Best time to travel to Java

Kawah Ijen Volcano in Java

This volcano is famed for "electric blue lava" and world's largest highly acidic crater lake

Best time: June–August

Kawah Ijen Volcano
Kawah Ijen Volcano
Kawah Ijen Volcano
Kawah Ijen Volcano
Kawah Ijen Volcano
Kawah Ijen Volcano
Kawah Ijen Volcano

Kawah Ijen Volcano found in East Java Province is rich is sulphur deposits. Its chemical reactions with oxygen result in what many call "electric-blue lava", that can be observed during night time. However, it's not an accurate term for this phenomenon at all.

In fact, the glow we see at night is the result of burning sulphur gases, that emerge at high pressure and temperature along with the lava itself. Exposed to the oxygen at the temperatures above 360°C sulphur gas starts burning, so blue glow is, in fact, flames of the burning sulphur. When condensed, these gases obtain a liquid form, which moves slowly down the volcanic slopes resembling a kind of electric-blue lava. This spectacle is only observed at night,—in the daylight the flames aren't visible, so you'll see pretty ordinary red lava.

Another dangerous attraction of this volcano is its turquoise acidic crater lake which is the largest of that kind found in the world. Swimming is definitely out of the question—its water dissolves heavy metals.

For local people, Kawah Ijen Volcano remains a source of life means. They work day and night in extremely harsh conditions to collect sulphur, which is widely used in chemical industry. These miners don't have any masks, even though breathing sulphur dioxide is highly damaging to their lungs. For years day by day, they carry tens of kilos on their shoulders across the rocks. And some of the workers here are children.

If you decide to do that hike, don't forget to take masks. When you are done, you can leave it for hard-working miners. June through August is the best season for hiking as it sees the least amount of rainfall. Just avoid the weekends, unless you like crowds.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Kawah Ijen Volcano?

The most favorable time to visit Kawah Ijen Volcano is from June to August, the driest season with the least rainfall. Try avoiding crowds by not visiting on weekends. Show more

Where is Kawah Ijen Volcano located?

Located in the East Java Province of Indonesia, Kawah Ijen Volcano is a globally famous attraction and a part of the Ijen volcano complex. Show more

What causes the electric-blue lava in Kawah Ijen Volcano?

Burning sulfur gases emerge along with the lava itself. When exposed to oxygen above 360°C, the sulphur gas ignites and creates a blue glow. When condensed, the liquid sulfur slowly flows down the volcanic slopes, giving an appearance of electric-blue lava. Show more

What is the danger of swimming in the turquoise acidic crater lake?

The acidic and toxic water of the crater lake is associated with serious health hazards like irritation of skin, eyes, and respiratory system due to heavy metal dissolution. Therefore, it is highly recommended to not attempt swimming here. Show more

How do locals make use of the sulphur deposits from Kawah Ijen Volcano?

The local people brave harsh conditions to carry tens of kilos of sulfur on their shoulders from Kawah Ijen Volcano as it is a valuable resource for the chemical industry. Despite the significant health risks, like breathing difficulties due to excessive sulfur dioxide, workers still work tirelessly to extract and collect sulphur without masks. Some of the workers are even children who perform these physically demanding tasks. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin