Hiking the Ijen volcano | complete guide from Bali or Java

Summary

In this exciting video, Fawn, a digital nomad, shares her adventure to Kawah Ijen Volcano, known for its stunning blue lava fire, acid lake, and sulfur mine. She provides practical travel tips, including the best ways to reach the volcano from Bali or Java, and details her experience booking a budget-friendly tour through her hostel. The hike starts at 1 AM to catch the mesmerizing blue fire, revealing the harsh realities faced by local sulfur miners. Fawn's journey highlights the breathtaking natural wonders and unique challenges of visiting this extraordinary site.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Fawn is a digital nomad who quit her desk job to have more time for travel.
• 🏞️ The video features Kawah Ijen Volcano, known for its blue lava fire and sulfur mining.
• 🚌 The easiest way to reach Ijen from Bali is by taking a tourist bus to Banyuwangi.
• 🚂 For those in Java, a train to Banyuwangi is the recommended route.
• 🏨 Booking an Ijen tour is simple and inexpensive; Fawn paid about 20 dollars for her tour.
• 🗓️ Ijen is closed on the first Friday of every month for maintenance, so plan accordingly.
• 🌄 The hike to the volcano begins at 1 AM to catch the famous blue fire at night.
• 👷‍♂️ Miners work under harsh conditions at the volcano, earning about 12-15 dollars a day.
• ⚠️ The sulfur smoke can be irritating; the working conditions for miners are very tough.
• 🥐 After the hike, the breakfast served at the hostel was delicious, and Fawn enjoyed a nap afterwards.

Q & A

What is the main destination of Fawn's trip?

Fawn's trip is to the Kawah Ijen Volcano, known for its blue lava fire, acid lake, sulfur mine, and active volcano.

How can travelers reach Kawah Ijen from Bali?

Travelers can take the Bali to Banyuwangi tourist bus from the Mengwi bus terminal.

What is the cost of the Ijen tour that Fawn booked?

Fawn booked her tour for 300,000 Indonesian Rupiah, which is approximately 20 dollars.

What does the Ijen tour include?

The tour includes transportation, a guide, equipment, snacks, water, and breakfast after the hike.

Why is Kawah Ijen closed on the first Friday of every month?

Kawah Ijen is closed on the first Friday of every month for maintenance due to it being an active working sulfur mine.

What time does the Ijen hike start, and why?

The hike starts at 1 AM to allow hikers to see the famous blue fire, which is only visible at night.

How difficult is the hike to the Ijen Volcano?

The hike is fairly easy, as the trail is well paved, but there are taxis available for those who prefer not to hike.

What do miners do at Kawah Ijen, and what are their working conditions like?

Miners extract sulfur by pouring water over it, and they work under harsh conditions, often earning about 12-15 dollars a day, with many not living past their fifties.

What unique natural wonders can be seen at Kawah Ijen?

Visitors can see blue fire, an acid lake, a sulfur mine, and surrounding mountains at Kawah Ijen.

How did Fawn describe the breakfast after the hike?

Fawn described the breakfast as looking and tasting amazing, which she enjoyed after the hike.