Mount Ijen Crater Tour From Ubud Bali

Traveling from Bali to witness the iconic blue flames of Mount Ijen is not your typical day trip. This curated tour offers a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and culture—all wrapped up in an efficient, well-organized package. Designed for those with a moderate level of fitness, it’s an intensive but rewarding journey that many travelers find worth every minute.

What we love about this experience are the spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, the knowledgeable local guides, and the convenience of all-inclusive logistics. The chance to see the famous blue fire, a rare and mesmerizing sight, is undeniably the highlight. However, it’s worth noting that the long driving hours and early start might not suit everyone. This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to see an otherworldly natural phenomenon and who don’t mind a bit of a physical challenge.

Key Points

• Stunning Natural Wonder: The blue fire at Mount Ijen is a must-see spectacle that justifies the early start and long day.
• Expert Local Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and attentive care, making the trek safer and more enjoyable.
• Well-Organized Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and smooth logistics help reduce travel stress.
• Good Value for Money: For $135, you get transportation, guides, gas masks, breakfast, and entry fees—covering most essentials.
• Physical Demands: The hike requires moderate fitness; expect steep climbs and rocky terrain.
• Long Travel Time: About 4 hours drive from Ubud to the ferry crossing, then 1.5 hours by car in Java, so prepare for a full day.

An In-Depth Look at the Mount Ijen Crater Tour

Starting the Adventure: The tour kicks off from Ubud around 7:00 pm. From there, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle and begin your roughly four-hour drive to the Bali ferry port. The early departure is crucial—most of the journey is at night, aiming to reach the crater rim at dawn when the blue flames are most visible.

Ferry Crossing & Java Drive: After crossing by ferry from Bali to Java, your journey continues with an approximately 1.5-hour drive to the base of Mount Ijen. On the way, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes, including lush greenery and other volcanoes, making the long ride part of the adventure rather than a mere transfer.

Guided Ascent to the Crater: An experienced local guide escorts you for about 1 hour and 45 minutes up the well-maintained trail. The route is manageable for most, yet the incline and rocky terrain do demand a moderate level of fitness. The guides are praised for their attentiveness—some reviews mention guides like Safi, who lend both expertise and encouragement during the climb.

The Blue Fire Experience: Arriving at the crater rim, you are rewarded with one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary sights: the glowing blue flames dancing on the edge of an acidic lake. The lake’s temperature is around 40°C, with a pH of 0.5, and it’s incredibly acidic and metal-rich, affecting the downstream ecosystem. The tour provides gas masks, which are essential because of the sulfur fumes. Reviewers often mention how mesmerized they are by the blue fire, with some noting it’s a “mesmerizing” and “spectacular” highlight of their trip.

Descending and More Views: After witnessing the flames, you can descend to the edge of the lake for closer observation. The entire experience lasts about an hour at the crater, but the ascent and descent make the whole trip more time-consuming. Reviewers mention seeing other volcanoes like Raung in the distance as the trek wraps up.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included: The cost covers transportation (with air-conditioning), all fees and taxes, gas masks, torches, breakfast, and a local guide. These inclusions ensure you’re well-equipped and comfortable throughout the long day.

Not Included: Alcoholic beverages and lunch aren’t included, giving you flexibility on what to bring or buy locally. Many reviews suggest bringing snacks and cash, as food options might be limited at the site.

Logistics & Practical Tips

Timing & Duration: The entire trip takes around 19-20 hours, considering travel and the ascent. The early start means you’ll be waking up before dawn, but the payoff of witnessing the blue fire justifies it.

Transportation & Group Size: The tour uses a comfortable vehicle, with a maximum of 6 travelers—small enough to feel personal but large enough for good company. Some reviews highlight the professionalism of drivers, like Komang and Dhe, who are attentive and helpful.

Fitness & Preparation: Expect a steep, rocky climb in low light. Reviewers recommend being in moderate fitness and wearing sturdy shoes, a jumper or jacket, and bringing snacks and cash. Also, having a passport photo and vaccine certificate ready is necessary for crossing the border.

Price & Value: At $135 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience—transport, guides, entry, and safety equipment. Considering the long journey, specialized guide, and unique sight, many find it worthwhile. Some reviews mention the trip’s value, given how well-organized it is and the unforgettable views.

Authentic Experiences from Recent Travelers

One traveler praised the “well-organized transportation” and the local guide who “combined our group with others,” making the trip smoother. However, some noted that mass tourism can detract from the experience—particularly at the crater, where crowds gather to see the flames.

Another reviewer highlighted the long drive, mentioning it took around 7 hours each way from Ubud, but still thought it was “really worth it.” A few reviews pointed out logistical hiccups, like late pickups or confusion with drivers, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Many travelers describe the blue fire as “mesmerizing” and “impossible to describe,” with some calling it one of the most beautiful sights they’ve ever seen. The guides, especially those like Safi, received praise for their kindness and professionalism, making the physically demanding hike more manageable.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Mount Ijen Crater tour is perfect for adventurers eager to witness a rare natural wonder and don’t mind an early start and a long day on the road. If you’re looking for an authentic, guided experience with a focus on safety and comfort, this tour delivers. The value for money is solid given the inclusions, especially if you’re keen on exploring Java’s volcanic landscape beyond Bali.

However, if you prefer shorter excursions or dislike early mornings and long drives, this might not be your best choice. The physical aspect also means it’s better suited for those with a moderate fitness level.

Overall, it’s a well-rated, authentic experience that combines natural spectacle, cultural insight, and well-executed logistics—ideal for curious travelers who want to tick off one of Indonesia’s most iconic sights.

FAQ

How early do I need to wake up for this tour? The tour departs from Ubud at around 7:00 pm, so you’ll be waking up early, but that’s necessary to catch the best views at dawn.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers? The trek requires a moderate fitness level and involves steep, rocky terrain, so it’s better suited for active travelers in good health.

What should I bring with me? Pack a jumper or jacket, snacks, cash, and your passport photo and vaccination certificate. Comfortable shoes and a torch are also recommended.

Does the tour include food? Yes, breakfast is included, but lunch is not. You might want to bring extra snacks for energy.

How long is the drive from Ubud to Mount Ijen? The total travel time is approximately 7-8 hours round-trip, including the ferry crossing and Java drive.

What is the maximum group size? The tour is limited to 6 travelers, which helps keep it intimate and manageable.

Are safety masks provided? Yes, gas masks are included to protect against sulfur fumes during the crater visit.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start time, allowing peace of mind if your plans change.

Is this tour weather-dependent? Yes, poor weather may cause cancellations or rescheduling, with a full refund or alternative date offered.

This tour offers a unique blend of adventure, stunning visuals, and expert guidance—making it a memorable addition to your Bali trip. Whether for the blue flames or the scenic drive, it’s an experience many travelers treasure long after they return home.