Ijen volcano. jawa.

It was my second trip to Ijen. Because once is not enough! It’s the most beautiful place I’ve seen in my life to date.

The first time I climbed Ijen when I was solo-travelling to Bali. And I absolutely knew that I’m going to bring my family there. My kids (whose favourite sport is playing video games) were dreading this hike for four months, but eventually the day has come and they had no choice (sorry not sorry, kiddos). It’s not an easy hike for people who don’t hike (us). Taking into consideration that by the time we started the walk (at 2:30 AM), we hadn’t slept for about 15 hours.

At the base, we wrapped up, had a cuppa, exchanged some jokes and off we went.

The night was pitch black and I didn’t take a single picture of our walk to the top. And our descent to the crater. Even with everybody having a torch-light, it was hard to see how low we’re going. On my first trip, the crater was closed, so I had no idea of what to expect.

It was almost surreal down there. We weren’t lucky with the main attraction, blue fires, but everything else was just breathtaking. LITERALLY. Twice, I nearly said good-bye to my life, when the smoke cloud covered me from head to toes. I was so glad that we left children on the top. They wouldn’t had made it back, for sure. Because I almost didn’t make it. Climbing out of that crater was x5 harder than walking up to the mountain.

Meanwhile, local people…

These baskets with sulphur weigh about 70-90kg (I’d say it’s more than an average Indonesian man). The workers carry them up three times a day and sell to local factories making about $12 per day. They don’t live longer than 45-47 years. After being there, I totally believe it. Even on the top, my child couldn’t take off the mask.

Then we had breakfast with the view and walked along the edge of the crater. There was warning tape everywhere this time. We’ve been told that a girl wanted to take a picture with a tree, fell and died. I’m not sure how much of it is true, though.

I can’t believe I’m writing this but I’m looking forward to climbing Ijen again! Yes, I want my heart to stop beating one more time from this incredibly beautiful nature.