🌋 Mount Ijen, Indonesia – Chasing the Blue Fire in the Heart of East Java 🌋

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Indonesia, Mount Ijen should definitely be on your bucket list! Known for its mesmerizing blue fire and turquoise crater lake, hiking Mount Ijen is not your typical walk in the park—it’s a thrilling experience that’s equal parts challenging and rewarding. To catch the famous blue fire, you’ll need to wake up in the middle of the night—yes, literally around 1 to 2 am—to start the hike in time to see this natural wonder before sunrise. I stayed at a simple hotel right at the foot of the mountain, which made things a bit easier since it was just a short drive to the starting point. ✨ Here are a few things I wish someone told me before I went: ✅ Wear proper hiking shoes—the path can be steep, rocky, and slippery, especially in the dark. Don’t risk it with sandals or flat sneakers. ✅ If you feel you can’t make the hike, there are trolley services (locals call them “Ijen taxis”) where porters will literally pull or push you up. Just be prepared to bargain hard for the price. Some porters can be a bit pushy—they’ll follow you for a while and keep offering, which can get slightly annoying, but they’re just trying to make a living. ✅ Bring a mask or oxygen—the sulphur smoke is no joke. It can sting your eyes and make it hard to breathe when you’re near the crater. ✅ If you want to see the blue fire, you’ll need to climb down into the crater—this is the trickiest part. Be extra careful with your footing, especially in the dark. ✅ Once you reach the top, the view is breathtaking. The crater lake glows in an unreal shade of blue-green. When you take photos with the lone tree at the top (you’ll know the one when you see it!), be very careful—there are no safety barriers and one wrong step could be dangerous. Despite the early wake-up call, the sulfur, the challenging hike, and the persistence of trolley guys, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. The beauty of Mount Ijen, especially when that magical sunrise lights up the crater, is something I’ll carry with me forever. 🌄 👉 Pro Tip: Pack warm clothes—it’s freezing up there before sunrise! Bali may be your tropical escape, but Mount Ijen is your adventure story to tell. 💙🔥 #summervacay #indonesia #hiking #mountijen