
Explore Ijen Crater: The Ultimate Blue Fire Adventure

Are you ready to witness a natural spectacle so rare it feels otherworldly? This exclusive regular trip event, “Explore Ijen Crater – Blue Fire Moment,” is your chance to see the famous blue flames of Mount Ijen up close. This short but action-packed adventure is perfect for those who want a truly unique and memorable experience, all within a compact 2-day itinerary.
Ijen Crater is an active volcano with an acidic crater lake at its summit. Rising 2,368 meters above sea level, it’s not just a mountain; it’s a geological wonder. The area is part of the Ijen Tourism Nature Reserve Park in East Java and has become a global destination, thanks to the breathtaking blue fire phenomenon.
This trip focuses on the dramatic blue fire moment and culminates with a beautiful sunrise over the crater. You’ll begin your journey in the late afternoon, arriving at the base camp just before midnight to start your trek under the stars. This timing is meticulously planned to ensure you get to the crater when the conditions are perfect to see the incredible flames.
The Blue Fire Phenomenon: A Unique Natural Wonder
The blue fire of Ijen Crater is not lava, as many might think. It’s a surreal, deep-blue light caused by the ignition of sulfuric gases. These gases, heated to over 360°C (680°F), escape from cracks in the volcano and ignite upon contact with the air. The flames can reach up to five meters high.
This spectacular event is only visible in the dark, which is why your hike begins just before midnight. The sight of these ghostly blue flames dancing in the darkness of the crater is a truly unforgettable experience. It’s a reminder of the raw power of the Earth and the unique beauty that can be found in its most extreme environments. You’ll have a few hours to marvel at this spectacle, take photos, and absorb the unique atmosphere before the sun rises.
More Than Just the Flames: The Ijen Experience
While the blue fire is the main attraction, the experience of Ijen Crater offers so much more. The hike itself is a journey through a serene forest, and the trek takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on your pace. The trail can be challenging in some parts, but it is well-trodden and worth every step.
As you trek, you might encounter local sulfur miners. These resilient men make a living by carrying heavy loads of solid sulfur, often weighing up to 80-90 kg, in baskets on their shoulders. This is an incredibly difficult and dangerous job, and witnessing their labor provides a powerful and humbling perspective. You’ll have the chance to see them at work and get a glimpse into their daily lives, which adds a deep layer of human connection to your natural adventure.
After the blue fire fades with the sunrise, the view transforms. You’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the turquoise-colored, highly acidic lake surrounded by a magnificent volcanic landscape. The sunrise paints the sky in vibrant colors, illuminating the entire crater. It’s a perfect reward after a night of trekking and a moment of quiet reflection before heading back down.
Trip Itinerary: A Night of Adventure
This journey is designed for those with a sense of adventure who are ready to make the most of their time. The 2-day itinerary is a focused, high-impact experience that packs the best of Ijen into a single night.
Day 1: The Midnight Departure
- 15.00 – 16.00: All participants must be at the meeting point at Jatim Expo in Surabaya for a quick briefing before departure.
- 16.00 – 22.00: The drive to Paltuding, the starting point for the trek to Mount Ijen, begins. Along the way, we’ll stop for dinner (included) to fuel up for the night ahead.
- 22.00 – 23.00: Upon arrival at Paltuding, we’ll take a short rest and get ready for the hike. This is when you’ll put on your warm clothes and prepare your gear.
- 23.00 – 00.00: The trek up Mount Ijen begins. The 3-kilometer hike to the crater takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Day 2: Blue Fire and Sunrise
- 01.00 – 02.00: We arrive at the rim of Ijen Crater. After a short rest, we will head down into the crater (with a guide) to witness the blue fire.
- 02.00 – 05.00: This is the most anticipated part of the trip. We’ll spend the early hours of the morning marveling at the blue fire moment and capturing the incredible sight.
- 05.00 – 06.00: As the sun rises, we’ll make our way back down to Paltuding.
- 06.00 – 08.00: After the hike, a well-deserved breakfast (included) and a short rest awaits.
- 08.00 – 14.00: The journey back to Surabaya begins, marking the end of our adventure.
Essential Facilities and Gear
We’ve got you covered with all the necessary facilities to make your trip comfortable and safe.
Facilities Included in the Trip:
- Tour Guide: A knowledgeable guide from the Keliling Nusantara team will lead the way, ensuring your safety and providing local insights.
- Transportation: All transport during the trip is provided in a comfortable vehicle.
- Tickets and Permits: All entrance fees and permits are included. Note: There is an additional charge for non-Indonesian citizens, which will be handled during the booking process.
- Meals: Three meals are included to keep you energized.
What to Pack (Personal Equipment):
- Warm Clothing: The temperatures at Ijen Crater can drop significantly. It is absolutely essential to bring a warm jacket, gloves, and socks.
- Mask: The sulfur fumes can be very strong and irritating. A proper mask is mandatory to protect your respiratory system.
- Trekking Shoes: The terrain is rocky and uneven, so sturdy trekking shoes or sandals are highly recommended.
- Headlamp/Flashlight: The hike is in the dark, so a headlamp is essential for visibility.
- Personal Items: Don’t forget your personal medicine, a camera to capture the memories, and your ID card. A raincoat is also a good idea if you are visiting during the rainy season.
Are you ready to witness the captivating beauty of Ijen Crater and the mesmerizing blue fire moment? This trip is a journey into the heart of a volcano and an unforgettable experience.
5 Comments on “Explore Ijen Crater – Blue Fire Moment”
Fifi
28 Jan 2013Permisi, trip 23-24 Februari masih ada kuota??
Saya solo traveller dr Bali, itu trekking 2 hari cukup kah?
Kebetulan pas weekend soalnya, dan enggak pake ambil cuti ngantor…
oiya, tadi saya sms ke CP di atas… makasih..
Masih mbak Fifi..
Untuk informasi dan keikutsertaan bisa langsung hubungi kontak kita.
moncler vest
8 Jan 2013Best wishes!Your blog is very good!
Lianne
1 Jan 2013hi, i will be going to surabaya on 9 Feb and would very much like to join your tour. unfortunately, i will be landing only at four in the afternoon at juanda international airport, so i would like to know if it is possible for me to pay a little bit more so that i can get a car to bring me to meet with the rest of your group and to join your tour later on? there are two of us, me and my friend. looking forward to receiving your reply, many thanks!
Hai, aku akan pergi untuk surabaya pada februari 9 dan akan sangat banyak seperti untuk bergabung nenek tour. Sayangnya, aku akan mendarat hanya pada empat di sore hari di bandara internasional juanda, jadi saya ingin tahu jika itu adalah mungkin bagi saya untuk membayar sedikit lebih jadi bahwa aku bisa mendapatkan sebuah mobil untuk membawa saya untuk bertemu dengan selebihnya dari kelompok kalian dan untuk bergabung dalam tur anda nantinya? ada dua dari kita, aku dan teman saya. Melihat ke depan untuk menerima balasan anda, banyak terima kasih!
Yes you join our trip on 9 february.
We have to trip on that day (1) Trip to explore mt. Bromo and waterfall madakaripura and (2) trip to explore ijen crater on the moment of blue fire.
which one do you want to join ?
was that you who send me an email to my facebook account yesterday ?