One of the most unique features of the Ijen Crater is the blue flame phenomenon caused by ignited sulfuric gas. This phenomenon is best seen in the early morning hours before sunrise. It creates an otherworldly and captivating scene that attracts many visitors.

It's amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The blue fire and the crater lake are fantastic and it's really a good hike for me. Note the trail is quite challenging and a good walking shoes and walking sticks are a must.

This is a trip worst going. It’s dangerous but you can make is safe. I have only about two hours to sleep coz we check in about 9 PM at Hotel Baratha and check out at 12am. Then we have to go by van to the foot of ijen mountain. The road was tough for some as it’s winding up. Take your medicine for car sickness. We need to be there by 2am as the climb open at 2.30 am. If your want to catch the blue fire, you must reach the line by 3.40sm or earlier otherwise you will missed it. The rest of my friends rush up while I crawl like a turtle and still reach in time. You have to make sure you have a great shoes for sandy slippery volcano ash path. It's at 75degee tangent at some climb. They are "Porche 😊,'Ferrari', 'Lamborgini' aka the wheel barrow that fetch you up. Or prices was RPH1.5million while some got it at RPH1million. But it's worst it except I want to have it my way. I climb. You must go if you can. It's an achievement to do it for yourself.

1st time hiking, and at 2AM the winds were chilling. But, like the famous saying, the result doesn't betray the process. Upon reaching the peak ar around 5AM, the sun's rays painted a beautiful sight. The Ijen Crater was also visible from the peak, which is amazing. For beginners, Mt. Ijen is a good starting point. Do try go for when the weather conditions are good.

To ascend you set off early, we had a guide, although there are so many people doing the sunrise thing you could simply follow the pack. For the ascent early in the morning it will be really cold, bring a fleece and a hat. Also the path up is made of volcanic ash, which gets kicked into the air by the visitor’s, wear a Covid style mask to prevent breathing in the dust and change it a fee times as the ascent is exhausting and your mask will become moist and dirty. You will need a head torch at the very least. You really only need a gas mask if you intend to go down to the creator (don’t do this if you do not have a guide or if you are not fit and sturdy on your feet). There are a few viewing points, I recommend going there to see the sunrise. I enjoyed the return down the mountain in daylight the views were spectacular.It us rare to see the blue flame.

Climbing the Kawa Ijen is a unique moment. It's the most incredible human experience I've had in my life. You will need a guide to climb safe and I recommend you to book the best guide in Indonesia : Surya. I've been to the Kawa Ijen 2 times in my life with him and it was always a great experience. He his now a friend and even a brother to me. He speaks English very well, he knows everything about the volcano because he used to be a minor too. He can help you finding a driver too. Surya and his brother helped us so much to go to the Ijen. I want to come back again to meet them again ! Don't hesitate one second to book him or his brother. This is his number : Surya : +62 822-2857-8687 His brother Jian : +62 822-4284-1487 Thank you so much to them 🙏🏻

I absolutely loved this. We visited in September 2024 after Ijen opened again to visitors after some increased volcanic activity. The ‘blue fire’ is still closed so we didn’t see that, but to be honest, I was more interested in the hike and the views from the top of the volcanic crater. So I was really happy. The hike felt good to stretch the legs and the views were incredible. You’re above the clouds with the tops of the volanoes and the beautiful blue lake in Ijen itself. Would really recommend. We didn’t find the hike difficult as there is a clear path all the way, but we are experienced hikers so maybe it would be too steep for people less confident in the mountains. Remember good hiking boots, sensible layers of clothing, water to drink, and some kind of protection for your face - even if the sulphur fumes are ok, the wind can blow the dust around a lot so a mask or something is useful.