Kawah Ijen is a volcano in the Banyuwangi region of East Java, just across the Bali Strait. Its crater holds a vivid turquoise lake — one of the most acidic in the world — and an active sulphur mine where miners still carry heavy loads of yellow sulphur up the crater walls. Before dawn, sulphuric gases escaping from the vents ignite and burn with an eerie blue fire, one of very few places on Earth where it can be seen.
Pemuteran is one of the closest places in Bali to Ijen. Tours typically collect you around midnight, cross from Gilimanuk to Ketapang on the ferry, drive to the Paltuding trailhead and hike roughly 3 km up to the rim in the dark. You see the blue fire, then the sunrise over the crater lake, and are back in Pemuteran by early afternoon.
Top things to do at Ijen Crater (Java)
See the blue fire
The flames are only visible in darkness, roughly between 2 and 5am. Descending into the crater to see them is steep and sometimes restricted — follow your guide and the rangers.
Watch sunrise over the lake
As the light comes up, the turquoise lake and the steaming vents appear below you — the best photographs of the trip.
Book a trip from West Bali
A tour from West Bali saves hours compared with starting in the south of the island.
How to get to Ijen Crater (Java)
- From Pemuteran to Gilimanuk: about 40–45 minutes by car.
- Ferry Gilimanuk–Ketapang: runs around the clock; about an hour on the water, plus loading.
- Ketapang to the Paltuding trailhead: roughly 1–1.5 hours by car, then a 3 km hike (1.5–2 hours up).
Insider tips
- East Java is on Western Indonesia Time — one hour behind Bali. Check your tour times carefully.
- It is cold at the rim before dawn: bring a warm jacket, gloves, a hat and good shoes.
- Wear the gas mask your guide provides; sulphur fumes can be intense, and the hike is not recommended for people with asthma or heart conditions.
- The crater is sometimes closed for volcanic activity or maintenance, and a health check may be required at the trailhead — tours usually arrange it.
- Carry your passport for the ferry crossing and the park entrance.
Best tours & tickets for Ijen Crater (Java)
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Ijen Crater (Java) from Pemuteran:
Volcano trek from $95 From West Bali: Ijen Blue Fire & Sunrise Tour
Pemuteran is one of the closest places in Bali to Ijen. This tour collects you around midnight, crosses the strait by ferry and climbs the volcano with a local guide in time for the blue flames and sunrise, returning by early afternoon. New on GetYourGuide, with few reviews so far.
- Night crossing to Java on the Gilimanuk ferry
- Blue fire in the crater before dawn
- Sunrise over Ijen’s turquoise acid lake
Volcano trek from $55 From Bali: 24-Hour Ijen Volcano Hiking Tour, All Inclusive
A complete round trip from Bali to Ijen with nothing to organise. Useful if you want everything included; from Pemuteran, ask about pickup, as the route passes close by on the way to the Gilimanuk ferry.
- Transport, ferry, guide and entrance fees included
- Blue fire and sulphur miners at work
- Sunrise over the crater lake
Volcano trek from $13 Ijen Volcano Sunrise Tour with Pickup & Professional Guide
The most-reviewed Ijen hike on GetYourGuide. The cheapest option starts in Banyuwangi, so it suits travellers who cross from Gilimanuk themselves and spend a night on the Java side; options with Bali pickup are also available.
- Over 2,000 five-star reviews
- Professional guide, gas mask and pickup
- Blue fire and sunrise at the crater rim
