Blue Fire Phenomenon at Ijen Bondowoso Crater, Indonesia, the Largest Crater in the World
The Blue Fire Phenomenon at Ijen Bondowoso Crater, Indonesia, the Largest Crater in the World - Blue Fire or bluefire that only wants to appear in the midst of total darkness becomes the main magnet for the charm of Ijen Crater.
From the lips of Ijen Crater which is at the top of Mount Ijen, the "blue fire" dance is always capable of bewitching anyone who sees it.
Located at the eastern tip of the island of Java, Ijen Crater, which is located at the top of Mount Ijen, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. Not only local tourists, Ijen Crater is one of the targets of tourists or foreign tourists to visit.
Talking about tourist attractions on the island of Java is indeed countless. In East Java in particular, there is a tourist location called Blue Fire Ijen. When compared to other tourist destinations, this tourist destination is unique and rare. It is suitable to be your next tourist destination that will provide comfort for you during the trip.
The Ijen Crater tour package is specially presented for tourists who want to travel to Ijen Crater Banyuwangi. Yes, many tourists both from within and outside the country make this tourist destination a tourist spot to visit while on vacation. With the available tour packages, the trip will be smoother and more comfortable to climb Mount Ijen.
The Blue Fire Phenomenon at Ijen Bondowoso Crater, Indonesia, the Largest Crater in the World
There are many advantages offered by this Ijen Crater tour package. Among other things, if you compare it to when you are traveling alone, it will be better if you travel with this tour package.
In terms of cost, it is very economical, and in terms of departure, it is carried out every day, even though not on holidays. For those of you who happen to get a day off on an active day, there's nothing wrong if you visit this tourist spot on that day.
Why Choose Ijen Crater Tour?
Why choose to travel to Ijen Crater? Of course there are many reasons why you should choose this one tourist destination. Among others are:
The charm of the giant acid crater and the phenomenon of blue fire, aka blue fire, become a strong magnet that can attract anyone to be willing to sweat to climb this 2,368 meter high mountain above sea level (masl).
It was still early when the climbing post to Mount Ijen was opened. Even so, at the Paltuding climbing post, a crowd of tourists was seen making the procedure for paying the Mount Ijen retribution ticket.
After finishing struggling with the administration, I along with other climbers and sulfur miners climbed to the top of Mount Ijen. At that time the clock on the cellphone screen still showed 02.00 in the morning.
During the ascent to Mount Ijen at that time, a number of foreign tourists seemed to dominate. Most of them are escorted by local guides who provide travel assistance services to Mount Ijen.
The enthusiasm at that time was real. Naturally, most of the tourists who make this climb have never been to Mount Ijen before and have seen the blue fire phenomenon which is very well known to foreign countries.
The trip to Mount Ijen takes about two to three hours at a leisurely pace. The trekking path is dominated by sand and gravel with a slope of 25 to 35 degrees.
The distance between the climbing post which is located in the Paltuding area of Banyuwangi Regency to the top of Mount Ijen is three kilometers and the distance between the peak of Mount Ijen to descend to the lip of Ijen Crater is about 250 meters steep. rock conditions. and the slopes are quite extreme.
Before starting the climbing trip to Ijen Crater, climbers can rest for a while and enjoy dinner and warm drinks at the Ijen stall 'Mbok Im' which is located not far from the climbing retribution post.
Not infrequently the shop is also used as a place to spend the night for climbers before starting their climbing journey in the morning.
The climbing trip to the top of Mount Ijen generally begins shortly after the retribution post opens at 01.00 in the morning.
With an estimated travel time of about two to three hours from the start time at around 02.00 in the morning, it is estimated that climbers still have long enough time to be able to witness the blue fire phenomenon on the lips of Ijen Crater.
Along the route there are also several posts that can be used to take a short break to take a breath. Even if you're a novice climber, you don't have to worry! the trekking path in Ijen Crater is quite friendly.
Administratively, Ijen Crater is located on the border between Bondowoso Regency and Banyuwangi Regency, East Java.
The distance from the Mount Ijen climbing post in Paltuding, Banyuwangi Regency to Banyuwangi City is about 38 kilometers and can be reached by various modes of transportation, both two-wheeled and four-wheeled. In addition, Ijen Crater is the largest sulfur mining area in East Java which still uses traditional mining methods.
Ijen Crater is a giant acid crater which is said to be the largest acid crater in the world. Ijen Crater is located at the top of Mount Ijen, one of the active volcanoes on the island of Java which last erupted in 1999.
The height of the caldera wall reaches 500 meters with a crater area of 5,466 hectares and a crater depth. The crater reaches 200 meters.
