Journey to Mt. ijen: A Sunrise Hike

Our adventure to Mt. Ijen began in the pitch dark of early morning. Equipped with flashlights and gas masks, we embarked on the hike with cautious excitement. Hiking in the dark brought its own challenges, with steep paths that demanded our full attention. We took it slowly, making frequent stops to catch our breath and recalibrate our pace. Each break became a moment to absorb the tranquility of the mountains, even though we couldn’t yet see the full beauty around us. Reaching the top was a huge relief—a silent celebration shared with our fellow hikers. After a short rest, we set out to explore, only to learn that the famous blue flames area was temporarily closed to visitors. A little disappointing, but we were still in awe of the incredible scenery that awaited us. As dawn broke, we moved to the crater rim, where we were allowed to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the sulfur lake. The air was crisp, carrying a unique purity that felt like it had been untouched by time. As sunlight crept over the landscape, the turquoise lake at the center of the crater sparkled, wreathed in soft clouds of smoke rising from the sulfur vents. Watching the first light reflect off the lake was nothing short of mesmerizing—a scene we knew would leave an everlasting mark in our memories. Is Mt. Ijen hike worth it? For me, it is definitely a yes. #sunrise #volcano #funhike #adventure #travelfreak