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Nature Trails

Gandrung Dance and the Ijen Crater Hike

Kemiren, Banyuwangi, East Java

Photo: Candra Firmansyah · CC BY-SA 4.0

Duration
2 days
Group size
Max. 8 people
Category
Nature Trails
Difficulty
Challenging
Good stamina needed; long treks, steep terrain or remote conditions.
Language
Indonesian, English

About this journey

Watch gandrung, Banyuwangi's signature dance, then hike before dawn to the rim of the Ijen crater.

Gandrung is Banyuwangi's signature dance, once performed by farming communities in thanksgiving after the harvest, accompanied by Banyuwangi-style gamelan. On the first afternoon you learn its history and basic movements with local performers. Before dawn on day two we hike from Paltuding to the rim of the Ijen crater to see its turquoise crater lake. The trail is about 3 kilometres each way with some steep sections, and gas masks are provided because of the sulphur fumes. The Ijen area became part of a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023.

Hosted by the local community in Kemiren, Banyuwangi

What you'll experience

  • Learn about gandrung with local performers
  • Pre-dawn hike to the Ijen crater rim
  • The turquoise crater lake
  • Gas masks and an experienced guide

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Gandrung

    14:00 pickup, afternoon with gandrung dance and Banyuwangi gamelan, dinner, early night.

  2. Day 2

    Ijen crater

    01:00 drive to Paltuding, hike about 2 hours to the crater rim, sunrise over the crater lake, descend for breakfast, back at Ketapang around 11:00.

What's included

  • Local guide from the community
  • 1 night's lodging in Banyuwangi
  • Transport to Paltuding
  • Gas mask and headlamp
  • Ijen Crater park entrance ticket

Not included

  • Travel to Ketapang Station, Banyuwangi
  • Health certificate fee
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Tips for guides and hosts (optional)

Before you go

Practical notes so your trip is comfortable and your hosts feel respected.

What to bring

  • Warm jacket, beanie and gloves; pre-dawn hours can be very cold
  • Broken-in hiking boots
  • Health certificate (available at the Paltuding medical post)
  • Glasses or goggles against sulphur fumes
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Personal medication and a small first-aid kit

Local etiquette

  • Sulphur miners are working; give way on narrow paths and ask before photographing them
  • Obey trail closures and rangers' instructions when gas activity rises
  • Leave no litter in the nature park

Getting there

Banyuwangi has its own airport with flights from Jakarta and Surabaya, and trains from Surabaya and Yogyakarta arrive at Ketapang Station. From Bali, the Gilimanuk–Ketapang ferry takes about an hour. Kemiren is about 20 minutes from town.

Meeting point

Stasiun Ketapang, Banyuwangi

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