What is Kawah Ijen? Guide to East Java’s Unique Volcano

Kawah Ijen, located in East Java, Indonesia, is not just any volcano—it’s a one-of-a-kind geological wonder that captivates travellers from around the world. Known for its mesmerising blue fire phenomenon, acidic turquoise crater lake, and sulfur mining activity, Kawah Ijen stands as one of the most unique and photogenic volcanoes on Earth.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a hiker, or an adventurous traveller seeking rare natural sights, this active volcano offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Kawah Ijen: its location, geological features, what makes it special, and how to visit.

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Where is Kawah Ijen Located?

Kawah Ijen (also known as Mount Ijen or Gunung Ijen) is located in East Java, Indonesia, in the Ijen Plateau, near the town of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso. The volcano is part of the Ijen-Merapi complex, a group of stratovolcanoes within the larger Banyuwangi Regency.

Geographical Coordinates:
Latitude: 8.058°S
Longitude: 114.242°E
Elevation: 2,386 meters (7,828 feet) above sea level

It lies within Ijen Crater Natural Reserve, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity and volcanic landscapes.

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A Geological Marvel: What Makes Kawah Ijen Unique?

1. The Crater Lake

At the heart of Kawah Ijen is a striking crater lake, filled with turquoise-colored acidic water. This lake is the largest highly acidic crater lake in the world, with a pH level as low as 0.5. The vivid colour comes from the high concentration of dissolved metals and sulfuric acid.

Despite its beauty, the lake is dangerous. Fumes constantly rise from its surface, and visitors must take precautions when hiking near the rim.

2. The Blue Fire Phenomenon

Perhaps Kawah Ijen’s most famous feature is its blue flames, which occur only in a few places in the world. This rare phenomenon is caused by sulfuric gases escaping from the cracks in the crater. When ignited by volcanic heat, they burn with an eerie blue glow—best seen in total darkness, before dawn.

Visitors must hike in the early hours of the morning (usually starting around midnight) to witness this unforgettable sight.

3. Sulfur Mining

Kawah Ijen is also home to one of the few remaining manual sulfur mining operations in the world. Local miners extract solidified sulfur directly from the crater and carry heavy loads—up to 80 kg—up steep paths and down the mountain.

This gruelling job has gained global attention, and visitors often get a firsthand look at this raw and dangerous line of work.

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Kawah Ijen’s Volcanic Activity

Kawah Ijen is an active stratovolcano, although it does not erupt with lava like Mount Merapi or Mount Bromo. Its activity is mostly limited to gas emissions and hydrothermal activity.

The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) continuously monitors the area due to the volatile nature of the crater lake and gas emissions.

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Flora and Fauna Around Kawah Ijen

The Ijen Plateau is rich in biodiversity. While hiking, visitors might encounter:

• Edelweiss flowers (rare at high altitudes)
• Wild orchids
• Javan langurs (leaf monkeys)
• Eagles, hawks, and other highland birds
• Unique volcanic ferns and mosses

This mix of geology and ecology makes Kawah Ijen a destination not only for adventure seekers but also for researchers and nature lovers.

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How to Visit Kawah Ijen

Access Points

• From Banyuwangi: Most popular and easiest access. Around a 1.5-hour drive to Paltuding basecamp.
• From Bondowoso: Longer route, but more scenic. Common for travellers coming from the western side of Java.

Entrance Point

The main entrance is Paltuding Basecamp, where visitors must pay the entrance fee and can hire local guides or gas masks.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry season: April to October
• Avoid the rainy season: November to March, when trails can be slippery and visibility is poor.

Hiking Details

• Distance: ~3 km (1.8 miles) from Paltuding to the crater rim
• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep and rocky paths
• Blue Fire Tour: Start hike at around 1:00 AM to reach the crater before sunrise

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Travel Tips for Kawah Ijen Visitors

• Wear warm clothing: The temperature can drop to 5°C (41°F) before sunrise.
• Use a gas mask: Toxic sulfur gas is present near the crater, especially near the blue fire area.
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp: Necessary for night hikes.
• Travel with a local guide: For safety and insights into the area’s natural and cultural history.
• Start early: Crowds build up after sunrise, so aim to arrive before dawn.

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Responsible Tourism

While visiting Kawah Ijen, it’s important to respect the local environment and community:

• Do not give money directly to miners for photos—buy handicrafts or souvenirs instead.
• Avoid littering and stay on marked trails.
• Support sustainable tour operators and choose eco-conscious travel options.

Kawah Ijen is a geological wonder that showcases the raw beauty and power of the Earth. From the otherworldly blue fire to the stunning acidic lake and human resilience displayed by sulfur miners, it’s a place that leaves a deep impression on everyone who visits.

Whether you come for the hike, the photography, or simply to witness nature at its most extreme, Kawah Ijen is a must-visit destination in Indonesia.

Plan Your Kawah Ijen Adventure with Ijen Expedition Tour

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• Bromo Ijen Tour (3 Days 2 Nights)
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• Ijen Volcano and Sukamade Turtle Beach Combo Tour

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