バリ島からの場合： 24時間営業カワ・イジェン・ブルー・フレイムス、ディナー＆ルーム

35 years ago, I got my hands on a coffee table book called "Magic and Beauty of Our Earth." It included, among other things, a report on the solfataras of Kawah Ijen and the inhumane conditions under which sulfur was (and still is) mined there. Ever since then, I had a dream - I wanted to go there exactly once in my life! With Indotravelteam, this dream has come true. I booked the 1-day tour from Bali. Organizationally, everything was perfect - the communication beforehand was excellent, pickup points were precisely described, the driver was there super punctually and brought us safely to the port in Gilimanuk, where we then crossed over to East Java. After a short medical "examination," we then went to Pierrick and Petra's homestay, where we were warmly welcomed and provided with delicious food. After the meal (by the way: EVERYTHING freshly prepared, no microwave, no refrigerator!) there was a detailed briefing that left no questions unanswered. The rooms in the homestay are simply furnished, but super clean and have everything you need. Punctually at 1:30 AM, we then set off in the direction of the base camp. I had very mixed feelings - my expectations were high. In the days before, I had seen dozens of posts on social media about how crowds of people struggle up the ascent path and gather at the crater rim. I actually don't like such "mass events" at all. Arriving at the base camp, everything was clogged up at first (just the typical Indonesian traffic chaos). After we finally found a parking spot, we started distributing the equipment (flashlight, respirator, gloves) - although I had brought my own headlamp and gas mask from Germany. Despite our small group of 11 people, we had 3 guides (!), so everything was super personal, and all the guides (I walked with Hari) were just mega. There were other groups where 1 guide accompanied 15-20 people or even more! I originally had concerns about how to keep the groups together in the pitch-black night, but our guides managed it great! From the crater rim, we then went down into the crater. That was the most difficult part, partly due to the trail and the many people in the column, both going downhill and uphill. Thanks to a few "specialists" (you could also call them idiots), who felt it wasn't going fast enough and thought they had to overtake, I almost lost my balance a few times - but here too, the guides were on hand with a "helping hand." 1. Station: The famous "blue fire." For that, you have to know that this is actually a rare natural phenomenon, when liquid sulfur ignites by itself due to high temperatures and flows down the mountain as blue-burning "lava." For the "stupid" tourists, they help out a bit here, distributing sulfur lumps on the ground and igniting them with a gas burner. Nevertheless, a remarkable sight; I was especially impressed by the acrid smoke, like when you light 1 million matches right in front of your nose. So quickly put the mask back on!!! For almost all groups, this was the "end of the line," and they turned back to be at the crater rim in time for sunrise - hence all the oncoming traffic on the trail. The inevitable Insta-stories can be seen everywhere. If we had turned back there too - I would have been so bitterly disappointed!!! After all, I was here because of the solfataras and the "largest acid vat in the world," and not because of a staged sulfur fire. But for us, it continued. We experienced the sunrise down at the crater lake. With increasing brightness, the entire unreality of this unique place was revealed: Yellowish, wavering steam clouds over a turquoise acid lake, and us right in the middle - an infernal scenery. And the best part was: We had this place almost to ourselves!!! Maybe 20 or 30 people were standing down here, while the rest of the masses gathered at the crater rim. We were given more than enough time to let everything sink in. To be practically standing next to it when the solidified sulfur at the end of the pipe systems was broken by the miners with steel rods and hauled away. To hear the hissing and sizzling of the escaping sulfur steam. And also to briefly get caught in a plume and be glad that you had your mask on. It is incomprehensible to me how the miners make their way up without being able to hold onto the rock walls, and then with 80-100kg of sulfur in bamboo baskets on their shoulders. On the way back to base camp, we were rewarded with a sensational view of the surrounding volcanic landscape. My conclusion: Anyone who would like to see the "blue fire" and needs a sunrise picture at the crater rim for their social media account is welcome to take the tour with another provider. But anyone who really wants to immerse themselves in this place, who wants to stand right next to the solfataras or directly on the shore of the largest acid lake in the world, is in exactly the right place with Pierrick & Petra aka Indotravelteam! My expectations for this trip were high, but you exceeded them. THANK YOU for this unique experience! THANK YOU for fulfilling my dream, which I have cherished for 35 years, in a way that could not have been better! If I am in the area again, I will do the Bromo trip with you - and only with you - I promise!

Everything ran smoothly. It was easy to organise an alternative pick-up point in Bali close to the port. Perfect service from the beginning to the end and cannot recommend how to improve it Many thanks to all the staff and tour guides & drivers for this wonderful day! A+++

+1

An exceptional experience at Mount Ijen! Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish, with a very professional, available, and attentive team. Special mention for the excellent value for money, the quality of the food and accommodation, as well as the impeccable organization of the transport and the climb. The 24 hours were truly perfect, I could not have dreamed of better. I 100% recommend this experience and this team! 🇮🇩💛

We did the private tour for our honeymoon and everything was fantastic. The private car was spacious , the the room was clean and had a comfortable bed and private bathroom, both dinner and breakfast were excellent local food, and the private guide really gave us the best possible tour of the volcano. The ascent in the night towards the crest under the stars was beautiful, the views of the lake are impressive, and seeing the sulfur extraction process and the miners going up and down was a unique experience. I really recommend it.

The trip is amazing, the food is delicious, the room is spacious and tidy. Very nice experience.

Everything was very well organized. Transportation is provided in comfortable minibuses. Upon arrival, the (vegetarian) dinner is very hearty and tasty. The room is very nice too. The guides were very friendly. Upon return, a great breakfast awaits you before a welcome little shower in the room. Then the return trip. A very beautiful experience with high-quality services. Thanks to the whole team!

We have visited and climbed many volcanoes, but Kawah Ijen was a very different and interesting experience. The environment is physically intense, with clouds of hot sulfur gas blowing in the wind, and some large less-organized tourist groups on the same scrambling trail, but our guides were experienced, communicated well, and did everything to show us as much as possible while keeping things safe. They were friendly, informative, and knew a lot of the miners working on the mountain because they used to be miners themselves. The drive and ferry transfer from downtown Bali takes a long time because of road and ferry, but our driver did his best to make up time and stay on schedule (it would have been much slower if we tried to arrange transit ourselves). The meals and hotel stay were great, the hosts have new well-designed hotel rooms, good modern plumbing, and fresh well-cooked meals on-site.

I really loved this experience that I had never lived before, especially the descent and the discovery of the sulfur in the crater. I highly recommend it and a big thank you to our guide Ari who accompanied and informed us very well throughout our hike.

Nice people, nice food, nice vibes… Would recommend to everyone who wants to have an adventure

A superb experience! The staff is smiling and we were welcomed very well despite the late hour. The meal served is local and delicious. The decor made of wood and greenery creates a warm atmosphere. The rooms are simple but comfortable. Our guide adapted to the pace of each member of the group and helped the people who were struggling the most. He explained many things to us throughout the walk. Upon our return, we were once again welcomed very well: smiles, an excellent breakfast, and a shower. The experience was taken care of from A to Z. Do not worry about anything and enjoy!