Presiding quietly and ominously over the entire Indonesian Archipelago reside no less than 127 Volcano’s. The names of several of them are well known to visitors to the region as they smolder away, ever present and always a threat. Mt Ijen, however, is known mostly for its iconic Blue Flame, acidic lake and spectacular views. Yet still, it doesn’t come close to getting it’s share of the Bali tourist trade that its cousin Mt Batur does. Why? Simply because visitors aren’t sure how to get to Mt Ijen from Bali.
The answer is simple. There are actually several ways to get to Mt Ijen from Bali. Finding one that suits you should be easy, and certainly worth it. Ijen is a phenomenon that can’t be missed – a once in a lifetime opportunity to see something that nature does nowhere else in the world. If you have read this far and are still confused, check out THIS article first.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE JANUARY 2024 – New rules for climbing Mt Ijen have come into force early January this year. ALL CLIMBERS must now produce a doctors clearance to climb before they are allowed on the mountain. This is as a result of a spate of medical related issues during 2023. Make sure you get a clearance from a certified Doctor, many of which should be able to be found in Banyuwangi.
Mt Ijen from Bali Tour
Firstly, probably the easiest and most hassle free way to get to Mt Ijen is on an organised tour. There are plenty of these leaving every day for Java, but simply buy your ticket and get aboard! Be aware, though, that some of these will run from Surabaya on the island of Java, meaning that you will have to organise your own flights. Do a little research and make certain to get one that has all costs included. Our choice is to jump on a tour that takes you via road and ferry to Java, such as this one. These are all inclusive, which means hassle free!
Travel By Road
Your second option is to travel yourself. This isn’t as hard as it seems – google maps certainly will play a part here! So long as you are legal to drive in Indonesia, hire a car or bike and hit the road. The drive is about 5 to 6 hours up to the western tip of Bali where you will board the ferry across to Java. Take your transport with you and chill out during the crossing. Once you disembark on the Javanese side, head south and follow the signs to Banyuwangi which is the largest town close to Mt Ijen. Find a place to stay or continue onto Ijen if you arrive at the right time of night. Once again, for more information about the actual Mt Ijen experience, look HERE. For information on where to stay check out the links below.
If you are traveling yourself, then make sure you have the right licensing to drive or ride in Indonesia. This is not only because it’s the law, but also, there is a good chance that your paperwork will be checked at the ferry. Usually, they will check the registration papers of the vehicle/scooter you have with you, at the very least. To check out how to get an International Driver’s Permit, click the button below.
Tickets for the ferry can be purchased along the side of the road as you approach the final few kilometers before the ferry terminal. Simply pull over, produce your passport for Identity verification, and pay for your ticket. Then head down to the ferry terminal. If you are on a scooter you can usually skip the line and head almost right to the front as there is always room for an extra scooter or two on a full ferry.
With the advent of the new Toll Road coming shortly from Gilimanuk to Mengwi, driving and riding to the ferry will become a lot quicker, and a lot more popular. As you can expect, places like Mt Ijen may also become more crowded.
Flight To Surabaya
The third option is similar to the second, however involves a flight to Surabaya, then to hire a car or bike and head to Ijen that way. From this side, come via Bondowoso and make your way up to the Ijen entry gates at Pos Paltuding, or hire someone to take you there. Personally the option of coming from the Bali side is certainly less hassle.
Public Transport
The other way to get to Mt Ijen from Bali is via public transport. A bit of research needs to be done but this is certainly a viable option. It’s cheap but takes a lot longer as well. We wouldn’t recommend it unless you know a bit of the language just to avoid confusion and catching the wrong bus etc. For those that are interested, the bus leaves from in Denpasar and will take you all the way to Banyuwangi. From there you would hire a someone to take you up to the Ijen trail head at Pos Paltuding.
Where to stay for Mount Ijen
If you are looking for budget accommodation in Banyuwangi, then I really recommend staying at Juda Homestay. This is where I stayed on my latest climb of Ijen, and I can’t recommend it any higher.
The owner at Juda is amazing. He will wake you up in the wee hours ready for your climb, and provide you with fresh cooked snacks and hot tea before you leave. Then, when you return, he greets you will a fully cooked breakfast. All as part of the MINIMAL cost to stay there!
Check out Juda Homestay at the below link.
Mt Ijen from Bali Tours – Getyourguide
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