Ijen Geopark, Blue Fire — Attraction in Java

Visiting Ijen Crater was one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences of my travels. The highlight, of course, is the blue fire, a rare natural phenomenon that can only be seen in a few places on earth. Starting the hike around midnight, the climb is a bit challenging, but reaching the crater before dawn to witness the surreal blue flames dancing in the dark is absolutely worth the effort.

As the sun rises, the scenery changes completely. The view of the turquoise acid lake, surrounded by rugged volcanic cliffs, is breathtaking. At the same time, you will notice the sulphur smoke that constantly drifts out of the vents. The smoke is strong and can sting your eyes and throat, so a proper gas mask is essential.

What also makes the visit meaningful is seeing the local miners at work. They carry heavy loads of sulphur on their shoulders up and down the crater, showing incredible strength and endurance. It is both humbling and eye-opening to witness their daily lives in such a harsh environment.

Overall, Ijen is a rare combination of natural wonder and human resilience. The blue fire is magical, the sulphur smoke reminds you of nature’s raw power, and the sunrise over the crater is something you will never forget. This is not just a tour—it’s an adventure that will stay with you...

The blue fire was absolutely spectacular!

Although it’s often advertised as a medium-level trek, I’d consider it more on the intermediate side. The hike usually starts around 2 a.m., and since it’s dark, you can’t see what’s below you. It’s cold, windy, and there are virtually no safety measures in place when descending into the volcano — no helmets, no ropes, and nothing to hold onto except your own balance and some very slippery stones. The only safety measures provided were protective glasses for the flames and gas masks for the sulfur fumes.

I’m afraid of heights, yet I pushed through (without the proper equipment!), and thankfully our guide was phenomenal — he helped both me and my 59-year-old mum get down and back up safely. There were moments I truly thought I wouldn’t make it.

It’s absolutely worth the effort, but I do hope better safety measures are implemented in the future. If you’re an experienced hiker, though, this is hands down one of the best adventures you can experience...

Very simple: don’t go. Totally overrated.

Literally hundreds of people climbing up during the night, on muddy and slippery slopes covered with plastics and rubbish nobody ever cleans up.

Indonesian authorities should limit the amount of visitors but are too eager to cash in the ticket money. As a consequence hardly anyone is able to see the blue flames/fire, there are simply too many people and access is narrow so one by one.

Many visitors queuing to go down the clatter for the blue flames anyhow will then miss the sunrise at the top.

Those who go will find a ridiculous amount of wannabe influencers with drones, selfie studios and even video crews…

The only nice thing is the vier from above once the sun is up, but save yourself from not sleeping at night and ignore the hype.

Btw the mandatory medical certificate is a scam: nobody ever checks...