Hi, guys! This week, I’ll show you the Ferrari and Lamborghini who helped me witness the blue fire at Kawah Ijen, Banyuwangi! 💪 💪 💪
In my previous blog post, I watched a free Gandrung dance performance at Waroeng Kemarang for a while, then returned to the hotel to catch a few hours of 😴💤💤
I set an alarm before midnight so I could change my clothes for the blue fire Ijen hike. Yes, we departed at 12am sharp, baby!
Although there was no winter in Indonesia, the weather was very cold up there. I wore long johns + long-sleeve clothes + a down jacket + winter cargo pants + winter socks + hiking shoes.
What’s so special about the blue fire at Kawah Ijen, Banyuwangi?
Well, there are only two places in the world where you can see the blue fire:
- Dallol Mountain (Ethiopia)
- Ijen Crater/Kawah Ijen (Banyuwangi, Indonesia)
I’m not sure about Dallol Mountain, but I’ve been to Kawah Ijen, so I can share my experience.
After picking me up from the hotel, Rudi made another stop to pick up my blue fire Kawah Ijen guide, Mr. Andi.
The tour company had a policy that Rudi, as the driver for this activity, couldn’t guide me for the hike to ensure everyone’s safety.
It’s already tiring for him to drive 2 hours at midnight to Kawah Ijen, so he should rest while waiting for me.
Furthermore, Andi used to be a miner in Kawah Ijen, so he was familiar with the area. He would lead me and ensure my safety during the hike.
Alright, who are these Ferrari and Lamborghini? They were human taxis for the blue fire Kawah Ijen hike! 😁 😁 😁
Why You Should Hire a Local Guide and Human Taxis for the Blue Fire Kawah Ijen Hike, Banyuwangi
Ok guys, I’m not writing this to promote anyone. What I’m sharing here is based on what I saw and my experience.
If your goal is to see the blue fire at Kawah Ijen, Banyuwangi, I highly recommend hiring a local guide and human taxis before the activity. Here’s why:
1. You’re racing against time
The gate opens at 2 am, humans flock like canned tuna, and the weather is below 10°C. If you want to see the blue fire Ijen, you must reach the lookout point by 5 am.
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner in hiking, I know how satisfying it is to hike the famous Kawah Ijen by yourself. But, the goal here is to see the blue fire.
You can only see the blue fire in complete darkness. So, if you arrive later than 5 am, you won’t be able to see it.
There it goes… You’ll be wasting your energy, money, and time coming all the way to Banyuwangi without seeing the blue fire Ijen! 😢
2. The hike and weather are challenging
Hiking Mount Ijen is challenging. The road isn’t smooth, full of pebbles, and at some point, the slope is around 45 degrees.
And remember, it’s early in the morning and the weather is freezing, it could drop to 3°C.
3. You might not be able to book human taxis mid-way
I saw it myself, a Chinese or Korean tourist demanded his local guide to get him human taxis.
Man: “I can’t walk anymore, I’m very tired. I want a taxi!!”
Friends, you’re on the mountain. You may see some human taxis in some areas, but they’re not available everywhere.
Besides, even if your local guide knows some Ferraris and Lamborghinis, how can he arrange the pickup point? It’s not like they can pick you up in front of a shop 😅
CLARA10
4. You can even sleep in the “car”
At least, that’s what I did 😆
Since it was a 2-hour journey even with the human taxis, after some time, I decided to sleep until I arrived at the lookout point.
From that point onwards, Ferraris and Lamborghinis can’t go through. So, hikers have to walk down by foot.
5. You’ll arrive at the blue fire Ijen lookout point faster
Once you get into the “car”, you’re basically a VIP.
The hikers will make way for human taxis, so you’ll reach the blue fire Kawah Ijen faster than other people. The Ferraris and Lamborghinis usually take two hours to reach the lookout point.
6. The local guides will keep you safe
Special masks and goggles to protect you from sulphur toxicity? Holding your hand when you hike down so you don’t fall? Taking awesome photos for you?
Checked, checked, checked! ✅ ✅ ✅
My local guide suggested not to hike down further as the sulphur gas was stronger there. So, we stopped in the middle. Even so, the smell of the sulphur was already very strong, although I kept my mask on.
For me, as long as I could still see the blue fire, it was OK. I might not be able to take awesome, close-up photos or videos with the blue fire.
However, I won’t compromise my health for some photos or videos. Many people flocked very closely to the Kawah Ijen blue fire to take selfies, ignoring the poisonous sulphur dioxide (SO₂).
If you have asthma or bronchitis, don’t stand too close to the Ijen blue fire, as the smoke and pungent smell will make you difficult to breathe and dizzy.
Also read: “What to See in Samosir Island, Indonesia”
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Sunrise on Mount Ijen, Banyuwangi
I stayed for a while, enjoying the wonderful view… The Kawah Ijen blue fire!
During my 5D4N stay in Banyuwangi, the sky had been gloomy and it was raining in the Mount Ijen area. I was so lucky that on the last day, finally, the sky was clear and it wasn’t raining.
Rudi said there was a Japanese family with bad luck. On the day of the Ijen hike, it was raining heavily and they couldn’t see anything. They couldn’t even hike the mountain and had to fly home the day after.
