Ijen Crater Tourism with Blue Fires at the Midnight

Ijen Crater or Kawah Ijen is the most acid crater in the world. It has 300 – 500 meters height of calderas and width until 5,466 hectares. The size of the crater itself approximately 20 km with the depth around 300 meters beneath of the caldera wall. Ijen view is amazing and you dont have to worry when you visit it because the spot tourism has beautiful scenery. 

Enjoying the mountain nuance is the main attraction as you visit Ijen Crater. Not only about the sunrise, but this place also offer you an incredible experience in life, i.e. the blue fire of Ijen Crater from the mid night to 04.30 morning. Moreover, you can witness the natural phenomenon of Crater Lake with turquoise color. As one of natural tourism, you demanded to have fit body before tracking to Ijen Crater because your stamina is tested if you want to explore this area. Are you ready?

Picture News.nationalgeographic

Ijen Crater transportation

Currently, the Ijen Crater accommodation and transportation are accessible and easier. If you start your journey by plane, either from Jakarta or Denpasar Bali, you can land to Juanda Surabaya Airport or choose direct flight to Blimbingsari Airport at Banyuwangi (for local flight). Here is the first route : Banyuwangi – Licin sub-district (15km) – Patulding (18km/1 hours) – Ijen Crater Gate. 

For the practical trip, you can join to Ijen Crater tour. They will arrange your journey from the beginning until you experience the blue fire at the midnight. You can rent a car or motorcycle, but you are suggested to have jeep double garden because the road toward Ijen Crater is windy and ascending. 

The second route is if you start the trip from Surabaya. You can choose Surabaya – Situbondo – you can go toward Sempol-Bondowoso sub-district from Wonosari – Patulding. This route is easier and accessible so that you can drive a standard car (not a jeep). As you arrive at Patulding, you have to walk for about 3 km toward Ijen Crater. The entrance ticket is IDR2k for local and IDR15k for foreign.

Ijen Crater Tourism

In the morning, you can welcome the exotic sunrise with the incredible panorama. The sun shine in the morning irridiating into the crater and it will be reflected while creating enchanting turquoise color on the surface. Although the water in the crater looks so calm but you have to be careful because it is extreme dangerous because the sulfur liquid in the Ijen Crater has 200 millions meter cubic with 200 degree Celcius. It doesnt only make your clothes melting, but perhaps yourself. Thus, dont try to play too close to the Ijen Crater.

At the south east of Ijen Crater, there is solfatara field that always release volcanic gas with the hight concentration of sulfur and it inflict a dreadful stench. Whereas at the west, there is water dam that is becomes upper course of Banyupait River. Actually the dam is also attractive spot to visit but only few visitors come there because it doenst accessible. It demand heavy struggle because the landslide often happen there. 

In the midnight, Ijen view will show you fantastic phenomenon. The sulfur liquid would flowing down continuously into the crater inflicting the blue fire. And you know, there is only 2 blue fire phenomenon in the world, Indonesia (Ijen Crater) and Iceland. In order to see Ijen view of blue fire, you have to climb the Ijen Mountain around 02.00 midnight from the gate (Patulding) by resisting the frozen temperature from 2 – 10 degree Celcius. But it worth to do because you will never able to find the Ijen view with a picturesque scenery in other places. 

Miners at Ijen Crater

Ijen Crater itself is a mountain crater that used as mining area of sulphur in Banyuwangi Regency and has become the biggest sulphur mining with traditional processing. Moreover, the crater has unlimited sublimit of sulphur because it comes out continuously and this have beneficial for chemical industry.

Usually, the miner carrying the burden by on foot while descending the caldera for 3 km to take the sulphur. That is not an easy work because they still have to dig it first by a very simple tools. And then they need to split the rocks and put it inside the big basket. Each miners may carry the stone for about 70 - 100 kg while wearing a mask as the breath protector. And still he has to go back again for 2 – 3 times a day.

The miners carries the sulphur on the shoulder toward Bundar Post and weigh it there. if you come there, you will see some miners sitting under the trees and stretching the body and the other miners packing the stone to the sacks and carry it to the truck. The price of the stone sulphure is IDR0.330 per kg. 

