Ijen crater tour from Banyuwangi

1.What is the best season to visit Ijen Crater?
The best season to visit Ijen during dry season (April – October). During the wet season the intensity of rain will be higher until the end of March. 

2. Where is Ijen located and how long will it take to reach?
Ijen Crater or as well known as Kawah Ijen located in the eastern part of Java island. It covered by 3 regencies (Bondowoso, Situbondo and Banyuwangi). Banyuwangi is the gate to enter Ijen Crater and it is accessible city. From Surabaya to Banyuwangi driving around 8 hrs. If you come from Bali it is possible to pick you up at Ketapang Harbor or your hotel in Bali (Extra charge involved).

3. What is the landscape look like?
Ijen Crater is formed by volcano complex (group of volcano) in East Java. On the top of Mount Ijen there is a huge acidic crater lake with turquoise color. It becomes one of the biggest acidic lake on earth. One of the highlight of Ijen is its blue flames that can only be seen at night/dark. The blue flames is actually ignited sulphuric gas, which emerges from the cracks at high pressure and temperature above 600 Degrees Celsius. You will also have the opportunity to see how the miner brave to breaks the sulphur rocks from the crater (source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com)

4. How difficult is it the hike to the crater rim?
It is about 3.2 km hike (1.5 hrs) from the trail-head at Paltuding to the crater rim. The track is divided into 4 parts. 800 meter medium steep, 750 meter hard steep, 650 meter medium steep, 800 meter flat.

5. Can I go down to the crater to see blue flames closer ?
Our guide will only be able to lead you up to the crater rim. To go down to the crater floor you will be leaded by local guide (ex-miner). This hike approximately about 45 mins through the steep rim and a small rock path. You should be aware with your step, just step on proper stone to prevent the stone fall-down. In early morning generally the stone is slippery.

6. What types of footwear are recommended for the hike?
We recommend wear any kind of footwear mountain gear. The shoes with a good grip is better than flat shoes. We are not recommend wear sandals.

7. Do I need a trekking stick for the hike?
As long as you body fit and you used to do exercise, hiking without stick is no problem. Use stick is good to keep your stability, and reducing strain on joints when going down hill.

8. Are there any toilets available along the hike?
There is no toilet along the way except at the National Park Office.

9. Do I need bring water?
Surely yes, doing trek for 3 km and through steep route you will be sweating and thirsty. Bring one or two bottles of mineral water for each is enough. 

10. Can I camp at Ijen?
Yes, you can Camping at Ijen and we organize it.

11. Can I take a domestic flight from Surabaya to Ijen?
There are a few daily flight from Surabaya to Banyuwangi. They are (1) Garuda Indonesia 7302 (06.05 a.m – 07.00 a.m), (2) Garuda Indonesia 7304 (11.45 a.m – 12.45 a.m), Wings Abadi 1880 (12.00 a.m – 12.50 p.m). It is easier if you take flight from Surabaya to Banyuwangi just take about 1.5hrs flight than 8hrs driving. Along you take by airplane and get earlier arrive in Banyuwangi, you still have time to enjoy the city tour of Banyuwangi. 

Additional Information

• Not recommended for visitors with back problem
• Not recommended for visitors under 5 years old
• Children under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult
• Visitor with asthma, vertigo, medical serious problem and acrophobia are not recommended to visit Ijen
• Visitor with joints problem are not recommended to visit Ijen
• Ijen is opened for visitor from 12.00 a.m – 10.00 a.m
• Ijen is closed every Friday, first week in month