Mount Ijen Crater Tour From Ubud Bali

Introduction

This Mount Ijen Crater Tour from Ubud Bali promises a day packed with adventure, stunning scenery, and a touch of the extraordinary. While it involves a long day of travel—around 4 hours from Ubud to the ferry crossing and then another 1.5 hours on Java—the reward is witnessing one of Indonesia’s most incredible natural sights: the blue fire of Ijen.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of expert guiding, well-maintained paths, and the chance to see an active volcano’s fiery phenomenon. One thing to keep in mind is the journey’s length and physical demands—it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or who prefer leisurely outings. This tour is perfect for travelers craving an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure with a dose of awe-inspiring scenery.

We love the detailed organization, from pickup to the guided trek, which ensures safety and enjoyment. However, some reviews mention the potential for crowds and the early start time, so a good level of fitness and patience are helpful. If you’re into volcanoes, unique natural spectacles, and don’t mind a bit of travel, this tour could become a highlight of your Bali holiday.

Key Points

• Long but rewarding journey: The trip involves hours of travel but offers spectacular views and a unique experience.
• Expert local guides: Guides are knowledgeable, attentive, and help make the trek safer and more enjoyable.
• Stunning natural sights: The main attraction—the blue fire—delivers an unforgettable visual, especially in the early morning darkness.
• Good value for the price: With transportation, guides, safety gear, and breakfast included, it offers solid value.
• Physical fitness required: Moderate fitness is necessary for the steep, rocky ascent and descent.
• Crowds are common: Expect other travelers, especially at the crater rim and viewing spots.

The Experience in Detail

Transportation and Starting Point

The tour kicks off from Ubud at 7:00 pm, meaning you’ll need to be ready for a very early start. The journey begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle that takes you on a roughly four-hour drive to the port. From there, you’ll cross by ferry to Java, adding a bit of adventure right off the bat. Once on Java, it’s about 1.5 hours by road to the base of Mount Ijen.

The long travel time is a key factor—some reviewers find the journey tiring, especially for those not used to such early mornings or extended travel. But, it’s also part of the adventure, taking you through lush greenery, volcanic terrains, and rural landscapes that aren’t often seen by typical travelers.

The Guided Trek to the Crater Rim

Once you arrive, your local guide—who is described as experienced, friendly, and attentive—will escort you for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the crater rim. The path is in good condition, well maintained, and offers scenic views of surrounding volcanoes and verdant vegetation.

Guides like Safi are praised for their kindness and support, especially during the steep climb. They help with positioning the group, explaining safety precautions, and sharing insights about the volcanic activity. The ascent is quite steep and rocky, requiring a moderate level of fitness, but the reward at the top makes it worth the effort.

The Blue Fire: A Natural Wonder

The main highlight is the blue flames, visible only at night in the crater’s edge. You’ll arrive before dawn, allowing you to witness the mesmerizing glow of the blue fire—an ionized sulfuric gas illuminated by volcanic heat. This phenomenon is best seen in darkness because the flames are faint and easily overshadowed during daylight.

From reviews, travelers describe the blue fire as “spectacular” and “mesmerizing”. It’s a small area, but the visual impact is profound. The acidic lake nearby adds to the surreal atmosphere: its temperature is around 40°C, with a pH of 0.5, and a depth of approximately 200 meters. The lake’s highly acidic, metal-enriched water has environmental implications downstream, but your guides provide gas masks for safety, and it’s a worthwhile precaution.

Safety and Gear

Safety is taken seriously. You’re provided with gas masks and torches, crucial for the smoky, sulfurous environment. Some reviews mention the rocky, slippery terrain entering the crater, so sturdy shoes and good grip are advised. The guides are attentive—hand-holding and encouragement are common—and they help you navigate safely through the rocky areas.

Other Views and Photo Opportunities

After witnessing the blue fire, many travelers take the opportunity to snap photos of the crater, the steaming vents, and the distant volcanoes. Some reviews mention seeing Mount Raung in the distance during descent, adding to the scenic allure.