Yes, life is so hard in Ijen Crater area. It doesnt look as sweet as the blue fires for the miners. The money they get is not comparable to the risk of life they have to give it. To entertain them, dont hesitate to say hello and blend to them because they will happy to greet you. They are friendly and polite person and will always give you any answer of your question. 

Visiting Ijen Crater will make you more respect your life because there you will see how life is so difficult and have to struggle to earn the money. Watching people carrying heavy solid sulphur on shoulder should be demand strong body. In addition, the miners still have to process it traditionally. 

Ijen Crater accommodation

Outer the area of Ijen Crater Post, there is hotel that is organized by foresty department. The price is IDR100k per night. Besides that, you can stay in villa by paying IDR500k per night. If you want to get comfortable place, you can stay at guest house from PTP near Belawan and Jampir Farming start from IDR135k per night. But, you have to rent a car to take you to Paltuding Post for about 6 km.

Tips traveling to Ijen Crater

1. The right time to visit Ijen Crater is at dry season (July to September) because the access and the opportunity to see the blue fire is higher.

2. Your body must be fit because the route to the Ijen Crater is ascending and descending. Plus if you plan to surround the caldera, it takes around 10 hours by on foot. You can bring personal medicine, manset, wet tissue, water, tent, stick, boot shoes, hat, gloves, and jacket.

3. Hire local guide is also important because he/she has knowledge about this area. That is why you are suggested to join Ijen Crater tour with travel agent. 

4. If you want, you can buy souvernir from the sulphur with cute shapes from IDR5k – IDR20k.

Gili Labak, A Hidden And Fantastic Paradise At Sumenep

Gili Labak Sumenep may sound strange and new destination for oversea tourists because they must be more familiar to Gili Grawangan in Lombok. But, never jugde and compare the island before you visit and explore it. Gili Labak itself is a small island and in 2016 becomes one of the most wanted tourist destination for travelers, especially for local tourists to get a new destination and new experience in East Java. 

Even tough Gili Labak is not a mainstream destination yet, but since the netizen talking about it, they curious to know deeper about the location. The gorgeous and picturesque views that are published in internet make the real travelers directly include Gili Labak to the next destination. If you want to know more about Gili Labak, read on this article below.

Picture Rumpibanget.blogspot.com

Gili Labak transportation location

Gili Labak lies at Kombang Village, Talango sub-district, Sumenep Regency, East Java, and precisely at the east of Poteran. The island used to get a name as Tikus Island or Rats Island because the location is hidden. But now, it more populer with the name of Gili Labak. You can take private car, motorcycle, or public transportation to Gili Labak. If you arrive at Kalianget at night, you can stay at the resident houses that close to Kalianget Port by paying IDR50k – IDR70k per night. 

If you take public transportation, you can choose this alternative route : Surabaya – Sumenep bus terminal (IDR60k) – public transportation or ojek/taxi motorcycle or bemo to Kalianget (IDR20k) – crossing to Gili Labak by boat (IDR400k – IDR500k round trip for 18 passengers). Actually, there are many route you can take and it depends to where you come from.

1. Kalianget Port

This ia a common route to Gili Labak because accessible. From Sumenep City, you can go directly to the east around 10 km until Kalianget Port. At the port, you can take passenger boat or rent a boat for yourself to take you to Gili Labak Island. The trip takes around 2 hours.

2. Lobuk Village

For tourists who come outside of Sumenep City, you can choose Lobuk Village. The village has a dock and becomes the only one alternative route to Gili Labak, Gili Raja, and Gili Genting. From Sumenep Regency, after arrive at the Bluto T-intersection you can take a direction to the right and go straitgh on to the east until you meet a small pier. There, you can reserve a boat to sail to Gili Labak.

3. Tanjung Saronggi

Travelers also can take other route to Gili Labak, i.e. Saronggi. From Saronggi T-intersection, you can choose the route to the east. Just follow the road until you meet the beach. Near the beach, there is a pier and you can rent a boat to Gili Labak.

4. Kombang Village

The next route to Gili Labak is through Kombang Village. This is the shortest crossing spot by boat because the village is located at Talango sub-district. From Sumenep City, you can choose the road to the east until Kalianget. Just go straight on to Talango until you arrive at Kombang Village. You can rent a boat to Gili Labak by lower prices and shorter time.

