Kawah Ijen
Also known as: Blue fire crater
Kawah Ijen - the eerie electric-blue flames of burning sulphur at night, and a turquoise acid crater lake at dawn
The route
The line through East Java, Indonesia - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Apr-Oct (dry season)
Cold at night; toxic sulphur gas at the crater
Best in the dry season; a night hike for the blue fire; the crater can close for gas/activity. Confirm.
On the trail
A night climb to a crater rim, then down to the acidic crater lake and blue-fire vents
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Rim-only for the lake at dawn (avoid the gassy crater floor)
Getting there & staying
Paltuding, from Banyuwangi
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Day route - none needed
A proper gas mask (not just cloth) for the crater floor; headtorch, warm layers
Services in Banyuwangi; limited or none on the trail
A guide is standard (and safer for the gas)
Permits & safety
Park entry; a GAS MASK is issued/required for the crater floor; a guide is standard. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Toxic sulphur gas (the real danger), the dark descent, the miners’ traffic
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.