How Long Does It Take to Hike to Ijen Crater? Here Are the Time and Route!

Ijen Crater is famous for its rare blue fire and stunning natural scenery. It’s no wonder that this mountain on the border of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso is one of the favorite destinations for hikers, both beginners and experienced ones. But, before you decide to explore it, there is one important question that often arises, namely how long does it actually take to hike to Ijen Crater?

Well, this time we will share a complete overview of the estimated hiking time, the routes you can take, and some light tips to make your journey more comfortable and safe. What are they? Let’s take a look before packing!

Hiking Time and Route to Ijen Crater

Every hiker needs preparation, including understanding the travel time and route. Before departing, it is important to know how long it will take and which route to take to reach the summit of Ijen Crater. So, how long does it take to hike to Ijen Crater? Well, here is the complete explanation!

1. Paltuding Trail

The Paltuding Trail is the main and most popular access route to Ijen Crater. From the Paltuding Post to the crater rim, the distance is approximately 3.4 km with a normal travel time of around 1.5-2 hours, depending on your physical condition and walking pace. This trail is quite steep, but it can still be traversed by beginner hikers with adequate physical preparation.

If you intend to witness the blue fire phenomenon, the travel time will increase by about 45 minutes to descend into the crater and climb back up to the crater rim. After that, the descent to Paltuding can take about 1 hour. So, the total round-trip hiking time from the Paltuding Post to the Ijen crater can reach 3-4 hours. But don’t worry, this trail is equipped with complete facilities, such as a parking lot, security post, as well as food stalls and toilets.

2. Kalipait Trail

Although the Kalipait trail is not directly used for climbing to the rim of the Ijen crater, this route is often used as an alternative access to Paltuding Post through the Bondowoso area. From Kalipait, the journey continues to Sempol, then to Paltuding Post using motorized vehicles or local motorcycle taxis, with an estimated time of around 1-1.5 hours depending on road conditions and mode of transportation.

After arriving at Paltuding Post, the climb to the crater is carried out as usual via the main trail, with a duration of around 1.5-2 hours. If you choose the Kalipait route as an alternative, the total travel time to Ijen Crater can take more than 3 hours.

3. Sempol Route

The Sempol route is not actually a direct hiking trail to the crater, but rather a starting point commonly used by tourists coming from Bondowoso. From Sempol, you still have to continue your journey to Paltuding Post, covering a distance of about 15 km. If you use a vehicle, the travel time ranges from 1-1.5 hours, depending on road conditions and travel speed.

However, this distance can also be covered on foot, although it will take much longer and require extra stamina. After arriving at Paltuding Post, the journey continues with a climb to the crater rim, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. So, if you start from Sempol, the total estimated time needed to reach Ijen Crater can be 3-4 hours or more. This route is suitable for those who want to start their climb from a quieter and cooler area around the Bondowoso hills.

Climbing Ijen Crater is indeed an adrenaline rush, but with a clear time and route, your preparations will be more focused. Whether you choose the Paltuding, Kalipait, or Sempol route, the important thing is to stay enthusiastic and enjoy every step.

The bottom line is that you need to be physically and mentally prepared for trekking at night to see the blue fire. Or, for a more practical and comfortable option, you can consider the Bromo – Ijen Trip 2D1N package from Landscape Bromo, starting at IDR 1,550,000, which is comprehensive enough to enjoy two spectacular destinations at once!

Let’s plan your exciting adventure now with Landscape Bromo!