Ijen Crater

Kawah Ijen, located in Banyuwangi, East Java, is around 3 hours by road from Banyuwangi city and approximately 5–6 hours from Surabaya's Juanda Airport. Renowned for its highly acidic crater lake and unique blue fire phenomenon caused by sulfur gases, Ijen offers one of Indonesia's most distinctive volcanic experiences. Entry is subject to BBKSDA health requirements, with health screening arranged by a licensed physician as part of applicable Freedom of Traveller Ijen packages.

Elevation: 2,386 m
Trailhead: Paltuding, Banyuwangi
From Surabaya: ~5 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Elevation
2,386 m
Location
Banyuwangi, East Java
Trailhead
Paltuding, Banyuwangi
Distance
~5 Hours from Surabaya
Best Season
April–October
Difficulty
Moderate to Hard

Destination Overview

Mount Ijen is a striking composite volcano situated in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, Indonesia.

Mount Ijen is a remarkable composite volcano in Banyuwangi, East Java, forming part of the Ijen Volcanic Complex—a cluster of stratovolcanoes nestled within a vast caldera. It is best known for its striking turquoise acidic crater lake, the largest of its kind in the world.

After dark, Ijen reveals another extraordinary phenomenon: its iconic electric-blue flames, created when sulfuric gases escaping from the volcano ignite at high temperatures. This rare spectacle is visible only at night, making the midnight trek an unforgettable experience.

The mountain is also home to local sulfur miners who work under challenging conditions, carrying heavy loads of sulfur along the steep crater slopes. Their daily resilience, combined with Ijen’s dramatic volcanic landscape and unique natural phenomena, makes it one of Java’s most captivating destinations.

BanyuwangiActive StratovolcanoModerate–High

The Essence of Ijen Crater

Sulfuric Gas Phenomenon

Witness Ijen's electric-blue flames, caused by sulfuric gases igniting at around 600°C. Visible only at night, this rare phenomenon occurs in just two places on Earth.

Ijen's Acidic Crater Lake

Discover the world's largest acidic crater lake, known for its vivid turquoise waters and extreme acidity, while witnessing sulfur miners carrying heavy loads from the crater floor.

Sulfur Mining & Paltuding Trail

Trek the 3 km sulfur trail from Paltuding Gate, passing local miners and volcanic landscapes. The 4–5 hour round trip requires a licensed guide.

Sunrise & Starlit Skies

Enjoy breathtaking sunrise views over Ijen's crater lake, with clear skies revealing the Milky Way on the ascent from May to September.

Check Before You Go

Volcanic Activity Notice

Mount Ijen

Level I

Normal

2,386 m

Ijen Crater remains open and accessible, with a 500 m safety restriction around the crater lake. Visitors are advised not to descend into or camp within the restricted area. Freedom of Traveller provides gas masks and health screening to ensure a safe visitor experience.

Verified 16-10-2026

What This Means for Your TripMinimal

2,386 m

Freedom of Travellers holds BBKSDA clearance for Ijen. If restrictions affect your route, your guide will contact you before the trek. The crater-rim sunrise remains the highlight of the experience.

The Rim and Night Hike usually Remain Open

Easy to Access

The crater rim and blue-fire viewpoint remain accessible under normal conditions. Night hikes operate during the dry season, from April to October.

Crater Floor Access is Restricted

Currently Restricted

Crater floor access requires PVMBG clearance. Freedom of Travellers guides assess conditions on-site and adjust the itinerary if restrictions apply.

Source: MAGMA Indonesia (PVMBG) · Ijen, Kamis - 15 Oktober 2026 · Last checked 16 Oct 2026, 08:51

Official recommendation (Bahasa Indonesia)

Pengamatan: Gunung api terlihat jelas hingga tertutup Kabut 0-III. Teramati asap kawah utama berwarna putih dengan intensitas tipis tinggi sekitar 50-100 meter dari puncak. Cuaca cerah hingga mendung, angin lemah hingga sedang ke arah timur dan barat.

Rekomendasi:

1) Masyarakat dan pengunjung/wisatawan tidak turun dan mendekati dasar Kawah G. Ijen. 2) Masyarakat dan pengunjung/wisatawan tidak bermalam/berkemah di kawasan kawah G. Ijen dalam radius 500 m. 3) Masyarakat dan pengunjung/wisatawan mewaspadai potensi aliran gas CO2 di sepanjang Sungai Banyupait-Banyuputih 4) Masyarakat dan pengunjung/wisatawan mewaspadai potensi gas beracun di sekitar kawah G. Ijen.

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