Ijen Blue Fire

 17 Mei 2022   

The Ijen Crater is a familiar place for nature lovers. This crater is famous for its Ijen Blue Fire. This phenomenon gas comes out of sulfur mountains and mixed with oxygen displays the shape of a blue flame which is known as Blue Fire. Blue fire currently has only two in the world, in Indonesia and Iceland which doesn't always appear every time.

Ijen Crater is an active volcano. Geographically, this area is located in two regencies, namely Banyuwangi and Bondowoso. If you depart from Denpasar Bali to the location of Ijen Crater in Banyuwangi you will take approximately 140 km or 7 hours driving away by car. This crater is above an altitude of 2,368 meters above sea level which is part of Mount Ijen, one of the active volcanoes on Java. The Ijen area is often closed because the sulfur is too high which could endanger both the traveler and the miners in the area. The Ijen area can be closed at any time when you even get there.

The locals pay attention to the safety of visitors and miners who do activities right there. Even when you have entered the crater area, high levels of sulfur fumes can approach you. If you are in a bad condition, the pungent smell not only makes you cough and dizzy but also faints and even dies.

Even so, The Blue Fire Moment of Mount Ijen is a special moment so you have to prepare the best equipment. Such as a camera to capture your moment, bring also the flashlight because climbing is done in the early morning. It is better to use a headlight so it's easy to move. The air of Mount Ijen is quite cold, so use warm clothes, jackets, socks, and gloves. Sandy terrain must also be prepared by choosing comfortable and non-slippery footwear. Don't forget to bring a mask because Mount Ijen dust is scattered and sulfur gas is getting stronger especially when approaching the peak. You can moisten the mask with a little water to reduce the inhaled dust and odors that enter.

To avoid the toxic smoke that can come at any time, visitors are advised to use a mask that is equipped with an air filter. Usually, you can rent these masks at the post.

The Ijen Blue Fire appears more rarely when the rainy season. Whereas during the dry season, the blue fire of Mount Ijen tends to be greater. Let's come around July to September which is a dry season and the best time to see Blue Fire is at midnight because when the sky is dark the blue color will be seen more clearly. Start to climb is around 1:00 AM which takes about 2 hours, depends on your physical condition. The Ijen Blue Fire will get smaller when you come after 05.00 AM, so don't wake up too late!