Bali or Banyuwangi: Mount Ijen Blue Fire Hiking

Bali or Banyuwangi: which destination is better for the breathtaking Mount Ijen Blue Fire Hiking experience? This adventure offers stunning views of a turquoise crater lake and the famous blue flames. While both locations provide access to this natural wonder, there are distinct advantages to consider. The choice ultimately depends on one’s travel preferences and itinerary. Exploring the details of this thrilling hike can help adventurers decide which option aligns best with their goals.

Key Points

• The Mount Ijen Blue Fire Hiking experience can be booked from both Bali and Banyuwangi, with a 4-hour car ride and 1.5-hour ferry crossing to the hiking site.
• The 6-hour hike includes a 1-hour ascent to the summit, followed by 3.5 hours of scenic views of the turquoise crater lake and blue flames.
• The tour is suitable for fit, healthy adults and not recommended for children under 9, pregnant women, or those with respiratory issues or altitude sickness.
• The package includes hotel shuttle service, an English-speaking guide, and Ijen Geopark entry fee, but excludes meals, extra water, and personal expenses.
• The hike provides an immersive experience in one of Indonesia’s natural treasures, with opportunities to observe local sulfur miners and learn about their livelihood.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of Mount Ijen Blue Fire Hiking

Mount Ijen Blue Fire Hiking is a popular activity that draws visitors to the Banyuwangi Regency or Bali. Priced at $34.70 per person, the 6-hour hike offers free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.

Pickup locations are in Banyuwangi and Bali, followed by a 4-hour car ride, 1.5-hour ferry, and additional car transport. The itinerary includes a safety briefing, 1-hour hike to the summit, 3.5 hours of scenic views, and a 1.5-hour descent.

Key features are the turquoise crater lake, sunrise views, and the famous blue flames, though access to the crater is currently restricted.

Itinerary and Logistics for the Tour

The tour begins with a pickup from locations in either the Banyuwangi Regency or on the island of Bali.

After the 4-hour car ride and 1.5-hour ferry crossing, the hike starts with a safety briefing. Hikers then ascend the 2,700-meter active volcano for 1 hour, stopping for scenic views and photo opportunities over the next 3.5 hours.

The return hike down takes 1.5 hours. At the end, hikers are dropped off at either Banyuwangi or Bali.

The itinerary provides an immersive experience of the volcano’s key features, including the turquoise crater lake and blue flames, as well as interactions with local sulfur miners.

Highlights and Key Features of the Experience

The hike up the 2,700-meter active volcano offers an easy to moderate challenge for adventurous travelers.

Key highlights include the stunning turquoise crater lake, spectacular sunrise views, and the famous blue flames that emanate from the crater.

Visitors can observe local sulfur miners and learn about their unique livelihood. However, access to the crater area is currently restricted due to safety concerns.

Equipped with the necessary gear and an experienced guide, hikers can navigate the terrain and capture breathtaking photos of this natural wonder.

The tour provides an immersive experience in Ijen Geopark, one of Indonesia’s natural treasures.

Accessibility and Suitability Considerations

Though the Mount Ijen hike offers an exhilarating adventure, it’s crucial to consider its accessibility and suitability for various travelers.

The hike isn’t recommended for children under 9, pregnant women, those with respiratory issues, altitude sickness, high blood pressure, low fitness levels, or babies under 1 year. Hikers must be prepared with comfortable shoes, a jacket, and a medical statement.

The Ijen Geopark is also closed every first Friday of the month. With these limitations in mind, the hike is best suited for fit, healthy adults who can navigate the strenuous terrain and challenging conditions.

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Inclusions and Exclusions of the Tour Package

The tour package includes a hotel shuttle service in the Banyuwangi area, an English-speaking guide, the Ijen geopark entry fee, and provides hikers with a mask, flashlight, water, coffee, and tea at the basecamp.

However, the package excludes meals, extra drinking water, tipping, and personal expenses.

Hikers are responsible for bringing their own comfortable shoes, jacket, and a medical statement.

Important Information and Recommendations

Not all hikers may be suitable for this Mount Ijen tour. The tour has several limitations and requirements.

First, it isn’t recommended for children under 9, pregnant women, those with respiratory issues, altitude sickness, over 80 years, high blood pressure, low fitness levels, and babies under 1 year.

Second, hikers should bring comfortable shoes, a jacket, and a medical statement.

Third, the Ijen Geopark is closed every first Friday of the month.

Review and Rating of the Mount Ijen Blue Fire Hiking Tour

Based on 6 reviews, the Mount Ijen Blue Fire Hiking tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Adventurers praise the easy to moderate hike, stunning crater lake views, and opportunity to observe local sulfur miners.

However, some caution that the tour may not be suitable for those with respiratory issues or low fitness levels.

Reviewers also note access to the crater is currently restricted due to safety concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Visit the Crater Rim and See the Blue Flames?

The tour currently restricts access to the crater area due to safety concerns, so it’s not possible to visit the crater rim and see the blue flames directly. Visitors can observe the blue flames from a viewpoint instead.

Can the Hike Be Done as a Day Trip From Bali?

The hike can be done as a day trip from Bali, though the journey takes around 4-5 hours each way. Travelers will need to consider the long travel time and decide if it’s feasible for their schedule and interests.

Are There Any Alternative Tour Options Available Besides the Hiking Tour?

Yes, there are alternative tour options beyond the hiking tour, such as guided tours that include access to the crater area and tours that focus on the local sulfur mining operations. These offer different perspectives and experiences for visitors.

What Measures Are in Place to Ensure the Safety of Hikers?

The tour operator provides safety briefings, requires appropriate gear, and restricts access to the crater area due to concerns. They also avoid taking high-risk groups like children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory issues to ensure hikers’ wellbeing.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Larger Groups or Private Bookings?

The tour can be customized for larger groups or private bookings. Private tours are available, and the pricing and itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate the group’s needs and preferences. Discounts may apply for larger group sizes.

The Sum Up

The Mount Ijen Blue Fire Hiking tour offers an exhilarating and visually stunning experience for fit and adventurous travelers. With essential inclusions like transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and safety gear, the tour provides a well-organized way to explore the natural beauty of Ijen Geopark. While the hike may not be suitable for everyone, those seeking an awe-inspiring adventure will find this tour a memorable highlight of their Bali or Banyuwangi visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: