🚐 From Bali to Ijen
For backpackers coming from Bali, the journey begins with a 3-hour drive to Ketapang Harbor, Banyuwangi. From Banyuwangi, Kawah Ijen is about 40 km away.
The most practical way to reach the base camp (±1,800 m a.s.l.) is by joining a shared car transport service, which is affordable and convenient.
Please call Imam, our local guide live in Pakel village to get for the transportation and he is ready to give you the option for type of transportation whether you are traveling in group or solo.
For those who prefer public transportation, follow these steps:
- From Ketapang Harbor, take a minibus to Blambangan Terminal (±20 minutes).
- Continue to Karangasem Terminal (±15 minutes) — this is the final stop.
- From Karangasem, catch local transportation to Paltuding base camp, the starting point for the hike.
🌤 Best Time to Visit
While Kawah Ijen is visited year-round, the best season is from May to September, during the dry season, when the skies are usually clear.
This period gives you the highest chance of enjoying a stunning sunrise over the crater.
At night, temperatures can drop to 5°C, so prepare warm clothing. The Ijen plateau is also famous for its Arabica coffee plantations, thriving at 800+ m a.s.l.
- July–August is coffee harvest season, when local workers are busy picking berries in Sempol and surrounding areas.
- If you’re lucky, you can witness the production of kopi luwak, one of the world’s most expensive coffees. This can be arranged as part of a plantation tour — plan ahead and contact Us for arrangements.
🥾 Hiking to Kawah Ijen
The best time to start the hike is early morning. Many hikers leave their homestay at 4:00 a.m. to reach the crater by sunrise.
At Paltuding Post, visitors must sign in.
- Entrance Fee and medical checkup permit.
- Ask your guide for a gas mask — sulfur fumes can be intense.
🛤 Trail Description
- From the parking lot, a well-worn trail starts through shady casuarina forest. The first section is wide and relatively flat.
- Gradually, the path becomes steeper, with resting posts available along the way.
- After 2 km, you’ll reach Shelter, used by sulfur miners for rest and weighing their loads.
- The final 1 km is easier, leading to the crater rim, where sulfur fumes greet you.
- To get to the lake’s edge, descend a narrow stairway for about 30 minutes — this is the best photo spot. Follow local miners if unsure of the way; the yellow sulfur trail is a reliable guide.
As an alternative, you can hike northeast along the rim for ±100 m to enjoy a panoramic view of the turquoise lake — perfect for photography without going down to the crater floor.
📝 Backpacker Tips
- Moderate hike: The trail is well-established but has some steep sections.
- Good hiking shoes are recommended — they don’t have to be mountaineering boots, but make sure they’re grippy for the descent.
- Thick jackets are not mandatory. A long-sleeve shirt and light layer is usually enough.
- Pack light: Bring water, snacks, hat/hood, gas mask, and sunscreen for both skin and lips.
- Warm up for a few minutes before starting the hike to avoid cramps.
