Ijen Crater travel guide
Ijen Crater: blue fire before dawn and a turquoise crater lake.
Ijen Crater is a volcano in East Java with a vivid turquoise acid lake and blue flames from burning sulphur gas, visible only in darkness. Visitors start a guided hike around 01:30 to reach them before dawn, then see the lake at first light. From Bali, plan two days with a night in Banyuwangi.
- Best time
- Apr–Oct
- How long
- 2 days from Bali
- From Ubud
- 5–6 h incl. ferry
- Best for
- Blue fire and an unforgettable night hike
Things to do in Ijen Crater.
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See the blue fire before dawn
The flames are burning sulphur gas and can only be seen in full darkness, so they fade before sunrise. Access to the crater floor depends on gas levels and on the rules in force that day.
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Watch first light on the crater lake
As the sky brightens, the turquoise lake appears below the crater wall. It is highly acidic, so it is for looking at, not for touching.
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Hike the Paltuding trail
The route is about 3 km each way, and steep in places. Allow around two hours up at a steady pace, and bring a headlamp, warm layers and good shoes.
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Meet the sulphur miners
Miners have long carried heavy loads of sulphur down this same path. Give them right of way on the trail, and ask before you take a photo.
How to get there.
From Bali, drive to Gilimanuk, cross by car ferry to Ketapang, and sleep in Banyuwangi on the Java side. Expect about 5 to 6 hours from Ubud, including the ferry. The hike starts from the Paltuding trailhead, about an hour's drive from Banyuwangi.
Ijen Crater questions, answered.
Can you visit Ijen Crater from Bali?
Yes. Ijen is the closest of East Java's big volcanoes to Bali, about 5 to 6 hours from Ubud including the ferry. Two days is the usual plan, with one night in Banyuwangi before the early hike.
Do you need a gas mask at Ijen?
Yes, for the crater. Sulphur fumes can be strong and change with the wind. A guide provides a proper mask, and people with asthma or heart or lung problems should speak to a doctor first.
Is Ijen Crater open all year?
Not always. The park can close for volcanic activity, high gas levels, bad weather or scheduled maintenance. Rules for the hike can also change, so check close to your date; we confirm the status before you leave.