Return Journey

The descent back to the base is equally challenging, but guides support you through it. The entire trek—up and down—is physically demanding, but the sense of achievement and stunning visuals make it worthwhile. The tour concludes with a drive back to Ubud, arriving late morning or early afternoon, depending on traffic and group pace.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles are used throughout, with pickup from your hotel. The long drive is a key part of the experience, but it’s worth considering if you’re comfortable with early mornings and extended travel.

Cost and Value: At $135 per person, the tour includes transportation, all fees and taxes, gas masks, torches, breakfast, and a knowledgeable guide. Considering the transportation, safety gear, and the unique experience, it offers good value.

Group Size: The tour caps at six travelers, ensuring more personalized attention, although reviews note that larger groups can lead to crowds at the crater.

Physical Fitness: Moderate fitness is recommended. The ascent is steep and rocky, and some reviewers note that it’s quite tiring, especially if you’re not used to vigorous activity.

What to Bring: Pack a jumper or jacket (it’s cold and smoky at altitude), snacks, cash, and your passport photo and vaccine certificates as required. Some travelers advise a healthy letter from a doctor as a precaution.

Timing: The early start means a very long day—expect to be away 12+ hours. The best time to see the blue fire is in darkness, so plan accordingly.

What Reviewers Loved (and Not)

Knowledgeable guides: Several reviewers praise guides like Safi and Komang for their support and explanations, which make the trek safer and more enjoyable.

Stunning views: The blue fire is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, with many describing it as “mesmerizing” and “incredible.” Seeing the volcanic landscape in the early morning light adds to the magic.

Good value: The price covers transportation, safety gear, guides, breakfast, and entry fees, which many consider fair for such a comprehensive experience.

Crowds and logistics: Some mention the site can be busy, particularly at the crater rim, which might affect the experience for those seeking solitude or perfect photos.

Travel logistics: Long travel times and early mornings are inevitable but can be tiring. Some reviewers suggest private tours might be better for solo travelers or those with specific schedules.

The Sum Up

In essence, the Mount Ijen Crater Tour from Ubud offers an unforgettable glimpse into Indonesia’s volcanic beauty. It’s a well-organized, value-packed trip that combines long-distance travel with a truly awe-inspiring natural event. This experience is best suited for travelers with a moderate fitness level who don’t mind early mornings and lengthy journeys, and who crave unique sights beyond Bali’s beaches.

If you’re after a mix of adventure, scenic landscapes, and a chance to witness a rare volcanic phenomenon, this tour delivers in spades. The knowledgeable guides, safety precautions, and the stunning spectacle of the blue flames make it a worthwhile addition to any Indonesia itinerary.

However, be prepared for a physically demanding day, possible crowds, and the need for patience. With the right attitude, this tour can be one of the most memorable experiences of your Bali adventure.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
Pickup from Ubud is at 7:00 pm, so you’ll need to be ready early in the evening to begin the long journey.

What should I bring?
Bring a jumper or jacket for the cold, a few snacks, cash, and your passport photo and vaccine certificates as required. Comfortable shoes suitable for rocky terrain are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It requires moderate physical fitness due to the steep and rocky ascent and descent. Reviewers mention it’s tiring but rewarding.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, all fees and taxes, gas masks, torches, breakfast, and a local guide are included.

How long is the total trip?
It’s a long day, with the journey taking about 4 hours by car and additional ferry crossing, plus the trek itself. Expect to be back in Ubud late morning or early afternoon.

Are there any environmental concerns?
Yes, the lake and surrounding environment are highly acidic and metal-enriched, impacting downstream ecosystems. The tour provides safety gear to protect visitors.

Can I expect crowds?
Yes, especially at the crater rim and viewing points, as it’s a popular tourist attraction.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling with a full refund or alternative date.

Final Thoughts

This tour packs a punch, offering a rare chance to witness the mesmerizing blue flames of Ijen and explore one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. It’s an adventure designed for those who value breathtaking sights, expert guidance, and don’t mind a full day of travel. If you’re up for the challenge, it’s likely to become a standout memory from your trip.