Mount Ijen volcano is located in eastern Java and is truly remarkable. Indonesia is home to more than 400 volcanoes, but the 2,799-meter (9,186-foot) high Mount Ijen is unlike any other. Everything about this active volcano is simply surreal, from the acidic turquoise crater lake to the blue flames that are only visible at night. Mount Ijen is the most toxic volcano in the world, yet it attracts many curious visitors every day. Armed with a headlamp and a professional gas mask, you can tackle this volcano. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to prepare for this impressive adventure to Mount Ijen.
Important: Mount Ijen is closed on the first Friday of every month.
What Makes Mount Ijen Volcano So Special?
In the crater of Mount Ijen lies the Kawah Ijen lake; the largest high-acid crater lake in the world. This lake has an extremely low pH level and a milky turquoise color due to the solution of volcanic gases in the water. The most striking feature of Mount Ijen is the blue flames that become visible in the dark. These flames occur in the crater due to sulfur gas escaping from cracks in the volcano and igniting upon contact with air. Additionally, Mount Ijen is an active sulfur mine where miners extract sulfur from the crater. 
Is Climbing Mount Ijen Accessible for Everyone?
Climbing Mount Ijen is relatively easy. You can reach the crater rim in just two hours of walking. However, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. The path upwards is steep and rocky, so having a good level of fitness is beneficial. Additionally, sulfur clouds often pass by, which can be tough on your lungs. Despite receiving a good gas mask, you may still smell the sulfur or find yourself coughing.
Good to know: Since 2024, it is mandatory to have a medical certificate if you wish to climb Mount Ijen. Climbing the volcano is not recommended for those with respiratory issues or heart conditions. Pregnant women, individuals with significant obesity, or those with mobility issues should also avoid climbing. If you book an organized tour, the guide will arrange this medical certificate based on your passport information. I found it remarkable that I didn’t have to read or sign anything before receiving the medical certificate, but that’s just how it goes. It’s important to take responsibility for your own health and safety when climbing Mount Ijen.
What Does the Climb to Mount Ijen Look Like?
To give you a good idea of the climb, here’s a detailed description of the hike.
To the Foot of the Volcano
The climb to Mount Ijen is a nighttime adventure that begins late in the evening. Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll be picked up between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM and driven to the foot of the volcano. Once you arrive, you can grab a cup of coffee while the guide explains the climb ahead. Armed with a headlamp and gas mask, you’ll start your ascent between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM.
The Climb to the Summit
The hike to the crater of Mount Ijen is approximately three kilometers (1.9 miles) long and typically takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. It’s a strenuous climb, but the route follows a wide path that is manageable. The darkness hides the landscape you’re walking through, and your headlamps and the bright stars serve as your points of light on this ascent. Occasionally, you’ll be rewarded with a view in the distance, where a blanket of lights from the sleeping towns gives you a good excuse to catch your breath. As you climb higher, the air begins to change, and you can feel the heat from the volcanic activity beneath your feet. The smell of sulfur intensifies, making it a good idea to put on your gas mask. After 1.5 hours of climbing, you will descend into the crater, making your way toward the blue flames that you may already see glowing in the distance. In about half an hour, you’ll walk down the path over stones and rocks.
The Blue Fire
The reason you’ve started your hike at this absurd hour is to see the blue fire. The flames are only visible when it is completely dark. You might think that this is blue lava, but it is not. Mount Ijen contains one of the highest concentrations of sulfur in the world. When this comes into contact with high temperatures and oxygen, it produces spectacular blue flames that can reach up to five meters (16 feet) high.
I have to admit that I expected a bit more from this phenomenon, so don’t set your expectations too high. There was just one small spot with blue flames in the crater, surrounded by a crowd of people. Apparently, the guides sometimes ignite the flames with a flammable substance to ensure that every visitor gets to see them. Nevertheless, the blue fire is a remarkable sight.
Watching the Sunrise
It’s time to leave the crater and walk an hour up to the crater rim. As the first rays of sunlight reach the sky, the view dramatically changes. Gradually, the impressive turquoise Kawah Ijen lake becomes visible in the light. The colors are intense and surreal. The mist and smoke hovering over the water give it a magical appearance, and the surrounding landscape is equally beautiful. The dead trees with their black branches create an additional striking view. After enjoying the sunrise and the scenery, you begin your descent.
Tip: At night, temperatures can drop to around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), so it’s advisable to wear warm layers. You’ll warm up quickly while hiking, and once the sun rises, you won’t need all those layers anymore.
You Will Encounter Sulfur Carriers Along the Way
Mount Ijen is an active sulfur mine where miners extract sulfur daily. Sulfur is an important component for many industrial processes and is not particularly dangerous in its solid form. It is even used in some medications and cosmetics. However, when the chemical compound changes to fine dust or gas, such as through combustion, caution is necessary. These particles are highly flammable and can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
During the climb, you will likely see the so-called sulfur carriers at work. They have an incredibly heavy and dangerous job that is still performed in a traditional manner. The men hack and carry large chunks of sulfur in baskets on their shoulders out of the crater, often without any protection against the toxic fumes. It’s both intriguing and heartbreaking to realize the conditions under which these men work day in and day out for meager wages. They earn about $0.06 per kilogram of sulfur. So, if they carry 60 kilograms (132 pounds) out of the volcano, they receive $3.95. To support them, you can give them some money in exchange for a photo. They will be very grateful.
Packing List for Mount Ijen Volcano
- Sturdy (hiking) shoes with good grip
- 1 liter (34 ounces) of water
- Snacks
- Layered clothing
Where to Book the Tour to Mount Ijen?
There are various providers where you can book the tour to Mount Ijen. After comparing many options, we ultimately chose this great tour. When you book this tour, you’ll be guided by the super friendly guide QimQim. He was born and raised in a small village near Mount Ijen. He knows the area like the back of his hand and shares his enthusiasm while creating a pleasant atmosphere. Additionally, he strives to be the first group to arrive at the blue fire, ensuring you have ample time and space to enjoy and take photos. You can be picked up from various towns and cities, even from Bali, although the tour will be more expensive if you’re staying further away from Mount Ijen. In the next section, you’ll read about the base we recommend for visiting Mount Ijen.
Where to Stay Near Mount Ijen?
Banyuwangi is the nearest city, making it a popular base for many travelers. However, it’s not a particularly charming city, so we recommend staying a bit further away in the village of Licin. This village is set in a peaceful and picturesque environment. From Licin, it’s just a half-hour drive to the starting point of the hike to Mount Ijen. You’ll find some beautiful accommodations here, with Bamboo & B being one of the best. You can stay in a picture-perfect bamboo room at a very reasonable price. The beautiful garden, lush nature, and friendly people make this a delightful place to stay. If you want to treat yourself to something special and luxurious, then Ijen Resort and Villas is perfect for you, as it is absolutely the most beautiful resort in the area. The view from the pool is fantastic; you overlook rice fields with volcanoes in the background. You’ll sleep in a luxurious room with a modern bathroom. This is the perfect spot to fully relax before and after your visit to Mount Ijen.
 Bamboo & B |
 Ijen Resort and Villas |