This is the time to explore Gili Labak

As you sail by a boat to Gili Labak, you will meet several islands that look like floating. If the weather friendly to you, it will be easier to witness fish cages and small piers as well. And then, welcome to Gili Labak, a hidden paradise in Sumenep. Perhaps, the trip is exhausted but when you arrive, it is gone suddenly because you surely will amaze seeing marine panorama with crystal water around the island. The coral reefs also look so healthy and it looks like waiting to be explored.

There is one thing you have to do beside marine sports in Gili Labak, i.e. strolling the island. With a small area (5 hectares), it needs only 30 minutes – 1 hour to do it. Most of local resident work as fishermen, start from sailing, cleaning the fish, dry it, and then send it to the market. It is a common view in Gili Labak to see overlay dried anchovy. The smell is very peculiar. You also can capture the view and marine life from a perfect angle with your camera. The white sand and the gradation of turquoise color. You will see the boats that are sailing around Gili Labak looks floating above the coral reefs. 

After satisfied capturing the pictures, you can start exploring underwater of Gili Labak. Most of tourists plan to snorkel and dive. If you desire the same, you better bring your equipment from home because there is no rental equipment here. But if you join to travel agent, you may get it from them. The depth of the water at Gili Labak is from 1.5 – 4 meters. Even, before you jump into the water, you can see group of fishes and coral reefs easily. 

After snorkeling and diving, you can ask permission to local residents to clean yourself because the facilities for this one is not available, yet. After that, you can start to hunt local culinary. You can taste local culinary and young coconut (IDR8k). If you order a package (IDR100k) it is enough for 5 persons.

Klayar Beach Pacitan, A Beach With Replica of Spinx Statue

Klayar Beach Pacitan is one of favorite tourist destination in East Java. The popularity of the beach makes it as an icon of Pacitan City. The panorama of the beach with the lining of coconut trees at the seashore and the natural music from the wave, typically of southern beaches are really a great combination of a beach. Moreover, the natural sculpture on a huge rocks becomes primary attraction of Klayar Beach. Curious to explore more about Klayar Beach? Lets find out together.

Location of Klayar Beach

Klayar Beach is situated at Kalak Village, Donorojo sub-district, Pacitan Regency, East Java, or it can be reached around 1 – 1.5 hours from Pacitan City. The location of Klayar Beach has direct adjacent to Wonogiri Regency at Central Java so that the tourists come from other places too. 

Because there is no public transportation to Klayar Beach Pacitan, you are suggested to drive a car or motorcycle. With the adequate access, you can enjoy your vacation along the road. The entrance ticket is IDR3k and IDR2k to climb the hill at the side of the beach.

Picture Travellboy.wordpress.com

Klayar Beach has spectacular panorama

Even though the coastline of Klayar Beach isn’t too long just like other beaches nearby, but the cleanness and the beauty of the natural scenery cannot be underestimated. It proven by the crowd of tourists day by day, both local and oversea tourists. 

The white sand become the characteristic of Klayar Beach and the wave from the sea sounds like natural music. Even, you can do many things here, like climbing the hill at the seaside of the beach, ATV, relaxing at the gazebo, or even making a sand sculpture. Just keep in mind that you are not allowed to swim at Klayar Beach Pacitan because it has wild and unfriendly wave.

Klayar Beach is perfect for photography

Travelers, if you are crazy in love to the beaches and photography, you must include Klayar Beach Pacitan to your list of tourist destination. The row of coconut trees and enchanting of the beach will make your head full of ideas. In order to get panoramic view, you can climb up to the hill and capture the pictures from the height. 

Moreover, you can hunt the sunset in Klayar Beach as well. It can be said that hunting the sunset with the captivate colors becomes an obligation when you visit the beach. Yes, that is what you have to catch when you visit Klayar Beach Pacitan because you truly dont want to miss the exotic view on the western horizon. In order to get picturesque and wide view, you have to struggle and climbing the hill.  

