Volcanic fire, rare turtles, and jungle beaches Banyuwangi awaits.
Tour Overview
The “Banyuwangi: 4-Day Blue Fire, Turtle Coast, and Wilderness Expedition” offers a localized deep-dive into the Banyuwangi area. Specifically, it combines intense volcanic trekking and remote coastal conservation.
In essence, this tour is specifically an immersive East Java adventure. The itinerary focuses on the iconic Ijen Crater as well as the remote Sukamade Turtle Beach. Significantly, this focus makes it different from standard tours. Therefore, participants should expect a physically tough but very rewarding wilderness trip.
This expedition features two high-value experiences. Specifically, these include the Kawah Ijen Blue Fire and conservation work at Sukamade Turtle Beach.
However, these two sites are very different to reach. On one hand, one involves high-altitude, sulfur-toxic volcano trekking. Conversely, the other requires deep jungle 4×4 beach access. Ultimately, this complex combination truly defines the tour.
For this reason, this unique pairing requires a highly structured operational plan. Consequently, the plan must focus on safety and specialized gear. It must also strictly follow all conservation rules and regulations.
Seasonal Visitation
The tour involves both a technical volcano climb and challenging off-road driving. Because of this, we must run operations mainly in the dry season.
The recommended season runs from April to October.
Specifically, the best time is between July and September. This is the peak dry season, which offers the most stable and favorable conditions.
The journey to Sukamade is challenging. The access road is a natural path of steep slopes, rocks, mud, and river crossings. Thus, a specialized 4×4 vehicle is mandatory. Heavy rain makes these conditions much worse, often causing delays or blocking the route completely.
Likewise, rain in Banyuwangi town may not hit Ijen Crater. But the volcano paths get muddy and harder to use during the rainy season. Rain also increases fog. This reduces the vital visibility needed for the night climb.
Therefore, we must use the dry season window. This ensures roads stay open and trails stay safe. It also guarantees the best view of the blue fire.
Documentation and Regulatory Compliance (Ijen Crater)
The plan for the Day 4 Kawah Ijen climb is strictly controlled by new health and safety rules. The East Java Conservation Agency (BBKSDA Jawa Timur) set these rules. They began in early 2024 and continue through 2025.
All visitors must show an official medical certificate. This certificate confirms they are in good health. It specifically verifies that the hiker does not have severe heart conditions or asthma. They cannot enter the Ijen trail without it. This mandatory check-up costs between IDR 35,000 and IDR 100,000.
Furthermore, every visitor needs a licensed local guide. They must also buy a mandatory insurance ticket, which currently costs IDR 5,000. Lastly, tickets must be reserved online. They are non-refundable on the day of the climb.
The health certificate creates a major scheduling requirement on Day 3. The Ijen trek starts at 12:00 AM on Day 4. Therefore, the health check must happen right away when clients reach the Ijen hotel on Day 3.
Consequently, this means the transfer from the remote Sukamade area must be very fast. To meet this deadline, the client must arrive at the hotel by late afternoon (e.g., 4:00 PM).
Moreover, this arrival time is vital. It gives enough time to finish the medical forms while local doctors are working. Furthermore, it ensures clients can eat dinner, get the required trek briefing, and get 4–6 hours of crucial rest. This rest is key, as it is needed before the difficult midnight climb.
In the end, failure to arrive on time means immediate denial of entry to the crater. This, in turn, would ruin the main goal of the entire trip.
Safety and Equipment Protocol: The Kawah Ijen Expedition
Safety Briefing: Toxic Sulfur Gas and Technical Terrain
The main goal of the midnight climb is to see the rare blue fire. This fire is caused by burning sulfur gases coming from the earth. Nevertheless, you can only see it clearly in the dark, usually between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Consequently, seeing it means climbing difficult ground in total darkness.
The most pressing danger is breathing in sulfur gas. To elaborate, to see the blue fire, visitors must go down into the crater. As a result, they are exposed to these deadly fumes. Safety gear is a must: Specifically, you must wear a certified gas mask with a filter inside the crater. Crucially, not wearing the correct mask near strong gas clouds will cause an immediate, severe health risk.
