Ijen Cráter
It's an experience you can't miss if you go to East Java. A volcano with sulfur mines inside the crater where you descend to the bottom and see the miners working to extract sulfur (there aren't many, but they're there) and reach the lagoon inside the volcano. You have to be careful with the sulfur fumes because they are very harmful. They give you a mask for that. There's also a phenomenon called "blue lava," which consists of small blue flames that come out of the ground and light the guides. It's not actually blue lava and it's a bit deceptive. But it's not bad either, as it's quite unique.
This experience starts very early; groups usually leave around midnight (00:00). We left around 1:30-2:00 am, and that was more than enough time, depending on your pace. Before going up, you need a medical certificate (the agencies take care of this, but if you have time to go on your own, ask the hostel and they'll tell you which one is closest). We went to the doctor at 1 am, and it was open, so we got the certificate in 5 minutes.
You can do it on your own by renting a motorbike and going there. You'll just need to pay the entrance fee and go up following the trail or the other group (you must get your medical certificate first). Sometimes it's difficult to do it on your own because you arrive late in Banyuwangi.
- Location
- Indonesia
- Category
- Summit
Open in Outzero