There is a sphinx at Klayar Beach Pacitan

Yes, there is a sphinx at Klayar Beach. Dont be surprise, travelers. You may more familiar to sphinx statue in Egypt, but you can find the similar replica in the beach here. The sphinx ala Klayar Beach is made by nature and the shape is really similar. That is why the beach identical to sphinx statue. 

Actually, the sphinx ala Klayar Beach is a huge rocks near the seashore and it is pretty high. In a holiday season, you will see crowd of people taking picture or even selfi beneath the rocks. As a landmark of the beach, it is kind of free promotion to attract more tourists to explore this area. The combination between the big rocks and the turquoise water make it a perfect picturesque view. 

Water fountain with flute sound at Klayar Beach

This is another uniqueness of Klayar Beach Pacitan. Here, you will find unusual spot which is rarely to be found. The presence of the ocean flute is a kind of magnet for tourism. This is natural phenomenon that really interesting. 

The sound of water that similar to flute comes from the outpouring water from the sea. It penetrate the gaps of the cliffs. Then, the dammed water inside the rocks shot out for 10 – 15 meters height and creating the sound of flute. Thus, the local residents name it as the flute of the ocean.

It is really worth to visit Klayar Beach Pacitan, isn’t it? If you want to explore other tourist destination in Pacitan and East Java, you can book a hotel in Pacitan and rent a car or motorcycle. Happy traveling!

Sendang Biru Beach, the Blue Water with Beautiful Panorama

Sendang Biru Beach is one of popular beaches in Malang Regency. The main attraction of the beach is because it has Sempu Island and clear water. Most of visitors know the beach as the gate to enter to the island. When you come to the beach, you will be treated by an incredible panorama. Fine sand and blue water collaborated very well to be beautiful scenery. At the coastline, there are so many boats that are parked with colorful painting. 

The name of Sendang Biru was originated from Javanese language. In Javanese Language, Sendang Biru means the source of water with blue water. It is not surprising because when you arrive at the beach, you will be welcomed by blue and crystal water. The beach is also has a fish market in Malang. Thus, you will see fishermen busy sailing and bring the fish near the beach.

Location

Sendang Biru Beach lies at Sumber Agung Village, Sumbermanjing sub-district, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia. It is about 69 km south of Malang City and takes around 2 hours by driving. You can ride motorcycle, a car or public transportation. If you want to feel the real adventure, you can take minibus with the direction to Gadang – Turen – Sendang Biru. The access to the beach is adequate. 

Accommodations

Sendang Biru Beach has many facilities, such as lodges, guest house, food stalls, and boat rental. If you want to rent a boat from fishermen, you can pay IDR100,000 or US$10 for motorboat and IDR50,000 or IDR5 for rowboat. You can explore the area around the beach and even visit Sempu Island.

Activities

Sendang Biru Beach becomes a potential tourist destination in Malang City. As the connector to Sempu Island, you will find so many boats along the beach. Although it faces directly to Indian Ocean, the waves of water are not big and you can swim safely. Sempu Island becomes the barrier of powerful waves and that is why you still can do water activities.

Sendang Biru Beach is also popular for fish market. Thus, as you visit the beach, you can buy fish or other marine creatures that are still fresh. As the fishermen landing to the coastline, they will go directly to the market. The consumers can hunt crab, tuna, fish, squids, and many others. When the waves are high, the price is higher. Tuna become an icon of Sendang Biru Beach. Thus, you can buy tuna as you visit the beach.

If you want to complete your journey in Sendang Biru Beach, you can rent a motorboat or rowboat from fishermen. In the middle of sea, you can see underwater life. The small fish swim around the coral reefs. It can be unforgettable moment as you visit the beach. The owner of the boats may approach you and offers you. They can take you to cross to Sempu Island. The maximal passengers are around 12 persons. They will take you round-trip. Usually, they will give you their phone number.

The other uniqueness of Sendang Biru Beach is that the beach is maintained by local residents who still keep the tradition. The tradition is held on 7 – 8 Syawal (Moslem Calender). When you visit Sempu Island, you are suggested to bring mineral water. As one of tourist destination in Malang City, you can add the beach into your list as when you visit East Java.

