The crater of Mount Ijen is an active volcano located on the border between Banyuwangi and Bondowoso, East Java, Indonesia. This mountain has an altitude of 2,443 m and has several times erupted. The last eruption occurred in 1999. One of the most famous natural phenomenon of Mount Ijen crater is located at the peak. To climb this mountain to be departing from Banyuwangi or from Bondowoso.
Kawah Ijen is an acidic crater lake located on top of Mount Ijen with 2,443 meters high above sea level to a depth of 200 meters and a vast lake crater reached 5,466 hectares. Ijen crater lake known as a highly acidic lake water world [1]. Ijen crater is within the Park Reserve Travel Ijen, Banyuwangi, East Java. Every morning at around 02.00 until 04:00, around the crater can be found the phenomenon of blue or blue flame of fire, which is the uniqueness of this place, because the natural scenery of this only occurs in two places in the world, Iceland and Ijen. From the crater, we can see another mountain scenery in the complex Ijen Mountains, among which is the peak of Mount Merapi, which is located in the east of the crater, Mount roar, Mount Suket, Mountain Chain, and so on.
To reach the crater of Mount Ijen from Banyuwangi, could use economic train with the aim of Banyuwangi and get off at the station Karangasem then ride motorcycles with the purpose of sub-district and village Banyusari Slick. From Banyusari, proceed to Paltuding aboard trucks sulfur or use the bus and get off at Banyuwangi town then ride motorcycles can be directly to Paltuding or to the village of Banyusari can but using the bus fare incurred will be more expensive. The main gate to the Nature Reserve Park of the crater lies in Paltuding, which is also a Pos PHPA (Forest Protection and Nature Conservation). Alternative routes are Bondowoso - Wonosari - Tapen - Sempol - Paltuding. Other facilities that can be enjoyed by visitors include cottage and stalls selling purposes ascent to witness the beauty of Ijen crater.
From Paltuding walk a distance of about 3 km. Initial trajectory as far as 1.5 km quite heavy because of the uphill. Most of the lines are with a slope of 25-35 degrees. Besides uphill, too sandy soil structure so that adds to the growing weight of footsteps because they have to maintain their body weight in order to not slipped backwards. After resting at Bunder Post (a post which is unique because it has the shape of a circle), the next track is relatively slightly sloping, besides tourists / hikers treated to views of the mountain range is very beautiful. To get down to the crater must traverse the rocky terrain as far as 250 meters with a steep conditions.
Many events are often held, mainly by the Government of Banyuwangi are now in full swing to promote the crater in the list of tourist objects. Events that include: Tour de Ijen (now renamed 'International Tour de Ijen'), Jazz Ijen Banyuwangi, etc.
Natural phenomena Fire Blue "Blue Fire" in the crater
Fire as it is known for sure the color is red, then what if you want to see a different-colored flame, not red but blue and out of a crater. Is it conceivable you stand and watch this phenomenon with your own head, the moment of natural wonders unequaled. Very special to be missed because in the world there are only two phenomena that occur like this and one of them in Indonesia.
Crater is blue or blue fire, natural phenomenon which is unique and can only be seen in the crater - Banyuwangi only. Because of the beauty of this phenomenon popularity even beat the sunrise in Banyuwangi known as the first sun in Java. Not only that, many tourists from various countries willing to come all the way just to see the appearance of the Blue Flame in Ijen crater.
How to Achieve Blue Flame
Now what if you want to witness this phenomenon? The first thing you should do is to go first to Banyuwangi and everything by road using public bus transportation. You can reach the crater or mountain from two directions, namely, from the north or from the south. From the north, can be achieved through Situbondo towards Sempol (Bondowoso) through Wonosari and dilajutkan to Paltuding. Situbondo to Paltuding distance of about 93 km and can be reached about 2.5 hours.
While from the south can be passed from Banyuwangi towards Slippery within 15 Km. Of Slippery towards Paltuding within 18 Km and forwarded using a Jeep or other heavy car about 6 km before to Paltuding. This is because the roads are winding and uphill.
This area can be reached by public transportation from Banyuwangi towards Jambu.Dari Jambu, you can proceed to Park Reserve Travel Ijen Crater located in Paltuding using motorcycles and then continued on foot.