Climbing Ijens Peak: Witness the Spectacular Blue Fire

Traveling from Bali to see the Ijen Crater on Java is a bold choice—and for good reason. This tour promises an adventure filled with awe-inspiring sights, from the famous blue flames to an early morning sunrise over a turquoise acid lake. We’ve reviewed a highly-rated company, Bali Exploring Tours, that offers this 22-hour journey, and it’s packed with memorable moments and practical details that make it stand out.

What drew us in? First, the chance to see the rare blue fire phenomenon, one of only two places in the world where it occurs. Second, the stunning sunrise over the crater’s lake—a natural spectacle that’s worth the early wake-up call. And third, the smooth logistics: private transport, ferry crossings, and a guided trek that takes the headache out of planning. The only possible hiccup? The early hours and physical effort required might be a challenge for some travelers. Otherwise, this experience is ideal for those who love nature, adventure, and unique landscapes.

Who will enjoy this tour? If you’re craving an authentic experience that combines scenic beauty and a little adventure, this trip suits active travelers, nature lovers, and those eager to tick a world-famous natural wonder off their bucket list.

Good To Know

• Unique natural phenomenon: Witness the mesmerizing blue flames, a rare and extraordinary sight.
• Spectacular sunrise views: Be treated to a breathtaking dawn over a turquoise, acidic lake.
• Comfortable logistics: Private transfers, ferry crossings, and guided trekking make it accessible.
• Early morning commitment: Starts very early—around 6 am pickup and a trek that lasts until dawn.
• Value for the experience: The comprehensive package, including breakfast and expert guides, offers good value.
• Suitability: Best suited for active, outdoor-oriented travelers over 9 years, with no respiratory issues or pregnancy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Ijen Crater Day Trip

The Journey Begins: From Bali to Java

The experience kicks off at 6 am with pickup from your Bali hotel, whether you’re in Ubud, Kuta, Canggu, or another popular area. The company provides flexible pickup points, making it easier to get ready for the big day. After a scenic drive to Gilimanuk Harbor, you’ll board a ferry that crosses to Java—an hour-long ride that offers a preview of the changing landscapes you’ll encounter during the day.

The ferry crossing is smooth, with reviews highlighting the professionalism of the crew and the ease of the process. One reviewer noted, “The ferry crossing was surprisingly quick and comfortable, setting a relaxed tone for the day.” From the port, it’s about an hour’s drive to the Ijen parking area, where the real adventure begins.

The Night Trek: Into the Heart of the Volcano

The guided trek starts around 1 am, with a professional local guide leading the way. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the crater rim, with a mix of terrain that can vary from loose gravel to more stable paths.

Travelers should be prepared for cold temperatures and darkness, making warm clothes, a flashlight, and sturdy shoes essential. The guides are experienced, providing safety briefings and support along the way. One reviewer praised the guide, mentioning, “Our guide, Pak Gunawan, was fantastic—informative and encouraging, even with the challenging parts.”

Witnessing the Blue Fire

Once at the crater’s edge around 3 am, you’ll descend into the crater to see the blue fire. This rare glow is caused by sulfuric gases igniting due to high temperatures—an experience that feels almost surreal. The blue flames are visible only in the dark, so patience during this segment is key.

Guests consistently find this part of the trip unforgettable. One reviewer said, “Seeing the blue flames flicker in the dark was like witnessing a supernatural display.” The guide will often explain the science behind it, enriching the awe-inspiring visuals.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sunrise Over the Turquoise Lake

After the blue fire experience, you’ll climb back to the rim and wait for sunrise around 5 am. The view of the acidic lake shimmering in the morning light is spectacular. The vibrant turquoise water, contrasted with the rugged volcanic landscape, offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Many guests have described this moment as “absolutely breathtaking,” emphasizing the surreal colors and vast scale. The guides often point out the sulfur deposits and volcanic formations, adding context to the natural wonder.

