Is Mount Ijen Safe? Things About The Blue-Fire Mount To Surprise You

Is Mount Ijen safe? Mount Ijen is located in Banyuwangi, the East Java of Indonesia. In the realm of mountain climbers, the mount is quite popular. Sure, it is because of the stunning landscape it has mainly if you visit at the right time.

There is a unique phenomenon in the mount namely the blue fire. Yes, the natural fire flaming in the area colors blue formed from the gases produced by the cater. From a distance, the blue fire looks astonishing, particularly at night.

But as the place is rich in chemical substances like sulfur, it generates an important question. Yes, is Mount Ijen safe enough for a tourist destination? Or, is it quite risky so that at least visitors must prepare special gear before climbing it? Well, here is the explanation.

Is Mount Ijen in Banyuwangi Safe?

In general, Mount Ijen is safe enough to visit. However, you must make sure that you are completely healthy when being there. If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, it is better to skip the blue fire area.

The main danger when you are in the crater area of Mount Ijen is the sulfur cloud. The wind may blow the sulfur cloud anywhere and this is the reason why you must wear a mask when visiting this place. People with respiratory problems are prone to be out of breath when inhaling the cloud and air with sulfur content. Even if you have worn the mask, the risk that the cloud and the air are inhaled is still there. Outside the crater area, the tourist spot is relatively safe. You can just enjoy the landscape around which is really scenic. Besides, there is a beautiful lake to watch from the top. Those are some alternatives if you have a health problem but visiting Ijen is your dream.

Another problem commonly worries tourists of Mount Ijen is the volcano explosion. For this matter, you should not be too worried. Although Mount Ijen is in the category of active volcanoes, it doesn’t happen frequently and suddenly. As long as there is no report of the Mount with an alert status, it is okay to go to this attraction.

As information, there were indeed some happenings with dead victims in Mount Ijen. Around 49 workers in sulfur mining were killed in the gas explosion in 1976. Meanwhile, 25 others were also dead in the same disaster in 1989. Recently, a small explosion produced toxic gas in 2018 and it caused 30 people injured.

Undeniably, the crater area cannot be completely safe. However, the visitors can minimize all the risks by following the rules given by Mount Ijen’s management. Furthermore, when the mountain shows an increase in volcano activity, the local government must sterilize the area as soon as possible.

Things to Do Before Visiting Mount Ijen

You also need to do some preparations before visiting Mount Ijen. Of course, it is for the sake of your own safety as well as to make your trip there more interesting.

First of all, check regularly the safety status of the Mount long before you plan the visit. You can just go there if the government along with related institutions states that Mount Ijen is safe to visit.

Second, check your health. Mount climbing and other activities around the area can be really tiring particularly if you have relapsing diseases. As has been mentioned above, don’t go to the crater area if you have respiratory health problems.

Third, the best time and season for visiting the Mount is from July to September. Why? It is because the zone has entered the dry season. The temperature tends to be averagely normal, making the climbing terrain safer.

Lastly, prepare all the tools and equipment needed including the mask, jackets, boots, socks, enough meals, and water. Not to forget, prepare your body as well by having enough sleep and rest.