Java Expedition · Banyuwangi or Bali
Java Expedition picks you up in Banyuwangi around 23:00 (or in Bali in the late afternoon), sorts the health certificate, and walks you to the Ijen rim in the dark for sunrise over the acid lake. Book it because almost everything is in the price, from the park ticket and gas mask to the crew's tips, so there's nothing to arrange on the night.
This is the trip most people end up on, and it's easy to see why. You pick a start city when you book. From Banyuwangi the driver collects you at your hotel, the Ketapang ferry port or the train station at about 23:00. From Bali the pickup runs from 16:30 in Uluwatu or Amed to 21:00 in Lovina, and the price adds the ferry and the Bali tax. Both groups meet the same night at a clinic for the health certificate the park requires, then drive up to Paltuding, the trailhead at about 1,850 m.
The climb is about 3 km with 500 m of height gain, and the listing gives it an hour and a half. You reach the rim around 03:00. What happens next depends on the night: the listing says the 600 m descent to the blue fire goes ahead only if it is safe and approved by your guide. In practice the rangers decide, the volcano agency advises against the descent altogether, and JawaPos reported in October 2026 that visitors now face a ban on approaching the fire. Book this for the hike and the sunrise over the turquoise lake. If you see blue flames, that's a bonus. Why the fire is blue explains what you might be missing.
The price covers more than most rivals: park entry (Rp150,000 for foreigners), guide, gas mask, headlamp, the health certificate, coffee or tea, food, parking and tips for the guide and driver. The one extra to know about is pickup outside central Banyuwangi: hotels in Licin or the villas up near Ijen cost Rp150,000 more per group. Java Expedition also runs the 24-hour Bali trip and the 2-day Bromo and Ijen tour, so the crews and the kit are the same across all three.
From your hotel, Ketapang port or the station. Bali guests left their hotels between 16:30 and 21:00 and crossed on the ferry.
A short medical check at a clinic for the certificate the park asks for, then the drive up to Paltuding.
Rest, toilets, a briefing and your gas mask and headlamp. The listing has you walking from about 01:45.
After roughly 1.5 hours of climbing. The crater descent happens only if it is safe and your guide approves.
A viewpoint on the rim for sunrise, then coffee or tea looking down on the acid lake and the miners.
Walk down, a short break, then the drive back. Banyuwangi drop-offs land at 09:00 to 10:00, Bali at 15:00 to 16:30.
★★★★★A great team, welcoming, smiling, attentive and always in a good mood.
★★★★★They are excellent, very professional, in a good mood the whole time, helpful, considerate, and also musicians.
★★★★★Would we do it again? Ask us after our legs recover.
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Around 23:00 in Banyuwangi, from your hotel, the Ketapang port or the station. From Bali it depends on the area: 16:30 for Uluwatu, Padang Bai and Amed, 17:15 to 17:30 for Sanur, Ubud, Canggu and Seminyak, and 19:45 to 21:00 for Lovina, Pemuteran and Munduk.
Only if the rangers allow it and your guide approves on the night. The volcano agency advises against the descent, and in October 2026 the local press reported a ban on approaching the fire. Plan on the rim, the sunrise and the lake. Our October 2026 update has the details.
Pickup and drop-off, park entry, an English-speaking guide, gas mask, headlamp, the health certificate, coffee or tea, food and drink, parking and the tips for your guide and driver. The Bali option adds the ferry and the Bali tax.
From age 7. The listing rules out younger children, pregnant women and anyone with low fitness or mobility problems. Kids need to manage about 3 km uphill in the dark and the same distance down.
Ready to book
A guided night hike to the Ijen rim with entry, gas mask, headlamp and health certificate included. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
From Bali: 24-Hour Ijen HikeBali hotel pickup in the afternoon, the ferry, the night hike and back by 16:30. Long, but nothing to organise.★ 5.0 · 22 hours · from $55
Ijen Blue Fire Midnight Group TourThe cheapest way up: a driver only, or a shared group of 15 to 20 with a guide. Pickups run late.★ 4.3 · 9 to 15 hours · from $19
Ijen Blue Fire Tour from Banyuwangi or UbudBanyuwangi or Ubud start, with a trekking pole, gas mask, entry, medical statement and breakfast in the price.★ 4.0 · 9 to 15 hours · from $38