Kawah Ijen: The Enchanted Crater Lake of East Java

Getting There

• Car Rental

  If you are traveling by car, you can rent a vehicle in major cities like Surabaya or Malang. From Surabaya, take the Jl. Tol Surabaya – Gempol to reach the city of Bondowoso, which is approximately a 5-hour drive. From Bondowoso, follow the signposts to Kawah Ijen. The final stretch involves a steep drive to the Ijen Crater entrance, where you may need to pay an entrance fee (around IDR 10,000). Parking is available near the entrance.

• Public Transportation (Bus)

  For those using public transportation, take a bus from Surabaya to Bondowoso. Buses leave regularly from the Surabaya bus terminal (Terminal Bungurasih) and the journey takes about 6-7 hours. Once in Bondowoso, hire a local ojeg (motorbike taxi) or a shared car to take you to the Kawah Ijen entrance. Expect to pay around IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 for the ride.

• Tour Package

  Another convenient option is to book a tour package from cities like Banyuwangi, Surabaya, or Malang. These packages often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes meals. Prices can vary but expect to pay around IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,500,000 per person, depending on the inclusions. Tours typically start early in the morning to allow for a sunrise visit to the crater.

• Local Transport (Ojek)

  If you are already in the vicinity of Kawah Ijen, you can hire an ojek (motorbike taxi) for a more local experience. This is especially useful if you are staying in nearby towns like Licin or Banyuwangi. Prices usually range from IDR 100,000 to IDR 150,000 for a round trip.