Climbing Mount Ijen: Everything You Need to Know + Practical Tips

Mount Ijen is a famous volcano located in East Java, Indonesia, near the town of Banyuwangi. It lies inside the Ijen Plateau and is part of the larger Ijen volcano complex, which includes several other volcanic peaks. The closest airport is Banyuwangi International Airport (BWX), and the volcano is about a 1-hour drive from there. You can also reach it from Bali by taking a ferry across the Bali Strait and continuing the journey by car.

Mount Ijen rises to 2,799 meters (9,186 feet) above sea level and is one of the most unique volcanoes in the world. What makes it so special? A bright blue acid lake inside its crater, blue flames that glow in the dark, and hardworking sulfur miners who carry heavy blocks of sulfur every single day.

Even though Mount Ijen is known as one of the most toxic volcanoes on Earth due to the sulfur gas, it attracts many visitors who come to witness its rare and breathtaking natural beauty. With a gas mask, a headlamp, and a good local guide, you can safely hike this amazing volcano.

This guide will help you understand everything you need to know: what to expect during the hike, what to pack, safety tips, and where to stay nearby.

🛑 Important: Mount Ijen is closed on the first Friday of every month for safety and maintenance.

What Makes Mount Ijen So Special?

Inside Mount Ijen is a crater lake called Kawah Ijen. It’s the largest acid lake in the world, and its water is bright turquoise. This colour comes from the volcanic gases mixing with the water.

But the biggest reason people visit is the blue fire. It’s not blue lava—it’s sulfur gas that catches fire when it meets the air. This can only be seen in the dark and is very rare in the world.

Also, Ijen is home to a sulfur mine. Local workers carry large chunks of yellow sulfur from the crater. They do this in very tough conditions, often with little safety gear.

Can Everyone Climb Mount Ijen?

The hike is not too hard, but it can still be challenging. The trail is about 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top.

The path is steep and rocky. You need to be in decent physical shape. The air can be hard to breathe because of the sulfur gas, but your guide will give you a gas mask.

⚕️ Since 2024, you need a medical certificate to climb Mount Ijen. If you have asthma, heart problems, are pregnant, or have trouble walking, this hike is not recommended. Tour guides usually help get this certificate using your passport.

---

What Is the Mount Ijen Hike Like?

🌙 Start at Night

Most hikes begin late at night. Depending on your hotel, your guide will pick you up between 11 PM to 2 AM and take you to the base. You can grab coffee, get your gear, and listen to a quick safety talk.

Then, with your flashlight and mask, you start walking around at 2 or 3 AM.

🥾 Hiking to the Crater

The hike takes you through a dark trail with forests and volcanic rocks. You’ll walk slowly under the stars, with lights from towns far below. The smell of sulfur gets stronger as you go up.

When you reach the top, you’ll climb down into the crater to see the blue fire up close. This part is more difficult and slippery, so go slowly.

---

The Blue Fire

The blue flames are the main reason people come at night. They are caused by burning sulfur gas, which glows blue in the dark. Some flames can be as high as 5 meters (16 feet).

But here’s the truth: the flames are smaller than you might expect. Sometimes, there’s just one spot with blue fire and a lot of people around it. Some guides may even help start the fire with a flammable liquid so everyone can see it.

Even if it’s not dramatic, it’s still a very cool and rare thing to witness.

---

Watching the Sunrise Over the Crater

After seeing the blue fire, you’ll hike back up to the top of the crater. As the sun rises, you’ll see the lake appear. It’s a stunning view—bright turquoise water, smoke floating above it, and black trees around the edge.

It looks like something from another planet. This is one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.

🌡️ Tip: It gets cold at night—around 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F). Wear warm clothes in layers. You can take some off once the sun comes up.

---

The Sulfur Miners of Mount Ijen

While hiking, you will see sulfur miners carrying heavy baskets. These men collect sulfur from the crater and walk long distances with loads up to 60 kg (132 pounds) on their shoulders.

They earn about $4 per trip, which is very little for such hard and dangerous work. Many do it with almost no protection. It’s a powerful thing to see.

💛 Tip: If you take a photo of a miner, give them a small tip. They’ll really appreciate it.

---

What to Pack for Mount Ijen

Here’s a simple list of what to bring:

• Strong hiking shoes or boots

• litre of water

• Small snacks

• Warm clothes in layers

• Gloves and a hat (optional)

• A flashlight or headlamp (usually provided)

• A gas mask (included in most tours)

Bonus:

• Dry bag for your phone or camera

• Hiking stick for balance

• Sunglasses for when the sun comes up

---

How to Book a Tour to Mount Ijen

There are many tour options, but having a great guide makes a big difference.

One highly rated guide is Mount Ijen Tour, who grew up near Mount Ijen. He knows the area very well and makes sure you get to the blue fire early before the crowds. He also keeps the group safe and helps create a fun, relaxed trip.

🚌 Pick-up is available from Banyuwangi, Bondowoso, and even Bali (longer and more expensive).

---

Best Places to Stay Near Mount Ijen

🌿 Stay in Licin

Licin is a peaceful village just 30 minutes from the hiking base. It’s quiet, green, and surrounded by nature—much nicer than the busy city.

Top places to stay:

• Bamboo & B – Cosy bamboo rooms, great garden, friendly hosts

• Ijen Resort and Villas – A beautiful and luxurious place with amazing views of rice fields and volcanoes

🏙️ Or Stay in Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi is the closest city. It’s busy and has more shops and restaurants, but not very charming.

---

Mount Ijen Volcano, Indonesia

Climbing Mount Ijen is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll see rare blue fire, watch the sunrise over a glowing acid lake, and meet hardworking sulfur miners.

It’s not an easy hike, but it’s worth it. With the right tour, gear, and mindset, this trip will be one of the most memorable parts of your journey through Indonesia.

---

🌋 Ready to Explore Mount Ijen?

Have questions or want a custom itinerary?
Contact our expert team and let’s make your East Java dream tour a reality.
📞 WhatsApp: +6285 185 319 904
✉️ Email: admin@ijenexpedition.com