If you’re dreaming of witnessing the iconic blue flames of Mount Ijen and soaking in the stunning sunrise over a sulfuric lake, this tour promises an adventure packed with natural wonders. While we haven’t personally hiked this route, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries give us confidence that it’s an experience worth considering. It’s a long day, but one that delivers on both spectacle and comfort — especially with professional guides and safety gear included.
What we love most? First, the precision in planning — with a well-organized itinerary that balances sightseeing and the mountain trek. Second, the value for money— considering the included transfers, guides, meals, and safety equipment, the price of around $200 is quite reasonable for such a comprehensive experience. One potential consideration? The early start and long hours might be tiring for some, but the stunning sights tend to make up for it. This tour suits travelers who are moderately fit, curious about volcanic landscapes, and eager to see one of Indonesia’s most surreal natural sights — the blue flames of Ijen.
Key Points
- Spectacular Blue Flames: Witness the rare and mesmerizing blue fire at Ijen, a natural phenomenon that’s a must-see for anyone interested in volcanic activity.
- Guided and Safe: Includes a professional guide and gas mask, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hike despite the challenging terrain.
- Beautiful Bali Highlights: Combines a scenic tour of Bali’s north — lakes, waterfalls, rice terraces — with the volcanic adventure.
- Early Wake-Up: Expect to start early, with the tour beginning at 10:00 am and concluding late in the evening, perfect for those who don’t mind an energetic day.
- All-Inclusive Comfort: From hotel pickups to meals and bottled water, this tour takes care of most logistics, allowing you to focus on the experience.
- Highly Rated: With a perfect 5-star rating from 21 reviews, most travelers find it to be a truly worthwhile adventure.
👉 Check out our guide to the 8 Best 2 Day Tours In Ubud
Contents
- Key Points
- The Itinerary: A Full Day of Adventure and Awe
- Start with Bali’s Scenic Highlights
- Waterfalls and Rice Terraces
- Transition to Java and Mount Ijen
- Climbing Mount Ijen
- Sunrise Over the Sulfur Lake
- Return and Final Bali Highlights
- What the Reviews Say
- The Practical Details
- The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Ubud
- More Tour Reviews in Ubud
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ubud we have recnetly reviewed
The Itinerary: A Full Day of Adventure and Awe
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Start with Bali’s Scenic Highlights
The day begins with pickups from your Bali hotel around 10:00 am, with transport arranged from key areas like Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, and more. The first stops are Bali’s iconic sights, setting the tone with natural beauty and cultural charm.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: This floating temple by the lake is one of Bali’s most photographed sites. Expect to spend about 30 minutes here, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and taking photos of the temple’s reflection on the water. The reviews praise the well-maintained, clean environment and the hospitality of the staff, making it a pleasant start.
Twin Lakes: Tamblingan and Buyan: Next, we visit these quiet lakes from Wanagiri. Both are known for their calm waters and mountain backdrop. The tour allows about 30 minutes at each, offering plenty of time for photos and a quick look at Bali’s lush landscape.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills: For panoramic views of the twin lakes, this spot provides a perfect vantage point. Travelers mention the breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to capture memorable shots. It’s a good moment to appreciate Bali’s lush greenery before heading toward the volcano.
Waterfalls and Rice Terraces
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Here’s where the tour really stands out. The waterfalls are famous for their unique patterns and gentle flow — ideal for a quick, refreshing shower at the waterfall’s base. It’s a photogenic spot, with reviews noting it’s great for wedding photos too. Expect about an hour here, enough to enjoy the cool spray and take pictures.
Munduk Rice Terraces: A brief stop at this traditional agricultural landscape offers insight into Bali’s farming life. The vast terraces provide a stunning backdrop and a chance to stretch your legs before the mountain hike. This stop is free, but it’s a vital part of the journey’s authenticity.
Transition to Java and Mount Ijen
After exploring Bali’s top sights, the group heads toward the port to cross over to Java. The transfer includes a ride from Bali harbor to Ketapang, making the journey seamless. Once in Java, the real adventure begins. The drive to the Ijen volcano takes several hours, but the transport is air-conditioned and comfortable, with courteous drivers.
