Indonesia is beyond Bali, and yes, you heard me right!
The 30 days visa on arrival which we get can be used in many places besides Bali, and you can certainly club Bali with some other places on your next trip. Why? Because out of the 18,000 islands in Indonesia there are 10 most beautifully blessed with nature that you must visit atleast once! One of them is Banyuwang, an untouched island boasting its spectacular views.
Next time you plan a trip to Indonesia, I highly recommend visiting the Kawah Ijen volcano and crater lake in Banyuwangi. This place will leave you spell bound, if you are anything close to a nature lover.
Where is Kawah Ijen or 'Ijen Crater' Located?
Kawah Ijen, also known as the Ijen Crater, is located in East Java, Indonesia in the Banyuwangi Regency, near the eastern tip of Java Island.
Kawah Ijen which means ‘lonely crater’ is a part of the Ijen volcano complex, situated within the larger Ijen Plateau.
The region surrounding Kawah Ijen is known for its lush green landscapes, coffee plantations, and traditional Javanese villages. The area attracts tourists and adventurers from around the world who come to witness the mesmerizing blue fire phenomenon and the scenic beauty of the crater.
The Way To Reach The Blue Fire: Midnight Hike
The midnight hike to the Kawah Ijen volcano starts with a midnight pickup from the hotel in Banyuwangi. Renowned for its mesmerizing blue fire phenomenon., you can only see it in the darkest hours of the night.
1. What causes the blue fire: The blue fire at Kawah Ijen is caused by ignited sulfuric gases that emerge from cracks in the volcano. These gases, primarily are composed of sulfur dioxide, combust upon contact with the air, creating a vibrant blue glow reaching a temperature of up to 600 degrees Celsius (1,112 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in a captivating and otherworldly sight.
2. Best time to see the blue fire: The blue fire is best observed during the dark hours of the night, typically between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. This period allows for optimal visibility and enhances the surreal beauty of the phenomenon. The blue fire is visible year-round, and the visibility depends on the weather conditions and volcanic activity.
3. Hiking to witness the blue fire: The hike is moderately challenging and typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the crater rim. Start the hike early morning to reach the crater before sunrise and experience the blue fire at its peak.
Fun fact: The only other place on Earth where you can see ‘blue lava’ like this is in Dallol, Ethiopia.
4. Safety precautions: It's crucial to prioritize safety when visiting Kawah Ijen. The gases emitted by the volcano, including sulfur dioxide, can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities. It's advisable to wear a mask or cloth to cover your mouth and nose during the hike.
5. Capturing the blue fire: If you're interested in photography, carry a camera capable of capturing low-light or long-exposure images to capture the vibrant blue flames effectively.
Kawah Ijen Crater Lake
The Kawah Ijen Crater Lake is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,443 meters (8,015 feet) above sea level. It has a surface area of around 0.41 square kilometers (0.16 square miles) and reaches a maximum depth of approximately 200 meters (656 feet). The lake's water is known for its turquoise color, which is attributed to its high acidity and the presence of dissolved minerals.
This 700-meter wide lake is actually the biggest acid lake in the world!
How To Get To Kawah Ijen
1. Drive and take the ferry from Bali
Kawah Ijen and Banyuwangi are connected to Bali by a ferry service that runs 24/7 and every 15 minutes. The ferries are dated but comfy enough, and they cross the Bali strait in just 30-45 minutes.
2. Fly to Banyuwangi and do the short drive to Kawah Ijen
The main international airport in Java is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. From there, you can take a domestic flight or travel by land to reach Banyuwangi, the gateway to Kawah Ijen.
You can easily fly there from Bali, Jakarta, or Kuala Lumpur as well.
3. Do a multi-day road trip across several points of interest in Java
Another great way to visit the Kawah Ijen volcano is to take an epic road trip / tour across East Java, stopping at all the best sights like the Mount Bromo sunrise, the Ijen crater, and some of Java’s famous waterfalls like Tumpak Sewu.
Kawah Ijen Hike – What To Expect
Distance: 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) return
Elevation Gain: 435 meters (1,430 ft)
Start Elevation: 1,865 meters (6,120 ft)
End Elevation: 2,300 meters (7,550 ft)
Duration: 3 – 5 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate
Kawah Ijen Entrance Fee
Foreigners (weekdays): 100k IDR ($7 USD) / person
Foreigners (weekends): 150k IDR ($10 USD) / person
Domestic: 5k IDR / person
Packing Essentials For Kawah Ijen
1. Gas Mask: If you plan to see the Kawah Ijen blue fire, you will definitely need a gas mask for that part of the hike. The gas masks come along with a tour if you have booked one, or rent it at the entrance for 45k Rupiah.
2. Goggles: Goggles can be very helpful too since the smoke burns your eyes.
3. Jacket: Its gets very chilly during the sunrise.
4. Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes are good for the Mount Ijen hike due to the gravel which can be a bit slippery.
5. Poncho: If you visit Mount Ijen between December to February which is the rainy season, carry a poncho.
6. Headlight: Carry a small torch for the sunrise hike, especially if you want to go inside the crater.
Where To Stay
The main base for visiting the Kawah Ijen volcano is the town of Banyuwangi, and most people stay at least one night there since you do the Ijen trip overnight.
Best Time To Visit
Indonesia’s dry season runs from April to November, and during this time mountain visibility is best.
Definitely try to avoid weekends and public holidays.
So are you going to visit this unique blue fire in Indonesia on your next trip to Bali? Let us know in the comments if you have already added it to your bucket list.
Read about Bali: Exploring Bali Beyond What You See on Instagram - 10 Offbeat Bali Experiences
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For Just Rs 1,000 Stay At the 11 Best Hostels & Homestays in Bali!
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