Pictures taken from www.intaninchan.wordpress.com

Mount Semeru, Conquering the Highest Peak in Java Island

Mount Semeru is the highest volcano in Java Island. The altitude is around 3,676 meters above sea level and become an active volcano. The position of the mountain is between Lumajang and Malang Regency and the crater of the mountain consists of two craters, i.e. inactive crater and active crater in Jonggring Seloka which is located at the southeast of the peak of the mountain.

Permission before Climbing

When you intent to climb Mount Semeru, you will need permission letter at the office of Bromo Tengger Semeru. This permission is needed to monitor and supervise the traffic of the climbing and anticipation to contact the family or organization if something happen.

Thus, you need to prepare some documents, such as identity, filling the form, statement that you are healthy from the doctor or hospital, ticket, filling guest book, and filling the form of the stuffs you bring to climb Mount Semeru.

Transportation to Climb Mount Semeru

The transportation to Mount Semeru is through Tumpang Office STPN II in Malang. The climbers can ride the train from Kota Baru Station in Malang City. Or, you can take minibus ADL and AMG and get down in Arjosari Terminal in Malang for about 15 minutes.

From Arjosari Terminal, you can ride white transportation to Tumpang – Arjosari for about 45 minutes and get down in Tumpang Market Terminal. Then, you can continue the journey by a jeep or a truck to Ranu Pane for about two hours by paying IDR30,000 or US$3. Or, if you want easy way, you can rent a car by paying IDR450,000 or US$45. 

Route to Mount Semeru

Ranupane – Ranukumbolo

Ranupane Village that has altitude 2,100 meters is the last village and becomes checking post to report all of climbers when they plan to climb Mount Semeru. The village is also become the shelter for climbers to stay overnight and rest. Besides that, Ranupane is also kind of small villages that become part of Tengger tribe village. Most of them are farmers. Actually, there are two common routes that are used, i.e.

The common shortcuts that are used by local climbers are quite cliffs because it through Gunung Ayek-ayek. The initial route is sloping and climbers will go along the slope which is dominated by grasses and shrubs. There is no signpost but the climber can follow the sign. Along the route, you will find fallen trees and branches so that you have to bow your body. Finally, the route will be ended at Ranukumbolo.

The other track that often to be passed by climbers is Watu Rejeng. The route can be taken for about 4 – 5 hours. Actually, Watu Rejeng was developed for tourism to make it friendly to amateur climbers. As you climb Mount Semeru, you can find the shelters that can be used to rest for a while. After the trip takes about five km, you have to go along the slope of the hills that are fulfilled by edelweis flower.

After that, the climbers will arrive at Watu Rejeng. This is kind of a steep cliff with incredible scenery that faces to the valley and hills. This area is also has stretches of pines and casuarina trees. In some occasion, you will see the smoke from the peak of Semeru. Then, you can climb up again to see a wide lake named as Ranukumbolo. The lake has wide 12 hectares at the height of 2,400 meters above sea surface.

Ranukumbolo – Kalimati

Leaving Ranukumbolo is started by climbing the steep cliffs that is known as ‘Love Steep Grade’. According to the myth, if climbers able to climb up the hill without resting, their love will be eternal. The track to Ranukumbolo to Kalimati is five km and can be reached for about 2 – 3 hours.

After passing the hills, you will find the stretches of vast pasture that called as ‘Oro-oro Ombo’. The Oro-oro Ombo is surrounded by hills and mountains with beautiful scenery, pines trees and grasses. The shape of the pasture is just like a bowl with golden brown of grasses. Behind Mount Kepolo, you can see the peak of Mount Semeru that throw out the smokes. At the south of Oro-oro Ombo pasture, there is Cemoro Kandang Forest that include to the cluster of the mountain.

Actually Mount Kepolo that exist at 3,095 meters above sea surface is a forest with casuarina trees and local plants. After you pass Cemoro Kandang Forest, you will enter to the next pasture that called as Jambangan at 3,200 meter above sea surface. In this pasture, you can find edelweis flower, casuarina trees, and mentigi. Not too long from this spot, you will find Kalimati Post.

The post is known as Kalimati because in this place there is a river that hasn’t water. The current of water is only appears at the rainy season from the current of lava at Mount Semeru. This area is kind of pasture with brushes and stretches of edelweis flower around 20 hectares that is surrounded by cluster of natural forest and low hills.

