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Trek Ijen’s Blue Fire in Banyuwangi, East Java - Night Hiking Experience for You
You will experience the largest acid lake on Java island up close at Kawah Ijen, a unique crater-bound turquoise pool colored by sulfur-rich waters that reveal the raw beauty of the volcano; the dramatic chemical reaction gives the lake its striking hue. Witness unforgettable sunrise moments-best between May and September-when you rise above the sea and mountains to greet the famous Sunrise of Java. Meet the sulfur miners who haul fresh yellow sulfur rock and gain perspective on how challenging the work is when you try to measure a load on your shoulders; their daily labor supports families in the area. Book this immersive volcanic experience through Varoom to combine a powerful Outdoor & Nature adventure with local insight in Banyuwangi, East Java.
About this activity in Banyuwangi
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Stand at the rim of Java’s largest acid lake and witness the crater’s stunning turquoise waters produced by volcanic sulfur chemistry.
- Catch the unforgettable sunrise over the volcanic crater between May and September - a dramatic ‘sunrise of Java’ moment above the surrounding sea and mountains.
- See the intense labor of local sulfur miners up close and appreciate the centuries-old mining tradition that shapes the crater’s landscape.
- Experience a unique, rugged nature adventure in the region - dramatic crater views, vivid colors and rare volcanic scenery you won’t find elsewhere on Java.
Important Information
- This activity requires at least a moderate level of fitness; you’ll traverse steep terrain and uneven paths around the crater.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, asthma, hypothermia risk, vertigo, or similar conditions; children must be accompanied by an adult and infants sit on an adult’s lap.
- Private transport, bottled water, a local English-speaking guide, gas mask, headlight and goggles are provided; gratuities are not included.
- Small-group minimums apply; please confirm the minimum participant requirement and exact itinerary at booking - public transport options exist nearby if needed.
Meeting Point
You’ll be collected from your hotel in Banyuwangi (exact pick-up time and location will be confirmed after booking). If you prefer, meet at an agreed central point in the town before the transfer to the crater area.
Includes
- For your Banyuwangi, East Java booking: private transportation is provided so you can move comfortably between sites.
- Bottled water is included to keep you hydrated during activities in the area.
- Private tours are arranged so you can enjoy a more personalized sightseeing experience.
- Coffee and/or tea are available as part of the service for your convenience.
- An English-speaking guide accompanies you - guides are not miners or students, ensuring professional support throughout the experience.
- Insurance coverage is included to give you added peace of mind while exploring the region.
- Safety gear provided: gas mask, headlight, and goggles to support required activities here.
Excludes
- Gratuities are not included; you may tip guides or staff at your discretion while visiting.
Other
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers due to activity demands and local conditions.
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or those with poor cardiovascular health.
- Visitors who suffer from asthma, hypothermia, vertigo, and similar conditions cannot participate in this tour.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult; infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap.
- You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to take part in activities here.
- Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer alternatives to the included transfer.
- A minimum number of participants is required for the tour to run; check your booking details for the required group size.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
We had a fantastic trip to the Ijen blue fire volcano crater. Our excellent guide Rury and his driver picked us up at 12:30 AM at our homestay, and we drove to the Ijen volcano national park. We then had some short refreshments, and when the national park opened at 2 AM, we made our way with Rury to the top of the volcano crater. We then put the gas masks that Rury supplied us with, ready to wear at the first scent of hydrogen sulfide, and then went over the edge of the crater. We climbed down to where the sulfur vents are at the bottom of the crater next to the lake, and we had a most spectacular view of the blue fire there. We got a bunch of pictures and then went back up with Rury to the crater top, and then made our way to the sunset point. Even though it was still raining when we went on our way there, the rain stopped and we were able to see a beautiful sunrise, the clouds over the crater cleared, and we had a perfect view of the blue lake at the crater bottom, with clear views of the sulfur vents, and we even had a full 180° rainbow to take pictures of. We then walked back down to the park entrance and got a ride back, and made it back to our homestay before 9 AM that morning.
I can’t say enough good things about Rury. He was very attentive to all our needs, made sure my wife was comfortable with her footing going down some of the steeper parts inside the crater, took many pictures of us and waited patiently while we took our own pictures, and generally entertained us with great stories on the way. I would very highly recommend Rury as a guide, and would definitely use him again if I come back.
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Summary:
The guide and the driver spoke real good english and were a hilarious duo. Both were really fun to talk to and our guide answered all our questions.
The day we were there it was not possible to go close to the blue flames because of potential toxic gases. Nevertheless we made our own blue flames by setting small pieces of sulfur on fire. A few minutes later all the other guests joined us to look at them.
All in all a super experience!
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Summary:
What an incredible experience from start to finish! All thanks to our wonderful, extremely knowledgeable guide Malik! He made sure we did our best to avoid getting stuck in crowds of people, and it made all the difference. It was way better moving quickly to the front of people. Seeing the blue fire was amazing and Malik got some great photos and videos of us throughout the experience. You can tell he knows so much about Ijen and the volcanoes of East Java.
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Choose Banyuwangi, East Java for Your Adventure, Culture, Nature
Explore Banyuwangi in East Java for standout Outdoor & Nature and Adventure & Thrill experiences paired with immersive Art & Culture and Food & Drink Events that make booking local tours and activities effortless. You can plan Multi-Day / Full-Day or Family & Kids outings, from guided Tours & Sightseeing to hands-on Workshops & Learning and Shows & Entertainment that connect you with the region’s unique offerings. Use Varoom to find Group-Friendly, Romantic & Couples, or Wellness & Relaxation options here so you can book accommodations that match the Events and activities you care about.
8 Guests
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4 Bathrooms
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242.19 ft²
6 Guests
9 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
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- Parking
US $20/Night
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3229 ft²
12 Guests
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Know more about Banyuwangi
Kawah Ijen’s one-kilometer-square acid lake is a unique volcanic crater filled with turquoise-colored sulfur waters. The vivid hue from the chemical reaction of sulfur and steam creates a striking contrast with the crater walls, offering an unforgettable volcano and crater-lake experience you can’t find elsewhere in East Java.
Yes - you can observe and photograph the local sulfur miners working on the crater rim, but always keep a respectful distance. The tour includes protective gear such as gas masks, headlights, and goggles to help you stay safe while capturing close-up views of their demanding work.
Your booking includes private transportation, bottled water, a private tour with an English-speaking guide, coffee or tea, insurance cover, and protective gear (gas mask, headlight, goggles). Gratuities are not included, so plan to bring cash for tips if you wish to reward your guide.
You should book between May and September to experience the iconic sunrise over the crater. During these months you’ll rise above the sea and surrounding mountains to watch the spectacular Sunrise of Java unfold over the turquoise lake.
The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness because of steep crater paths and altitude. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal or serious cardiovascular conditions, or visitors who suffer from asthma, vertigo, or hypothermia. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Kawah Ijen can be a memorable family or Group-Friendly Outdoor & Nature experience, especially for older children and teens with sufficient fitness. Infants must sit on an adult’s lap, and minimum group sizes may apply. Expect rugged terrain and close encounters with working sulfur miners rather than typical leisure amenities.
