Mt Ijean Blue Fire

Mount Ijen is an active volcano crater located in East Java, Indonesia.  It is well known for its blue fire, which is in fact blue light emitted from the combustion of sulphuric gases.  Another highlight is the turquoise-coloured acidic crater lake.  This lake is recognised as the largest highly acidic crater lake in the world.

We checked into Hotel Barata Bondooso, Ijen on the first day.  A lovely place but only for a night.  We were advised to rest early as we'd be departing at 12 midnight to start our journey to Paltuding area

The temperature was about 15C when we reached the park entrance of Ijean.  When the gate finally opened at 2am, we started our two-hour hike to reach the rim of the crater, followed by a 45-minute hike down to the bank of the crater.  The main path is all dirt and fairly steep. 

For those who prefer to skip the strenuous uphill struggle, you can pay the local sulfur miners to push you up the hill on their trolleys for IDR1.5million/return.

After arriving at the crater, most people will immediately start to hike down to watch the blue fire. You can only see it before sunrise.  Hence the urgency.  The only other place on Earth where you can see this unique phenomenon is in Dallol, Ethiopia.

There's no trolley service from this point onwards.  You are on your own to hike down 500m, 30-45mins rocky terrain.  It was pitched darkness and all you can see is a crooked row of moving lights (headlamp wore by the hikers) snaking down the rocky slopes, zig-zagging endlessly.

We put on our gas mask as the sulfur fumes make the air unbreathable.  At times, we need to give ways to the miners.  The miners carry large pieces of sulfur blocks in baskets (around 75-90 kg), trek in and out of the crater twice a day.  Most of them just use a piece of rug to cover their mouth and nose.  

After it seemed like forever, the cheered of the crowd shifted my eyes from the floor to the captivatingly surreal - the mysteries blue glow of light.

Everyone was fighting to find a good spot for a good photo.  But very often when the wind changes its direction and blow all the nasty sulfur gas right at your face, the blue flame is the last place you want to be near.

After a few decent photos, we moved further away from the blue flame and just admired it from afar; fascinated at God's amazing masterpiece. 

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, our eyes were captured by the striking turquoise blue waters.  How can anyone not fall in love with such beauty of God's creation.

Bright yellow sulfur, gray volcano rock, turquoise blue acid water - that is Ijean.