Ijen Crater

Indonesia has an average temperature of 28 degrees celcius throughout the year but in the mountainous areas this tends to go down, especially at night. At Mount Ijen, the days are pleasant but the nights can get really cold. Temperatures can go down to the range of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. When planning your trek, aim for the dry season between May and September. If you intend to catch a glimpse of the blue flames, you’ll have to be at the crater by at least 4 am. The flames start to disappear as sunlight starts streaming in by 5 am.

Toxic fumes:  Sulphurous fumes are a given on this mountain and everyone has some level of coughing and stinging of the eyes so it is not advisable to attempt this if you have a history of breathing difficulty or sensitive eyes. Inside the caldera the fumes are far stronger and there is a distinct possibility that at some point the wind will blow the fumes right into your face. It is important to carry appropriate gas masks and maybe even something like skiing goggles to protect your eyes. Stay calm and patient until the wind blows the fumes in another direction.

Slips and falls:  The rocks up along the inner edge of the caldera have sharp edges and can be challenging to navigate. You’ll need to take big steps on your way up and down so walk carefully and make sure you use your hands for balance. Walking sticks will not help as your hands much more, so make sure you have a good thick pair of gloves for protection.

This is a busy trail frequented by visitors and locals both so there are no major personal safety concerns. However, it is also carried out in utter darkness so there is a possibility that at some point you may get separated from your group. It is essential to stay calm and move forward sticking close to other trekkers on the trail.

Yes, there is a permit needed for this hike. The office for issuing permits is right at the entrance of the trail and opens at about 1 am to accommodate those trying to see the blue fire.

Police: 110

Fire: 113

Ambulance: 118

Bali and Surabaya are your nearest airports. Most tour operators will pick you up from Surabaya or Bali. If you are driving on your own from Bali, you will need to first get to Gilimanuk (a 4 to 5 hour drive depending on the traffic and road conditions) from where you can take a ferry to Ketapang in East Java. From the Ketapang harbor it is a 2-3 hour ride to Paltuding. The last stretch is a rugged path and it would be best to hire a 4×4 drive for this bit.

Locals pay IDR 5,000 on weekdays and IDR 7,500 on weekends. Foreigners pay IDR 100,000 on weekdays and IDR 150,000 on weekends.

The climb doesn’t require any particular mountaineering skills. However, it can be strenuous if you’re not physically fit, specially during the narrow and difficult climb from the crater rim to the caldera lake.

If you are fit, Ijen may not pose much of a challenge for you. Combine the experience with a trek up Mount Bromo and you get to see two different volcanoes offering completely different landscapes.

Women climbing the Ijen Crater should not face any special challenges. However, it is best to travel in groups and use a professional and reputable guide or tour service. Avoid unwanted attention or cultural faux pas by taking your dressing cues from locals.

The sulphur mining activity in and around the Ijen Crater is interesting, but its best not to get in their way, and try not to take photos of people without their permission.

Ijen Crater is a popular spot for trail running, with a few races set to take place in August.

The geological aspects of Ijen are probably the most interesting natural phenomena to learn about and observe. Otherwise, the landscape is dryer and more barren than most other parts of Indonesia.