Kawah Ijen Volcano Is A Stunning Blue Volcano In Indonesia And Here’s Everything You Need To Know

by Drishti

The earth is home to some unique, spectacular phenomena. Whether it’s the eerily red Blood Falls glacier in Antarctica, or the transcending green Northern Lights, there are plenty of natural phenomena to keep us mesmerised. One particular characteristic that sets these stunning vistas apart from the rest is their captivating colour. It’s almost as if these were picked from a palette that was only created once. So, welcome to a sight made from the most electric hues ever, the Kawah Ijen Volcano, or the Blue Volcano in Indonesia.

The Reason Behind The Blue Flames Of Kawah Ijen Volcano

Most of the traditional volcanoes we know of emit fiery reds, ambers, as the lava oozes out and creates a blanket of smoke. The Blue Volcano is clearly an exception, with its unusual blue flames burning through. But what causes this phenomenon? Well, it’s because of the sulphur in the volcano.

blue volcano
Picture Credits: wikimedia

When sulphuric gases from the volcano come into contact with oxygen, the reaction results in pluming blue flames that rise up to metres. Sometimes, it looks like some excess sulphur is spilling out of the rock, leading one to think that the volcano is spewing blue lava. However, it’s not the lava that is blue, just the flames that are. Sadly though, the abundant presence of this element has turned the place into a dangerous sulphur mine.

blue volcano
Picture Credits: pixabay

Also Read: The Andamans Has An Active Volcano That You Can Actually Visit!

The Kawah Ijen Lake Has A Brilliant Turquoise Colour

The Kawah Ijen Volcano sits next to the Kawah Ijen Lake, which has stunning turquoise water, with dramatic white gases dancing along its periphery. This touch of blue is because of  extreme acidity and dissolved metal content in the lake. Apparently, the sulphuric magma underneath the volcano also flows into crater water body. Due to this, it is also the largest most acidic lake in the world, and is thus, life-threatening. Meanwhile, here is a deadly alkaline lake in Tanzania which also gives life to flamingos.

blue volcano
Picture Credits: wikimedia

Also Read: There Is A Pink Water Lilies Lake In Thailand That’s Absolutely Stunning

How To Visit The Blue Volcano In Indonesia?

The best time to watch the phenomenon unfold is at night, for its namely colour. Picture this: mystic blue flames arising from the cracks of the volcano on a pitch black night! An important thing to note is that you’ll have to trek up to the volcano’s crater from its base. It’s about a 6 km hike, and you’ll be touching an elevation of 10,000 ft too. Which is why, you need to be fully equipped with gas masks, and it’s ideal to tag along with a local guide.

blue volcano
Picture Credits: wikimedia

The Blue Volcano is actually a part of a complex of volcanoes in Banywang Regency on the island of Java. You can begin your journey from the Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) in Bali. From there, take a ferry to head over to the Banyuwangi, which falls in the eastern part of Java island. From there, it’s the best to look out for a local guide to trek to the Blue Volcano.

For now, the pandemic is still here and it’s difficult to step out. But this makes for a great time to work on your travel bucket list. And so, now that you know about this wonder in Indonesia, don’t forget to add it to your list!