!?

Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater)

Kawah Ijen is most famous for its one of a kind blue fire and for being home to the world’s largest acid lake. But it’s so much more – the area is home to many other volcanoes and hills which are absolutely breathtaking. The hike is beautiful but it’s not for the faint hearted.?

From the starting point of the hike, it takes around an hour to reach Kawah Ijen base camp; and from there it takes around another 2 hours at a moderate pace to reach the peak. You don’t have to be super fit to undertake the hike, but do keep in mind that it’s quite steep. Once you reach the peak your guide will instruct you to put your gas mask on to protect your lungs from the sulfuric gas.?

After reaching the top, you can actually walk down into the crater, but again, it is steep! Around 4am is the best time to reach the acid lake for a chance to witness the natural show of the blue fire. The sun usually starts to rise at about 5:30am so be sure to grab yourself a nice little viewing spot and prepare to be amazed!?

Blue Fire

The Ijen crater is actually a well known sulfur mining site. You will see many miners carrying heavy loads (between 75 and 90 kg!) all the way up to the crater. The blue fire derives from the mining activity and is ignited sulfuric gas, which emerges from cracks.?

As with every natural sighting its height and intensity depends on various conditions and cannot be predicted. The flames have been known to reach more than 5 meters in height but this is not always the case. No matter what, it is always a unique experience and you are guaranteed to get some pretty amazing photographs on our all-inclusive Mount Ijen tour!?

Acid Lake

The high acidity of the lake starts decomposing your skin after 15 seconds so better not swim there. You can put your hand in the lake for a few seconds, under a guide's supervision without it being harmful, but be careful not to touch your eyes afterwards as there may be some tears!?

The Best Mount Ijen Tour Itinerary from Surabaya or Malang?

Before get relaxed in Bali Island that would be great experience to visit 2 highlights volcanoes in East Java .

What to bring

• Warm clothes! Indonesia might be tropical, but it gets very chilly at night at 2,300 m. It’s best to wear a few layers of clothing, so you can take some off when the sun comes up. I’d suggest a pair of comfy and supportive sneakers or trekking shoes, thick-ish socks, leggings or tracksuit bottoms, a vest, a t-shirt, a jacket and a lightweight waterproof jacket. These are all items of clothing you may not necessarily think to pack for a trip to Bali, so it pays to be organized if you’re planning to complete the hike!?
• Water. Stay hydrated it is very important during? on your hike and throughout the day, as it will be quite a long day! But do not worry we will provides you a water whenever you need.
• Sunscreen. Although it will be cold at night, once the sun comes up it will warm up rapidly and you’ll be very exposed to the sun on your way down.

Other tips:?

• Make sure you eat enough. Since it will be a really long day, and the climb is quite strenuous, you’ll want to make sure you have enough energy! Be sure to eat plenty at meal times and snack throughout the day. Our Mount Ijen tour is all inclusive so dinner, breakfast and lunch are included as well as snacks and mineral water.?
• Don’t worry too much about the sulfuric gas! Your guide will instruct you when you need to put your mask on, and this is just a safety precaution so you have nothing to worry about!
• Stay close to your guide. The trail can be very busy with many different groups embarking on the hike in the middle of the night. Just be aware of this and try to keep an eye on your guide, they will take care of you.?
• Go to the toilet whenever you have the chance, as options can be quite limited!?
• Enjoy it! Undertaking a Mount Ijen tour will not be the easiest thing you’ve ever done but it will be so rewarding and it will stay in your memory forever!