Ijen Crater in Banyuwangi offers a stunning blue fire phenomenon, views of the turquoise sulfur lake , making it an unforgettable natural tourist destination.
Ijen Crater, located in the Ijen Plateau, Banyuwangi, is one of the most spectacular natural tourist destinations in Indonesia.
This crater is known for its extraordinary natural scenery and rare natural phenomena that can only be found in a few places in the world, namely blue fire.
With an area of 134 square kilometers and surrounded by active volcanoes, Ijen Crater offers an experience that is not only interesting but also impressive for tourists who want to witness the amazing wonders of nature.
The Uniqueness & Attraction of Ijen Crater Tourism
Ijen Crater not only offers stunning natural scenery, but also a very rare natural phenomenon, namely blue fire . This phenomenon occurs when burning sulfur produces bright blue flames.
This blue light looks very striking, creating a magical atmosphere that can only be found in two places in the world—one of which is in Ijen Crater. The view of the blue fire at night seems to take you to a different world, full of mystery and natural wonder.
In addition to the blue fire, Ijen Crater also has extraordinary beauty that can be enjoyed during the day. After enjoying the blue fire at night, you will be treated to a view of the turquoise crater lake, which was formed due to the accumulation of sulfur.
This lake is very stunning, surrounded by towering mountains, and provides a peaceful and calm atmosphere. This is a perfect view for taking pictures and capturing the beauty of nature.
Location and Access to Ijen Crater
Ijen Crater is located in the Mount Ijen area, which is closer to Banyuwangi than Bondowoso. To get to Ijen Crater from Banyuwangi, you can drive for about 2 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions.
The most common route is via the north or south coast, although many tourists choose the route from Banyuwangi because it is more accessible. Even though the route is relatively close, the journey to Ijen Crater is not always smooth.
The road leading to the crater is very steep, narrow, and often damaged, so it is recommended to use a 4WD (four-wheel drive) vehicle for comfort and safety.
The cost of renting a 4WD vehicle is quite expensive, but it is highly recommended for the smooth running of your trip. After arriving at Ijen Crater, you will continue your journey to Paltuding Post, the starting point of the climb.
Paltuding Post is located about 8 km from the main road, and most visitors choose to walk for about an hour to reach the top of the crater.
Fun Activities at Ijen Crater
Visiting Ijen Crater is not only about enjoying the amazing view, but also the various exciting activities that you can do there . Here are some activities that you can enjoy while in Ijen Crater:
1. Climb to See the Blue Fire
The climb to the Ijen Crater begins at midnight, so you can arrive at the top of the crater in time to witness the blue fire phenomenon.
The climb is quite challenging because the path is steep and rocky, but once you reach the top, you will be greeted by an extraordinary view of the blue fire burning in the darkness of the night. This view is truly stunning and an unforgettable experience .
2. Enjoy the view of the sulfur lake
After enjoying the blue fire, don’t rush home. You can continue the journey to see the turquoise sulfur lake. This lake is very beautiful, surrounded by morning mist which slowly dissipates, creating a very calm atmosphere.
This view is a perfect place to take pictures and enjoy the incredible peace of nature. When the sun rises, the light that appears makes the scenery around the crater even more beautiful.
3. Hunting for Photos in Interesting Spots
Ijen Crater is a paradise for photographers. From the stunning blue fire phenomenon to the turquoise crater lake, every corner of the Ijen Crater offers a highly photogenic view.
For those of you who like hunting for photos, Ijen Crater is the ideal place to get extraordinary pictures full of natural beauty.
4. Natural Hot Water Bath
After a tiring climb, it is good to relax your body in the natural hot springs located around the Ijen Crater area. Taking a hot bath while enjoying the beauty of the cool mountain nature is the perfect way to refresh your body and relax your mind.
This hot spring is often a favorite place for climbers who want to relieve fatigue after a long journey.
5. Observing Sulfur Miners
Apart from being a natural tourist attraction, Ijen Crater is also known as a source of employment for sulfur miners. Every day, miners descend to the bottom of the crater to collect burnt sulfur.
They work in very extreme conditions, lifting loads of sulfur using baskets and carrying them up high. You can observe these miners working with great effort, which is a unique and interesting sight for tourists.
Tips for Visiting Ijen Crater
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when visiting Ijen Crater, here are some tips you need to pay attention to:
1. Prepare your physical condition
Ijen Crater is a tourist destination that requires good physical endurance, especially if you plan to climb at night. Make sure your body is in prime condition so that the climb can be done safely and comfortably.
2. Bring Warm Clothes
The temperature at Ijen Crater can be very cold, especially at night and in the morning.
Temperatures can reach 5 degrees Celsius, especially during the dry season between May and September. Bring warm clothes to protect yourself from these extreme temperatures.
3. Wear the Right Shoes
The hiking trail to Ijen Crater is very steep and rocky, so comfortable and durable shoes are essential. Make sure you wear mountain shoes or hiking shoes with anti-slip rubber soles to make your trip safer.
4. Bring Drinking Water and Snacks
The climb to Ijen Crater is quite tiring, so make sure you bring enough drinking water and snacks to maintain your stamina during the trip. At Paltuding Post, there are several stalls that provide tea or coffee to warm your body before continuing the journey.
Ijen Crater Banyuwangi is one of the best natural tourist destinations in Indonesia that offers extraordinary natural beauty. From the stunning blue fire phenomenon to the turquoise sulfur lake, Ijen Crater has an attraction that no other place has.
Exciting activities such as night climbing, photo hunting, and natural hot water baths add to the attraction of this place. For those of you looking for a different experience in nature, Ijen Crater is a destination not to be missed.
By preparing good physical condition and appropriate equipment, you can enjoy every natural wonder that Rowo Bayu has to offer safely and comfortably.