Kalimati itself is also a place for climbers to build a tent before continuing to climb Mount Semeru. There are facilities for climbers, such as shelter. The source of water can be taken from Sumbermani. The climbers must walk to the west direction or to the right at the edge of forest. It needs around an hour round-trip. In this place, there is drop of water from the gap of stone.

Kalimati – Arcopodo – Mahameru

Usually, from Kalimati the climbers will start to climb to the peak early morning around 2 a.m. through casuarina trees and dune for about 5 – 6 hours with steep route. From Kalimati, you will arrive at Arcopodo. Arcopodo itself is the last camp that is used by climber to stay overnight. 

The peak of Mount Semeru is well-known as Mahameru Peak. In this peak, you can see the crater of Jonggring Saloko. This crater is so unique because during 10 – 15 minutes, it will throw out volcanic stones that are preceded by smokes. On the peak of Mahameru, climbers aren’t allowed to go to Jonggring Saloka Crater or climb to the south of crater because there is poison gas and lava current. At the peak of Mahameru, the temperature is around 4⁰ Celcius – 10⁰ Celcius.

As you are standing on the peak of Mahameru, that is mean you just already conquer the highest peak in Java Island, i.e. 3m676 meters above sea surface.

Source : www.pecintaalam.net

Pictures taken from www.bocahpetualang.com

Kondang Merak Beach, Visiting a Virgin Beach with the Stretches of Rocks in East Java

Kondang Merak Beach is unpopular beach. But, when you come to the beach, you will realize that the beach is comparable to others beaches in East Java. The distance of Kondang Merak is only about two km from Balekambang Beach. But, the access toward to beach is not adequate and it makes the trip become more difficult. 

According to the local story, the name of Kondang Merak began when the residents often saw peacocks layover to drink in the beach. Thus, the beach become more popular because of the peacocks and named as Kondang Merak Beach. The breeze and the waves of water comes and gone as you arrive at the beach. 

As you enter to the area of the beach, the sensation of natural and fresh air can be felt immediately. The shady trees become the background of the beach and the big rocks that exist near the beach complete the decoration of Kondang Merak Beach. The beach is also has white to brown sand that make the visitors become more comfortable to explore or just to enjoy the sunrise or the sunset.

Location

Kondang Merak Beach lies at Donomulyo sub-district, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia, or about 68 km south of Malang City. The route to the beach is same just like as you want to go to Balekambang Beach. You only need to see the signposts along the trip. You can go there by motorcycle or a car. But, you have to be careful because the road is not accessible. 

Actually, there are two routes you can take. Firstly, you can start your journey from Malang City – Kepanjen – Pagak – Bantur – Kondang Merak. Secondly, you can start your trip from Arjosari Terminal – Turen – Gondang Legi – Bantur – Kondang Merak.

To reach the coastline, you have to pay around IDR3,000 or US$0.3 per person. As you enter to the area of Kondang Merak Beach, you will be welcomed by a big rock that is standing strongly and countless trees. The waves of water with blue water become your friend as you come to the beach. 

Activities

Kondang Merak Beach is one of alternative beaches when you come to Malang City. Although the beach is unpopular but the panorama of the beach is so beautiful and exotic. You will never bore to feel the breeze and the beauty of the rocks in this area. The uniqueness of the beach comes from the big rocks and the stretches sand that is smooth as you step with bare legs.

The panorama of Kondang Merak Beach becomes more prominent when the tide of water is low because the rocks that usually covered by the water will appear to the surface. As an exotic beach, actually Kondang Merak is part of stretches beaches in the South Sea of Java, besides Ngliyep Beach and Balekambang Beach.

Just like other beaches at the south beaches, the waves of the beach are powerful because it has strong wind. The edge of the beach has the texture of layer rocks and covered by many algae which are very good for the habitat of invertebrate animals. If you explore deeper to the beach, you will find small islands with brushes.

You can include Kondang Merak Beach to the list of your destination when you visit Malang City. You will never regret to enjoy the picnic with your friends or your family. Even, you can build a tent and spend your time to capture the sunset and the sunrise for the next day.

Pictures taken from www.jonosbrothers.wordpress.com