Climbing Mount Ijen
The core of this tour is the blue fire spectacle. You’ll hike through lush rainforest and volcanic terrain with your guide, who is usually praised for his humor and expertise. The hike is approximately 4 km, which some reviews describe as challenging but manageable — especially with the guide’s encouragement.
Safety gear, including a gas mask, is provided to protect against the sulfur fumes. The guides are often commended for their professionalism, making the climb safer and more enjoyable. Expect to arrive at the crater rim in the early morning hours, just in time to witness the blue flames flickering in the dark — a truly surreal sight that’s worth the effort.
Sunrise Over the Sulfur Lake
As dawn approaches, the sulfur lake comes into view, revealing its vivid turquoise color beneath the early morning light. The panoramic vistas of the volcanic peaks, combined with the glowing blue flames, create an unforgettable scene. Weather permitting, this view is arguably the highlight of the trip.
Return and Final Bali Highlights
After the sunrise, you’ll descend the volcano, then enjoy breakfast and dinner included in the package. The day wraps up with a scenic drive back to Bali, passing through more of Java’s rugged landscapes.
What the Reviews Say
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and friendly drivers. One reviewer mentions, “Kadek, our driver, was exceptional at his job. He was considerate and took good care of us throughout the trip.” The guides’ humor and professionalism help make what could be a physically demanding hike into an engaging experience.
Many reviewers highlight the stunning views, with comments like “Great view of Ijen! It’s really worth to visit.” The blue flames and sunrise are often described as “breathtaking” — truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
The value for money also shines through, especially considering the inclusive nature of the tour. With hotel transfers, meals, safety equipment, and the guided hike, the $198.98 price tag is seen as fair.
Some downsides include the early start and long hours, with travelers noting it’s a full day from start to finish. But most agree that the unforgettable views make it worthwhile.
The Practical Details
This is a private tour, so your group won’t be mixed with strangers, providing a more personalized experience. The tour operates with a pick-up time around 10:00 am, and the entire day lasts approximately 1 day and 7 hours.
The physical effort needed is moderate — hikers should have moderate fitness for the 4 km trek, but guided support and safety gear make it accessible. The tour is suitable for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are prepared for an early start.
The tour’s inclusions — hotel pickup, professional guides, safety equipment, meals, bottled water — make it a hassle-free experience. It’s well suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive, well-organized trip without the stress of planning every detail.
The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip offers a mix of Bali’s scenic beauty and Java’s volcanic marvels, making it a superb choice for travelers craving adventure combined with cultural and natural exploration. If you’re comfortable with moderate hikes and want to see the stunning blue flames of Ijen firsthand, this tour is a fantastic option. It’s particularly appealing for those who value guided expertise and well-coordinated logistics.
On the other hand, if your physical fitness is limited or if early mornings and long days aren’t your thing, you might want to consider other options or shorter excursions. However, for adventurous travelers eager to tick off a bucket-list natural wonder, this trip delivers on every count.
Mount Ijen Volcanic Crater Overnight Trip from Bali
“Kadak and Supri are very nice and friendly, my female and I felt safe when they are around 🙂 we have a good time for this trip. Mt. IJen is really…”
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as you’re moderately fit. The hike is about 4 km, which some reviews describe as challenging but manageable with a guide’s help. The inclusion of safety equipment and guides makes it safer and easier.
What should I bring?
Bring a warm jacket for early morning temperatures, hiking shoes for terrain, a standard face mask for sulfur fumes, and your camera to capture the stunning views.
Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes one breakfast and one dinner, which helps keep you energized for the day’s activities.
What is the best time to see the blue flames?
You’ll hike at night, arriving in time to see the blue flames flickering in darkness. The sunrise over the sulfur lake is another highlight, providing incredible panoramic views.
Will I be traveling alone?
This is a private tour, so only your group participates. It’s perfect for small groups or families wanting a personalized experience.
How long is the entire trip?
From pickup in Bali to return, the trip lasts approximately 1 day and 7 hours, making it an all-day adventure.
This Mount Ijen overnight trip from Bali offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, cultural sightseeing, and adventure. If you’re up for a physically rewarding journey with the payoff of witnessing one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary volcanic phenomena, it’s hard to find a better option.
