Banyuwangi and Ijen Crater Trips & Tours

Hike to the Ijen crater lake, a mesmerising UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

At 2,300-metres above the sea level at its highest point, the Ijen complex was formed around 300,000 years ago by earth-shuddering volcanic activities. The region is dominated by three volcanic cones – Ijen, Merapi and Raung – and surrounded by yellow rocks, thickly-forested alpine areas and a few hardy coffee plantations and villages. But the plateau’s most extraordinary sight is the vibrant turquoise crater lake that appeared after Ijen’s last eruption in 1999. In the early hours of the morning, blue ‘flames’ can be seen jumping from the lake and by noon, the turquoise colour intensifies to a jewel-like shimmer that makes for stunning photographs. The highly acidic conditions are also ideal for sulphur to form and, as dawn breaks, Ijen’s ‘sulphur miners’ drag their empty sleds to the top to start mining from the crater walls. It’s a gruelling process and humbling to watch.

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Banyuwangi and Ijen Crater Trips & Tours

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Things to do

What to do in Banyuwangi and Ijen Crater

The Ijen Plateau and Banyuwangi region present an extraordinary combination of striking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Begin your journey with a guided night trek to the Ijen Crater, where you’ll witness the rare blue fire and watch the sunrise over the turquoise crater lake. Follow this with a relaxing tour of Banyuwangi's coffee plantations, sampling the region’s finest beans and learning about traditional farming methods. Explore nearby villages to immerse yourself in local crafts and cuisine, or enjoy a boat trip to the serene Red Island for sun, surf, and pristine beaches. Adventurous travelers can head to Alas Purwo National Park for wildlife spotting and peaceful beach picnics. After a day of adventure, retreat to a luxurious eco-lodge near Ijen or a boutique resort along the Banyuwangi coastline, perfect for unwinding with gourmet dinners and spectacular sunset views.

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