11 days in Indonesia - BANGYUWANGI ( part 3 )

12 October 2016

This is probably one of the highlight of my Indonesia trip - Bangyuwangi

All the way from Lombok to Bangyuwangyi just for this Mount Ijen. (Ijen Crater) Ijen Crater, or known to Indonesians as Kawah Ijen, is one of the top recommended volcano in Indonesia to be visited. It is also the first hiking in my life and i gave it to Ijen Crater. Guess what, it is totally worth it when you reach the top! Inside the crater, you will see a magnificent turquoise sulphur lake that exudes flames, blue fire at night and smoky white in the day. 

We took at 4WD (seats 5 persons, excluding driver) up to Pos Paltuding, (where we start hiking) took approximately 1 hour from our Hotel. We gathered at our hotel around 1am that night, only manage to sleep for 2 hours before the hike. But it didn’t dampen my spirits and our determination to hike up and down Ijen Crater to catch a glimpse of the incredible electric blue sulphur flames and sulphuric acid lake! HERE WE GO! 

For entering the park every visitor need to pay entrance fee. It is IDR 15,000 per person.

Yes, we hiking up to Ijen Crater at night 

There are few options for visiting Ijen crater, you can either start at 2 am or 4 am to arrive at the top of the crater by daylight. Many travelers recommend to do the night hiking up to Ijen Crater to catch the magical blue flames or also known as blue fire. To get this, you have to arrive at the top before sunrise of 6 am. The hike up takes 2-3 hours averagely and can be quite steep The good thing is at this time there are not many other tourists around as well. After being mesmerized by the blue flames enough, you can sit back at the summit and wait for sunrise which offers another spectacular view.

We took almost 3 hours to go up because we take it real slow and enjoy the views along the way

There are many stars in the sky during night time. Countless stars, so so so beautiful. Sorry, I didn't manage to take photo of it because i was too busy capture the moment with my eyes. LOL. 

 It was truly a sight to behold on the top! 

My squads 

 We survived! 

So happy i made it with this two ladies, Bobo Mama & Nana Jie jie <3 

Travel Tips

Remember to bring a mask to cover your nose as the pungent odour of sulphur may burn. Also bring warm jacket as the trek at night is cold and temperature may drop to 5C. Last but not least, Travel safe! Take more caution for your own physical condition. Do not push your yourself to go on when you doubt with your own condition. Just follow your own pace. 

  

Thanks for reading! Read more about my Indonesia trip - HERE

Next destination, BANDUNG!