Post-Trek Breakfast & Return

Following the sunrise, it’s time to ascend back to the crater rim and then drive to the parking area. Around 7 am, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast, often including local snacks and drinks, providing a well-earned energy boost after the early start and physical exertion.

The return journey begins after breakfast, with ferry crossing and drive back to Bali, arriving between 4 and 5 pm. The overall schedule is tightly coordinated, but reviews highlight how well-organized the tour is, minimizing unnecessary waiting.

What It Feels Like in Practice

Travelers consistently praise the professionalism of Bali Exploring Tours. The guides are fluent English speakers and are praised for their safety briefings and support during the hike. The small group sizes (usually around 10-15 people) foster a more intimate experience, allowing for personalized attention and better photo opportunities.

Some reviews mention the importance of bringing warm clothing, as temperatures can plummet at night—especially at higher elevations. A few guests noted that the ferry crossing is smooth but worth keeping an eye on your belongings, as with any boat ride.

The experience delivers on its promise of spectacular views and a once-in-a-lifetime natural spectacle. The trip’s value is enhanced by the inclusions—private transport, ferry, guided trekking, and breakfast—all coordinated to maximize comfort and convenience.

Transportation and Timing

Transport is private, ensuring a smooth journey from Bali and back. The schedule is meticulous; the early start is necessary to catch the sunrise and blue fire, but the tour handles it seamlessly. The total duration (22 hours) is long but rewarding, especially for those who cherish landscape-driven adventures.

Cost and Value

While not the cheapest option, the price reflects the comprehensive service: private transfers, ferry crossings, an expert guide, and breakfast. For travelers eager to see a natural wonder without the hassle of organizing transport and logistics themselves, this tour offers excellent value.

Accessibility & Suitability

This trip is best suited for those in good physical shape, able to hike in the dark and at altitude. It’s not suitable for children under 9, pregnant women, or individuals with respiratory issues or altitude sickness. The early morning start and physical effort are factors to consider, but for many, the incredible views outweigh the inconvenience.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

This Ijen Crater trip is perfect if you’re looking for a unique, eye-opening experience that combines adventure with breathtaking scenery. The highlight—the elusive blue fire—makes it stand out even among Indonesia’s many volcano excursions. The organized logistics, including private transport and guided trekking, mean you won’t need to worry about planning every detail.

It’s an excellent choice for active travelers with a sense of adventure. The early hours and physical demand are part of the package, but the reward—those unforgettable views and rare natural phenomena—is worth every effort.

If you’re after a deeply immersive, well-organized tour that takes the stress out of visiting a remote volcanic crater, this is a solid pick. The mix of natural beauty, expert guidance, and smooth logistics makes it a memorable day trip from Bali that’s hard to match.

FAQ

How early do I need to wake up for this tour? The pickup is typically around 6 am, with the trek starting around 1 am. Be prepared for very early mornings, especially if you want to catch sunrise and blue fire.

What should I bring? Warm clothes, snacks, water, comfortable shoes, a flashlight, and a charged smartphone are recommended. The cold temperatures and darkness at night make these essentials necessary.

Is the tour suitable for children? No. It’s not suitable for children under 9 years due to the physical effort involved and early start.

Can I participate if I have respiratory issues or altitude sickness? No. The tour advises against participation for those with respiratory issues or altitude sickness for safety reasons.

What about the ferry crossing? The ferry is smooth and quick, with reviews praising the service. It’s an integral part of the journey, offering a scenic transition from Bali to Java.

What is included in the price? The price covers private transfers, ferry crossings, guided trek, safety briefings, and a light breakfast. Additional charges outside the coverage area are extra, and a health certificate from a doctor is required for participation.

If you’re eager for a bucket-list adventure that combines stunning volcanic landscapes, rare phenomena, and expert guidance, this tour is a compelling choice. Just remember to pack warmly, get plenty of rest beforehand, and be ready for an experience you’ll never forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby