Ijen Crater Tour

Ijen Crater

Ijen Crater – The widest acid water lake

Ijen Crater complex at the eastern end of Java consists of a group of small strato volcanoes constructed within the large 20-km-wide Ijen (Kendeng) caldera. The north caldera wall forms a prominent arcuate ridge, but elsewhere the caldera rim is buried by post-caldera volcanoes, including Gunung Merapi stratovolcano, which forms the 2799 m high point of the Ijen complex. Immediately west of Gunung Merapi is the renowned historically active Kawah Ijen volcano, which contains a nearly 1-km-wide, turquoise-colored, acid crater lake.

Picturesque Kawah Ijen is the world’s largest highly acidic lake and is the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried from the crater floor.

Interestingly, Sulfur is mined at the lake’s edge and the strong odor of this is not for those with a tender stomach. The people who work in these sulfur mines are well versed in their job.

They carry the sulfur up to the top of the crater and afterwards walk the 19 km down the mountain to Banyuwangi where at a factory the sulfur is treated. These guys can carry as much as 80 kilos of the foul-smelling material!

Many other post-caldera cones and craters are located within the caldera or along its rim. The largest concentration of post-caldera cones forms an E-W-trending zone across the southern side of the caldera.

Coffee plantations cover much of the Ijen caldera floor, and tourists are drawn to its waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic volcanic scenery.

How to get transport from Surabaya to Ijen Crater?

Let explore the Ijen Crater, we provide reliable transport service to Ijen Crater from Surabaya, from Yogyakarta Banyuwangi or from Bali, further information please contact [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions about Ijen Crater Tours

  1. Where is Ijen Crater located?
    Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) is in East Java, Indonesia, near Banyuwangi and Bondowoso.
  2. Why is Ijen Crater famous?
    It is world‑renowned for its rare blue fire phenomenon, sulfur mining, and stunning turquoise crater lake.
  3. How far is Ijen Crater from Yogyakarta?
    The journey takes about 10–12 hours by car or train, often combined with Mount Bromo tours.
  4. What is the best time to visit Ijen Crater?
    Midnight to early morning is best to witness the blue fire, followed by sunrise over the crater lake.
  5. Is it safe to visit Ijen Crater?
    Yes, but visitors should follow guide instructions, wear protective masks, and be cautious of sulfur fumes.
  6. Do I need a ticket to enter Ijen Crater?
    Yes, entrance tickets are required and usually included in tour packages.
  7. What should I bring when visiting Ijen Crater?
    Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, a gas mask or respirator, flashlight, and water are essential.
  8. Can beginners hike Ijen Crater?
    Yes, the hike is moderate and takes about 1.5–2 hours. Guides assist visitors along the trail.
  9. Is the blue fire visible every night?
    The blue fire is a natural phenomenon and usually visible at night, though intensity can vary.
  10. Can Ijen Crater be visited in one day?
    Most tours are overnight trips starting at midnight. It’s often combined with Mount Bromo for a multi‑day East Java adventure.

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