They were very sad and disappointed… Came from far, far away for nothing 🥹 So, if you want to see the Ijen blue fire, better have a few extra days, in case the weather is bad.
Andi and I stayed for a while to enjoy the blue fire, he helped me took some photos and videos. Afterward, he hiked up and walked for a few minutes to meet my Ferrari and Lamborghini.
By the way, Andi wasn’t in the car. He hiked up and down on foot 👀 👀 👀
Also, if you want to book human taxis for Kawah Ijen blue fire hike, please do so a few days before the hike. This way, you can negotiate for a better price.
I paid 1.5 million rupiahs (around RM381 / 90 USD) for a return trip (they divided the money by themselves). To me, it was worth it, looking at their effort and the difficult terrain.
CLARA10
Miners didn’t get health insurance from the company, and their pay isn’t high. So, they decided to become guides, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis, earning more money with fewer health risks.
Let’s say we helped each other 😊
The return journey was relaxing and wonderful. Beautiful sunrise, cool weather, fresh mountain air… I wish I had a thermos with me, it would be nice to drink hot tea while enjoying the view 😊 🍵🌄
Around 30 minutes later, I fell asleep in the “car” 😴💤
Ah, I also have an embarrassing story to share… I was very sleepy, so once we reached the car park…
Andi: “Miss, do you want to drink coffee or eat something?”
Me: “No, I’m so tired. I want to straightaway return to the hotel, have breakfast, take bath, and sleep.”
Andi: “Oh, okay…”
On the way to drop Andi at his house, I only realised that I was being selfish. I should say “yes” and buy some hot drinks and snacks for Andi, both human taxis, and Rudi!!! 😱 😱 😱
Especially Andi, since he hiked up and down on foot. OMG, I felt so guilty… Although I gave him a tip, but still…
Andi: “It’s ok, miss, my wife has prepared breakfast for me.”
Sorry, guys… 🥹 🥹 🥹
Also read: “Flores Overland Trip: What to Do in Ende”
Also read: “Banyuwangi City Tour: Architecture, Omah Osing & Gandrung Dance Performance”
What to Do After the Blue Fire Kawah Ijen Hike?
I decided to have a free and easy day after the blue fire Kawah Ijen hike. I reached the hotel around 9am, still in time for breakfast.
I filled in my tummy, thinking it would be my brunch because after that, I wanted to take a shower and sleep until I woke up.
The breakfast at El Hotel Banyuwangi that day was as delicious as ever!
The traditional dish that was served on that day was nasi uduk, fragrant steamed rice cooked with coconut milk, served with other dishes.
I told the tour company that I would be resting the whole afternoon, so Rudi could come to pick me up for dinner.
I woke up at around 3pm feeling hungry. Luckily, there was an Indonesian Chinese restaurant beside the hotel. I ordered sop buntut (oxtail soup) and rice.
At 7pm, another driver came to the hotel to pick me up. We drove to Srengenge Wetan, one of the restaurants recommended by the owner of the travel company.
Me: “Where’s Rudi?”
Mr. Saiful: “Suddenly he has something to do, so I’m the one who picks you up, miss. Tomorrow, there will be another driver who will drive you to the airport.”
Me: “Ooo…” (aaaa Rudi, why?? I wanted to give you your tip tonight!) 😞
Me: “Saiful, I want to ask you something… People who come to Alas Purwo and ask for certain power, are they betraying their religion?”
Saiful: “No, miss… That is an addition, it doesn’t mean they’re betraying their religion.”
Me: “I see… I would feel bad, as the power doesn’t come from the God I pray to.”
Saiful: “For us the Javanese, we live together with this belief, along with our religion (Islam). It doesn’t matter what religion you believe; ultimately, we pray to the same God.”
Me: “Then, have you been to Alas Purwo at night? Did you see anything?”
Saiful: “Yes, I went there a few times during malam satu suro*. I saw Nyai Roro Kidul, Soekarno, even Wali Songo (nine Islamic saints who spread Islam across Java, during 15-16th centuries)”.
Me: “Wooow…! Eh, when we meet them, can we ask for selfies?” 😆 😆 😆
Saiful: “Cannot, miss… hahaha…” 😆 😆 😆
Me: “Don’t you feel scared? It must be dark, since there isn’t any street lamp in Alas Purwo!”
Saiful: “Many people from around the world come to Alas Purwo every satu suro, miss… We use our phones or headlamps.”
Finally, we reached the restaurant. Alright, I’ve tried sego tempong and rujak soto. What should I try next?
I decided to order ayam kesrut, boiled chicken with sour, spicy, refreshing soup. This dish is also recommended by the owner.
Ayam kesrut turned out to have a similar taste to sayur asem (sour and spicy vegetable soup)! The dish came with rice, fried tempe, fried salted fish, and sambal. Yummy~ 😋 😋 😋
The next morning, I boarded the first morning flight from Banyuwangi to Jakarta. Ok guys, our Banyuwangi trip has come to an end.
I hope my blue fire Kawah Ijen hiking tips help, maybe one day you want to visit Banyuwangi, hehe… Have a wonderful week! 🌻 🌻 🌻
