HIKING IJEN VOLCANO AT SUNRISE – Travel guide- East Java

Wanting to visit the Ijen volcano and wondering how to get there, if it’s worth the hike or what to expect? This post is for you!

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There are three key things which make Ijen a must-see at sunrise which I have highlighted below. Scroll down for hiking advice and how to get there!

Nighttime and my nose were streaming into my gas mask. My headtorch had stopped working and despite a dim glow made up of a crescent moon shining behind a thin, film-like dome of cloud, I had to feel for each individual piece of rubble underfoot. In the stretches of the path where I ended up breaking off from the crowds, with no guide or distinguishable set route, I found myself up against almost vertical slopes of rubble more than once and having to turn back.

The fumes were worse than I expected. I felt lost in the dark. But despite being short of breath due to the combination of a bad cold, uncomfortable gas mask and somewhat steep volcano slopes, I felt alive.

THE MT IJEN VOLCANO SUNRISE HIKE!

IJEN’S NATURAL PHENOMENON – THE BLUE FLAME

The blue flame appears to be spewing out of the volcano and can only be seen at night. The natural phenomenon is caused by the combustion of sulfuric gases in contact with air at temperatures above 360°C.

The sulphur miners earn meagre sums to mine sulphur and carry it down the volcano on a wooden beam over their shoulders, all the while breathing in toxic fumes that in minutes had made my eyes sting and throat sore. Back-breaking work that should very much put your own job into perspective.

THE SULPHUR LAKE

After seeing the blue flame, I had to go back on myself to reach the lake for sunrise. There’s not a clear set spot for sunrise and people gathered in various groups around the rim of the sulphur lake. Unsure of the best stop, I kept going to a further point around the rim where there were fewer people.

The turquoise sulphur lake is 2148m above sea level and is the largest acidic lake in the world.

VIEWS AFTER SUNRISE – THE HIKE BACK DOWN

Walking back down after sunrise always sounds like it’ll be a drag after taking in the main event. At the Ijen volcano, I could appreciate the unique views that were cloaked in darkness on my way up.

Mount Bromo at Sunrise Guide – An Otherworldly Experience

MT IJEN TRAVEL ADVICE

Ijen Volcano – how to get there?

Banyuwangi is the usual access point for Mt Ijen, and the town itself can be accessed by ferry from West Bali or train from throughout Java. If you’re starting a Java trip from this Eastern point (making this the first natural stop on your itinerary), the nearest airport is Semarang. Buses and trains to Banyuwangi can be booked here.

Banyuwangi is around a 60-90 minute drive from the hike’s starting point

PRIVATE CAR/ BUDGET SHARE CAR (usually booked as part of a tour):

I began my Ijen trip at 1145pm when I was collected from my hostel in Banyuwangi. I arranged a shared car which ended up being super cheap – I chose one that didn’t include a guide so just needed a seat in a car. It can be as cheap as 200K to book a shared car that will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, INCLUDING a guide (this was the price I was quoted at my small hostel) but it often costs more.

You could also book a private car, which can work well if there’s a group of you. Either way, I highly recommend waiting till you arrive in Banyuwangi before booking as the online prices tended to be much higher!

MOUNT IJEN TOURS FROM BALI:

If you’re travelling from Bali, you’ll probably be looking for a combined tour of both Mount Ijen and the famous Mount Bromo.

These tours tend me pricey but highly rated and suitable for holiday-makers with only a short time to spare in Java.

This is a 3-day overland trip from Bali, including accommodation and an English-speaking guide: click here for more info.

You can also book the combined Mt Bromo and Mt Ijen tour from Yogyakarta.

TUMPAK SEWU FULL GUIDE – 3 waterfalls day trip, trekking info, how to get there, costs and solo travel advice – Java

SCOOTER/DIY:

You can scooter to the entry point but I don’t recommend this driving in the dark unless you know where you’re going or are experienced driving at night, particularly solo travellers like myself. It’s easy to book a private car or shared car (a great budget option popular in Java) from your accommodation.

You can also stay near the starting point of the hike and walk to the beginning.

IMMERSIVE LOCAL TOUR:

Tours can usually be arranged from most major cities in East or Central Java, including Yogyakarta, and are often combined with a Bromo sunrise tour.

Ijen Miner Tours provide an immersive tour experience where you will get to stay overnight with locals, find out more about the back-breaking work the sulphur miners undertake, as well as supporting their local community.http://www.ijenminertour.com/

Why does Ijen the Ijen hike require a particularly early start?

This was my earliest sunrise start in Java – I booked on into an 1145pm share car – you start hiking up around 2:30 am, then down to the flame, and then have to go back up on yourself to sit down and enjoy the sunrise at the crater. I’ve since spoken to someone who MISSED the blue flame because they didn’t start early enough. Oops!

What to take on a sunrise hike to Mt Ijen?

A reusable water bottle, snacks and layers for the top – and a head torch (particularly if you’re going solo or without a guide). You can rent a jacket and a torch is likely included in the price if you’ve got a guide. I borrowed a jacket for free from my hostel host. And of course suitable shoes (I wore trainers) and comfortable clothing.

Your gas mask

You’ll also be provided with a gas mask! You don’t need to wear it for the full hike and it should be clear when looking around you when to put it on. When you approach the blue flame the gases are noticeably uncomfortable – my eyes and throat stung and personally I found it very uncomfortable.

Is the sunrise hike suitable for solo travellers?

To avoid overstating the adventure and putting solos off, I felt very safe in Java and the things I found trickiest on the hike were not solo travel related – i.e.; breathing into a gas mask with a streaming cold! It’s not expensive to book a guide to share – this is what most people do including groups, the path is less clear than some other hikes I’ve done – or else just check your headtorch properly first.

Is this hike difficult?

I think the hike took me about 90 minutes (including going the wrong way) but it could take 60 – 120 minutes.

Anyone with normal moderate fitness will be fine. If you get out of breath going up a small hill, you may find it challenging – if the fumes are high, it is already trickier to breathe. Otherwise, a friendly local guide is recommended.

Best time to visit Mt Ijen?

Due to the fact some paths are simply rubble, it is worth checking the weather first – it would be very hard when slippery underfoot. Unfortunately, on occasion, it’s been known to close due to toxic gases so that’s also worth checking with your accommodation. Throughout Java, sights are a lot busier on weekends and Indonesian holidays – most tourists to Java are Indonesian! I went on a Sunday night which was fine.

Worth the fumes and an early start?

Absolutely.
This sort of experience is why I travel.
Java is why I travel.