Furthermore, the trail itself is hard. The path is steep, often dusty, and, moreover, has loose rocks. Consequently, you need to walk steadily and focus closely. For this reason, high-grip hiking boots are indeed essential to avoid falls. Finally, a licensed local guide is mandatory, especially since guides know how to handle the tough path, monitor wind direction for gas safety, and importantly, keep clients away from the sulfur miners.
Detailed Tour itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Ancient Forests, and Southern Coastline Transit
The trip begins with client pickup. We meet clients at Banyuwangi Airport (BWX), Ketapang Port, or the train station.
First, we drive south to Jawatan Benculuk. This old forest is great for photos. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Next, we drive for about 1 hour toward the Sumberagung area. This is the starting point for the southern coast.
After reaching the coast, we visit Bedil Island. This requires a local boat trip. The trip lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Finally, the day ends at Red Island (Pulau Merah). We must see the sunset there. The hotel is close to this spot. In short, Day 1 needs fast driving. This allows us to complete three separate activities before nightfall.
Day 2: Coastal Wilderness Transit: Green Bay to Sukamade
Day 2 focuses on reaching a remote coast inside Meru Betiri National Park. To begin, the trip starts toward Green Bay (Teluk Hijau). The best way to start is by reaching Rajegwesi Beach, which is the normal starting point.
A 2-kilometer path exists for walking. However, the boat transfer from Rajegwesi is better because it saves time and energy. This boat trip costs about IDR 25,000 to IDR 50,000 per person one-way.
The next big challenge is the drive from Green Bay to Sukamade Turtle Beach. For this trip, you must have a strong 4×4 Jeep.
Why? The road is unpaved and very hard. It includes crossing rivers, mud, and large rocks. Therefore, standard cars cannot handle this 85-kilometer route.
The drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. This time will change based on the road and how the weather is.
Finally, when you arrive, clients get ready for the night. This involves a mandatory guided viewing of sea turtle landings, which costs IDR 100,000 per group.
Day 3: Conservation Turtle - Banyuwangi Hotel
Day 3 starts with an early morning activity. Namely, this is the release of baby sea turtles (tukik) into the ocean. Park staff guide this work, which costs IDR 50,000 per group. Crucially, this release is required in order to achieve the best conservation results.
Immediately after the tukik release, however, the focus changes. Specifically, we must move clients from Sukamade to the Ijen Gateway hotel by midday. The first part of the trip needs the specialized 4×4 Jeep, because it must cross the hard park road. Following this mandatory segment, we switch to standard cars for the rest of the 85-kilometer journey.
Because of this necessity, we must carefully manage the transfer. We must reach the Licin/Sempol area by late afternoon. This timing is key for two reasons: First, it makes sure clients finish the required medical check and the trek briefing. Second, this also allows them enough rest before the Day 4 midnight start.
Day 4: Kawah Ijen Blue Fire/Sunrise Expedition and Departure
The final day needs a strict schedule to manage the 8-to-9-hour guided climb and the client’s departure. The midnight timeline is followed exactly:
00:00 AM: Leave the Ijen Gateway hotel.
01:30 AM: Arrive at Paltuding base camp. The climb starts now. The steep, 3-kilometer hike to the crater rim takes about 90 minutes.
03:00 AM – 04:00 AM: View the Blue Fire inside the crater. This requires a gas mask and a guide.
06:00 AM: Watch the sunrise over the turquoise lake.
08:00 AM: Return to Paltuding, ending the hard trek.
After the climb, planning the transfer and rest time is crucial. The drive from Ijen (Paltuding) to Banyuwangi Airport (BWX) is fast (about 50 minutes). However, the 8-to-9-hour trek is very demanding. It involves high-altitude climbing and toxic fumes. Therefore, clients must have a mandatory recovery time.
To ensure safety and lower the risk of exhaustion, the earliest safe flight time from Banyuwangi Airport (BWX) must be 12:00 PM (Noon).
Includes
- Firstly, private transport (air-conditioned car, driver, and fuel) is provided.
- In addition, 3 nights of lodging (hotels/stays in Banyuwangi, Sukamade, and the Ijen area) are covered.
- Also included is a local guide who speaks English.
- Crucially, required 4×4 Jeep rides (to Ijen Crater and Sukamade Beach) are part of the tour.