The acidity level of Ijen Crater is almost close to zero where the lower the number or the higher the acidity level, the easier it is to dissolve various hard objects such as stones or even the human body.
The temperature of the crater reaches 200 degrees Celsius. But behind all these horrors, Ijen Crater is a natural theater stage that always presents an enchanting morning panorama to behold.
Arriving at the edge of Ijen Crater, you will be greeted with views of the lake that stretches and contains turquoise water. On the walls of the caldera was a blue light that swirled like a magical dance.
That light is known as blue fire, aka blue fire. This blue fire phenomenon is very rare, it can only be found in Ijen Crater, Indonesia and in Iceland. No wonder tourists flock to see it.
On the lips of Ijen Crater, you can also see the activities of traditional sulfur miners. Since morning they have been climbing the ridge of Mount Ijen to reach Ijen Crater.
Once here they mine sulfur and then bring it down the mountain to exchange for rupiah. These mighty humans make Ijen Crater not only a beautiful tourist spot that must be visited, but also their source of livelihood. Talking with the superhumans of Mount Ijen will make your trip more meaningful.
Ijen Crater Climbing Post Location and Access
The Ijen Crater climbing post is in the Paltuding area, Banyusari Village, Licin District, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java. To reach the Paltuding Post, it can be reached from Banyuwangi City to the west via the Slippery - Jambu - Paltuding route for 38 kilometers.
This distance is indeed quite close, but you have to be prepared for the road conditions that are classified as bad because sand trucks and sulfur trucks are often passed.
An alternative route other than Banyuwangi City is through Bondowoso City to the east via the Wonosari - Sempol - Paltuding route for approximately 70 kilometers.
Although the distance is further from the city of Banyuwangi, this route is a favorite route because the asphalt conditions are quite good. Along the way you will be spoiled with views of coffee plantations and shady trees.
If you don't bring a personal vehicle, you can take a bus from the Surabaya City terminal and get off at the Banyuwangi terminal or rent a motorcycle taxi around the Banyuwangi Baru Station area or Karangasem Station which is not too far from Banyuwangi City.
If you go with a large group, alternative transportation that can be used is to rent an angkot car to the Paltuding post from Banyuwangi City.
For those of you who don't want to bother going to the Paltuding post before climbing to Ijen Crater, another option that can be chosen is to use tour service packages or Ijen Crater trip packages from several available online operators.
Mount Ijen Climbing Ticket Prices
- Paltuding Ascent Post Fee: $0,2 (Local Tourists), $7 (Foreign Tourists)
- Two-wheeled vehicle entrance ticket to Ijen Nature Reserve Park: $0,2
- Entrance ticket for four-wheeled vehicles to Ijen Nature Reserve Park: $0,2
- Two wheeler parking: $0,3
- Four-wheeled vehicle parking: $0,3
Tips for Climbing Mount Ijen
The phenomenon of blue fire, aka blue fire, will appear at night until dawn, so make sure you arrive at Ijen Crater before dawn. The Paltuding Climbing Post has been open since 01.00 in the morning, you can climb immediately or at 02.00 WIB.
With an estimated travel time of about 2 to 3 hours on foot, you have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty at the top of Mount Ijen.
Although the hiking trail of Ijen Crater is quite short, you still have to make physical preparations to prevent the risk of muscle cramps.
Bring safe and quality hiking gear, such as trekking shoes and pants, jacket, buff or headgear, and a small backpack.
Climbing in the morning will be tiring. Therefore, bring food and drinks to support the stomach as well as increase the supply of energy. Mineral water also has a dual function to wet the mask so that dust and sulfur fumes do not directly enter the lungs.
Don't forget to bring a mask! If a cloth mask is not enough, bring a respirator-type mask that is better able to withstand sulfur fumes. But if you forget or don't have time to bring it, you can rent it at the climbing location for $15.
Also bring clear glasses to prevent irritation and pain in the eyes due to exposure to sulfur fumes from Ijen Crater.
If you have arrived at the crater rim to witness the blue fire phenomenon or The Blue Fire, never stand too close to the fire. A distance that is too close will put you more at risk of being hit by thick clouds of sulfur smoke that can obscure your view.
Be polite when you meet, pass, or even take pictures with the sulfur miners on the lips of Ijen Crater. If necessary, give them what little you have, such as water, cigarettes, or snacks you brought with you.
For those of you who are photography fans, it is mandatory to photograph the Blue Fire or the blue fire phenomenon at Ijen Crater using a tripod.
Be polite and ethical climbers and climbers. Go on a leisurely hike and don't litter! Bag and unload your trash, then throw it in the place provided.