Uncovering the Mystical Blue Flames of Mount Ijen in Surabaya

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It was my toughest trail of 2013, and a trip to Kawah Ijen Volcano Mountain was only decided at the last minute. But I have no regrets; the journey was an excellent experience and a great source of knowledge.

Kawah Ijen stands at 2,799 meters above sea level and is one of 130 active volcanoes across Indonesia. Located on the eastern tip of Java Island, the closest city to the mountain is Surabaya.

We had a long ride on a van from Yogyakarta to Surabaya before continuing another van journey to Banyuwangi in order to reach this place. After spending a night nearby the mountain, we started our trekking journey in total darkness from Paltuding, the base camp.

It took almost 3 hours to trek to the crater, and we were unable to see the surrounding until the daytime. The only reason to be there before the sunrise was to witness the mesmerizing blue sulfur flames from the inside of the crater.

The smell of burning eggs was strong once we reached the crater! Kawah Ijen crater lake has the world’s largest acid lake, which is 1km wide. According to the ‘Keeper of the Key’ to Mount Ijen, the last eruption was in 1999.

As the darkness still lingered, we were able to witness people carrying a heavy load of sulfur (around 80kg) in two baskets on their shoulders. They took it from the crater lake up to the crater’s lip, then back down trekking to the base camp, to be loaded onto trucks. It was an incredible sight to behold!

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Photos

Miners Taking Sulfur To The Nearby Refinery
Carrying a very heavy loads on their shoulder for living.

The Crater Lake Nearly The Sunrise
It was an extraordinary experience to watch the blue flames and the smoke with a sky full of sparkling stars above you.

Sulfur Deposits
The gasses inside the volcano are channeled through pipes. It then produces sulfur deposits that to be collected by the miners.

Covering For Gas
You will be coughing and anxious to find cover.

The Sulfur Miner
Tough Hike Up To The Crater Lips

Trail Leading To The Crater
You Won't Realised This Beautiful Trail Until The Sunrise

Mount Ijen From Far
A Beautiful Scenery On The Way Down