Kawah Ijen Blue Flame Private Night Hike & Waterfall

Summary

Midnight Volcano Trek & Sulfur Miners Experience in East Java

Start before dawn for a private hike up Kawah Ijen volcano with a local guide—see blue flames in darkness, meet sulfur miners at work, catch sunrise over the crater lake, and cool off at Jagir Waterfall before heading home. It’s an East Java adventure you’ll remember every time you smell campfire or fresh coffee.

What’s the experience like?

We were already awake before midnight, waiting for the driver outside our Banyuwangi guesthouse—honestly, I was half asleep and clutching my coffee. The road to Kawah Ijen was quiet except for the hum of motorbikes and a few dogs barking in the dark. Our guide, Pak Agus, handed out gas masks as we reached the parking lot. “You’ll need these soon,” he grinned. The air smelled faintly of wet earth and something sharp—sulfur, maybe? It was colder than I expected up there.

The climb started slow but steady, flashlights bobbing along the path. Every so often we’d pass a miner heading down with baskets of bright yellow sulfur chunks—one guy even joked with us about his “volcano perfume.” When we finally reached the crater’s edge, that famous blue flame was right there—dancing like ghosts over the rocks. It’s hard to explain; it looked almost unreal in the pitch black. My eyes stung a bit from the smoke, but I couldn’t look away. We snapped some shaky photos (the wind kept blowing my hair into the frame), then just stood there listening to the hiss and crackle below.

By sunrise, everything changed—the sky turned this pale orange and you could see that crazy turquoise lake down inside the crater. The miners were already back at work, their faces half-hidden by scarves. On our way back up, Pak Agus pointed out how green everything looked now that it was light—he even picked a wild coffee berry for us to try (it tasted kind of grassy). Before heading back to town, we stopped at Jagir Waterfall for a quick splash; my legs were jelly but that cold water woke me right up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ijen Crater Blue Flame Tour

• Meet at starting point
• See Ijen blue flame and sunrise
• Optional stop at Jagir Waterfall

Top questions

Is the Kawah Ijen blue flame tour safe?

The tour is generally safe for healthy adults with moderate fitness. Gas masks are provided due to sulfur fumes. Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart issues.

How long does the Kawah Ijen night hike take?

The hike usually takes about 1 hour up to the crater rim and another 30 minutes down to see the blue flame. The whole experience lasts around 7–8 hours including transfers.

Can children join the Kawah Ijen private tour?

Children can join if accompanied by adults and able to handle moderate hiking. Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What should I bring on a Kawah Ijen volcano trek?

Bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes, water, snacks, and your camera or phone (with extra battery). Gas masks are included in your tour package.

What’s included

Your night includes hotel pickup in Banyuwangi or Bondowoso, all transport by private vehicle, an experienced local guide who knows every turn of Kawah Ijen’s trails, gas masks for safety near sulfur fumes, plus a stop at Jagir Waterfall before returning you back to your hotel.