Things to do in Ijen

It was one of the most memorable trip I have been to with lots of experience and flavors. Even though our trip to Kawah Ijen got canceled due to wildfires, we were offered alternative options and we chose Tabuhan island where we could ride a boat, enjoy our lunch and break time on the beach before we continued to go snorkeling. We also got a chance to get our footages while snorkeling to keep as a memory. Especially, our tour guide and driver Mr. Ruly was very funny and energetic to be around. Moreover, his driving skill was so admirable which we do not have to worry much as he drove us from one place to the other very safely. Overall, I would recommend to book this shared multiday tour to experience the most of Bromo and East Java. 💯💯

Yanto our guide, as well as our drivers Hendra and Dewa were fantastic!! They spoke fantastic english and were very enthusiastic, maybe the experience wonderful. Yanto was very proactive in helping us climb Ijen, helping us over some harder terrains and even finding the blue fire for us when he didn’t even have a gas mask himself, and he bought fried banana and tauhu isi for us with his own money! The drivers were fantastic as well, they drove safely, stopping when we needed a toilet break/lunch break, and there was no smoking in the car at all which was a huge plus for me. overall fantastic experience and we couldn’t thank the locals more

As my first solo trip,I was scared and doubtfull. The schedule somehow similar to the package,with some changes. Day 1: Tumpak Sewu Driver Andika was punctual and nice.Guide Widodo was helpful and good photographer!He stayed when I struggled climbing up. We stayed at Jamilah H’stay,far from town.The room wasn’t soundproof and the shared toilet was small. But the receptionist was very helpful. Day 2: Seruni Viewpoint Driver Frankie was friendly.We took a jeep near Seruni VP and had no guide, but everything went smoothly.Breakfast was prepared before continue to Kawah Ijen. Day 3: Kawah Ijen Our driver was skillful despite the long journey from Bromo.Hadi Homestay was spacious with better facilities.At 12:30 AM, we started the hike.Our guide Iqbal,was very helpful.Toughest hike,but he brought us to see the blue fire and lake without pressuring.We followed our own pace and made it! Going down,I took the “Lamborghini” for 500k—worth every penny! Tips: Stretch and warm up before hiking!

The driver will pick you up at your hotel in a five-seater sedan. In mid-April, the temperature at Ijen Volcano in the early morning is around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). You can wear a short-sleeved shirt and a light, warm jacket. The mountain road is steep, and you'll likely sweat a lot during the climb. You can take breaks in stages, depending on your stamina. From the entrance at 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) above sea level, you'll ascend to the summit at 2,300 meters (7,546 feet). There may be an occasional pungent sulfur smell; you can choose whether to rent a gas mask before departing. The sunrise and sea of clouds are incredibly beautiful. However, since the sulfur minerals are owned by an energy company, and workers are employed to mine and extinguish fires, you won't be able to see large areas of blue flame. Nevertheless, the burning sulfur is an unprecedented and stunning sight. We recommend arranging this trip separately from Mount Bromo, allowing for rest before continuing. A two-day/one-night or three-day/two-night trip involves a significant physical load.

There's a website with more info of the actual itinerary and what to prepare after booking which was useful. Car is clean and guide is friendly. Booked 4D3N so not too rush. We were able to see the sunrise at Bromo & Ijen. Ijen was not too easy to climb, certain areas are steep. Also if you want to see both blue flames and sunrise you got hike fast. We didn't had time for blue flames but managed to get a good timelapse of sunrise. Local guide at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall directs you to all the photo spots and good at taking photos. He even managed to stitch up a short video with and background music for us in such a short time.

if you think about IJen, you should stop thinking and doing:)! it’s very nice place and view. the blue lava is nog so big but still nice to see. also the hike was heavy but with every strength you can do this. there are 5 checkpoint where you can take a break.

Thanks to Fauzi and Fredy we had a very good time even though ijen was closed due to unexpected circumstances but they able to arrange and customise the trip for us. Both of them are very friendly, hardworking and committed to their job with full of passion which make our trip wonderful. They deserve a raise and praise.

The driver was fantastic, a very experienced and smooth driver. The local guides at the attractions were quite conventional and routine; they would help take pictures, but weren't particularly proactive. As for the hotels, the one near Mount Ijen was quite modern and in good condition. Actually, it is possible to climb the volcano first, come back to shower and have breakfast, and then check out, but since there was no special reminder in the itinerary, we thought we had to check out when we left at midnight. The accommodation for Mount Bromo was in the volcanic village, more like a guesthouse or hostel with relatively basic conditions, but the food was quite good, and you can also return after climbing the volcano to shower and have breakfast before leaving.

This volcano and waterfall tour was absolutely worth it. Thank you, Dasi and Nandu, for giving us such pleasant memories. I strongly advise everyone to visit the waterfall, and it's crucial to hire a guide – it's a matter of life and death, so definitely get one!