- Furthermore, all park entry fees (Ijen and Meru Betiri National Park) are paid.
- Moreover, meals listed in the schedule (Breakfast and Dinner) are provided.
- This includes the night activity for turtle watching/conservation at Sukamade.
- Lastly, a daily supply of drinking water and all parking fees are covered.
Excludes
Lunch meals during the entire trip.
Personal costs (like laundry, tips, and souvenirs).
Travel insurance and airfare.
Any extra activities not listed in your schedule.
Fees for cameras or video equipment at parks.
Porter service at Ijen Crater (if you need help carrying bags).
Packing List
Documents and Health
Your passport and copies.
Your flight tickets and trip schedule.
Cash (IDR) for tips and small local fees.
Mandatory Health Certificate (needed to enter Ijen).
Your personal medicine and a small first aid kit.
Coastal and Tropical Gear (Days 1–3)
Light, easy-to-breathe clothes (3 to 4 sets).
Swimsuit for the beach and water.
Comfy shoes or sandals for walking.
Strong sunblock (use SPF 30 or higher).
Hat and dark glasses.
Bottle you can fill with water again.
Ijen Expedition (Day 4 Mandatory PPE)
Hiking boots with a good grip (needed for the rough path).
Warm under-shirts or leggings (thermal layers).
Heavy coat or windbreaker (for cold weather, 2°C – $10^\circ\text).
Gloves and a warm hat.
Headlamp (use this instead of a flashlight so your hands are free).
Mandatory gas mask or respirator with filter (required to enter the crater).
Small day bag or backpack.
Testimonials
Fantastic trip Bromo Ijen Tour From Yogyakarta
We had a truly great experience with JavaIndo Ecotourism. From start to finish, the entire process was seamless and incredibly well-organized. We specifically booked the popular Bromo-Ijen tour package, which included a smooth transfer from Yogyakarta and concluded with transport to our final destination in Bali (Ubud). Our primary contact, Wisnu, was incredibly helpful. He was also very friendly and highly responsive. He took all the stress out of planning the trip. Wisnu organized a truly fantastic and memorable stay for us. The JavaIndo Ecotourism team handled every detail perfectly. This included the timing of the hikes and the choice of accommodation. The team supporting us on the ground was equally wonderful. Our dedicated driver, Jojo, was professional. He drove us safely and comfortably on all long-distance transfers. Our local guides, Han and Nurul, were knowledgeable and enthusiastic during the whole trip. A special mention must go to Nurul. She went above and beyond during the Ijen part of the tour. To see the sunrise, this dedicated guide took us in good spirits to the summit of Ijen in the middle of the night. Nurul also offered constant encouragement and helpful insights about the area. Ultimately, her dedication made the difficult climb feel like a true adventure. We experienced exceptional organization, a professional team, and unforgettable sights. Because of this, we wholeheartedly recommend JavaIndo Ecotourism! Therefore, we recommend. We will surely book with them again for future travels in Indonesia.
Valerie M
from French"Fantastic Experiences on Our Java Bali & Sumba Photography Tour"
As a landscape photographer it was important to find a knowledgeable and adaptable tour operator in Indonesia who could be flexible in understanding our needs to be at a given location for sunrise or sunset. Wisnu and his team helped us plan the perfect trip which led to some superb images being captured Java Bali Sumba Photography . When Mount Ijen was suddenly closed due to volcanic activity Wisnu was able to suggest an equally beautiful location. The flexibility to adjust the itinery was really helpful. Each guide spoke good English and were a pleasure to spend time with. We spent 2 weeks exploring Java, Bali, and even the remote island of Sumba. All perfectly executed. Excellent value for money for a private tour of just 2 people.
Nicholas H
England"Educational Tourism Program in Bali for Students"
The students had a wonderful educational tourism trip in Bali, combining study and service learning with cultural immersion. They gained valuable insights into environmental protection and ecological conservation through hands-on experiences. Guided by a kind and caring tour leader, this rewarding program provided both cultural appreciation and meaningful learning opportunities. A perfect example of how student tours in Bali can inspire knowledge, responsibility, and global awareness.
Natalie Chan
Hongkong UniversityAs seen in
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