FAQ FOR MOUNT IJEN

Do you need more information about Mount Ijen? Here are the most frequently asked questions to help you.

1. Where is Mount Ijen?
Mount Ijen is located at Licin Village in Eastern Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia. The regency of Banyuwangi can be reached from Surabaya via Juanda International Airport or Bali via Ngurah Rai International Airport. The journey from Surabaya to Licin Village takes around 9 hours drive and around 6 hours drive from Kuta area Bali. Usually, travellers combine the tour of Mount Ijen and Mount Bromo.

2. How to get to Mount Ijen from the city?
There is no public transportation going directly from Banyuwangi towards starting point of Mount Ijen, Paltuding. If you travel independently then you have to stop at Banyuwangi to rent a car or a trail motorbike.

3. When is the best time to visit Mount Ijen?
The best time to visit Mount Ijen is during the dry season from April to October when the sky is clear and there is less rain. Mount Ijen is open all year round, except for the first Friday of the month. That authorities have implemented this regulation to facilitate cleaning and protect the environment around Mount Ijen.

4. Is it safe to hiking at Mount Ijen during the wet season?
Usually, during the wet season, the volcanic activity near the crack of volcano is rising. If this activity occurs then authorities will close the trail going to the Blue Flame but travellers still have opportunity to enjoy the landscape from Ijen's rim of crater. Or, if the volcanic activities turn the toxicity of gas into a level of danger, then the authorities will close the entire site for safety reasons. Visiting Mount Ijen means you need to be ready for nature’s unpredictability.

5. Is Mount Ijen worth a visit?
Yes, Mount Ijen is worth a visit even though the hiking trail is steep and challenging for the beginner. Mount Ijen is a very unique active volcano where you can see the phenomena of Blue Flame that can ignite up to 6 metres from the volcano's crack and witness the largest acidic lake on earth. If you love adventure and prefer to travel in hiking shoes then Mount Ijen is perfect for you.

6. Is Mount Ijen a family-friendly destination to visit?
Mount Ijen is not a friendly destination for children under 7 years old and people who have problems with asthma, blood pressure, extremely sensitive eyes, and one who easily panics. The toxic gas sometimes really strong and suddenly blows unpredictable to the hiking trail. This is the reason you must wear a gas mask to help you breathe. Exploring Mount Ijen with an experienced guide is a must.

7. What time usually do travellers start to explore Mount Ijen?
Travellers that stay at Licin Village and have a plan to see the Blue Flame phenomena, usually start exploring around 02.00 am. Licin is the closest village to go Mount Ijen with a distance of 9 kilometres or 45 minutes drive. If you want to take some high-quality pictures of blue flame without rushing with time then you have to wake up earlier around 00.00 am. On the other hand, If you stay in Banyuwangi Regency then you have to start earlier around 00:00 am. It takes 2 hours to reach Paltuding from the city. Also, You can start at 07:00 am from Paltuding if you prefer hiking after dawn. Of course, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape from Ijen's rim of crater but you will miss the Blue Flame as this phenomena can only be seen in the dark.

8. What do I have to prepare before going to Mount Ijen?
Early in the morning in the dry season (April to October) temperature at Mount Ijen can reach 5 Celsius. Better for you to pack a light warm jacket. Wearing hiking or running shoes is a must for your safety. Bring enough bottles of water because no one sells it at the Ijen's rim of crater. For a gas mask, you can bring your own or rent it at the Paltuding area. Bring enough cash is also necessary as a debit and credit cards are not reliable in this location.

9. How much time is needed to explore Mount Ijen?
To explore Mount Ijen, staying overnight is recommended. Mostly travellers arrive at Paltuding early morning around 02:00 am. The normal speed of experienced hiker to hike to the top of Ijen's rim of crater is 60 minutes and you need 30 minutes more to go down to see the Blue Flame phenomena closer. Travellers usually return to Paltuding around 06:00 am after the sun rises and the trip will be finished around 07:00 am.

10. Is it possible see the sunrise at Mount Ijen?
If you are standing at Blue Flame area next to the acidic lake, then you can not see the sunrise. Sunrise can only be seen from Ijen's rim of crater. Travellers usually prefer to see the Blue Flame down below and come back to the rim of crater after the sun rises.

11. Do I need a guide at Mount Ijen?
Yes, exploring Mount Ijen with an experienced guide is a must.

12. How much tip should I give to the guide after exploration?
Please note, this tip is not the guide fee, you can give it if you are satisfied with his services. Usually, travellers give a tip to the guide from 100.000 IDR.

13. Do you have any recommendations for a destination I can visit after Mount Ijen?
Yes, not far from Mount Ijen you can visit Jagir Waterfall to refresh your body and mind.

14. Is it possible to swim at Jagir waterfall?
Yes, it is possible to swim at Jagir Waterfall.

15. If not possible for me to go to Mount Ijen, is there any destination in Banyuwangi that is suitable for me and the children?
Yes, If not possible for you to go to Mount Ijen for some reasons, then Sukamade Turtle Beach inside Meru Betiri National Park can be an option. Situated in the southeast of Banyuwangi, this is a turtle conservation area inside the dense forest where you can find Green turtles, Leatherback turtles, Lekang turtles, and Hawksbill turtles. Also, this is the home to many various mammals and thousands of tropical birds including the exotic hornbill. If you come from Mount Bromo then you need to stopover a night at Kalibaru before going toward Sukamade Turtle Beach.

16. When is the best time to visit Sukamade Turtle Beach?
The best time to visit Sukamade Turtle Beach is all year-round. But, your chance is getting higher to spot the mother turtle from December until February. During this season, mostly 60-80 years old mother turtles come to this area to lay their eggs on Sukamade Shore. Not only enjoy the beauty of nature but here you can also gain information about turtle conservation from the Park Ranger. To explore Sukamade, staying overnight at the National Park is a must.