Kawah Ijen Volcano

Hiking started at 1am, gas masks at the ready, up to the crater rim of the volcano.
The terrain is like nothing I've seen before, otherworldly, harsh, Martian if you will. The hike continues into the crater itself, to the sulphur pit where local workers mine the bright yellow sulphur in very toxic and harsh conditions every day, sometimes with fatal consequences. The sulphur is used to power local factories. Here in the dead of night you can bare witness to the blue fire, giant flames of impressive neon blues, greens and purples caused by volcanic gasses being continually emitted rise up taller than any flame I've seen before.
Unlike most, we hiked on further down towards the hot crater lake (I dipped a pinky!) where we passed workers mining with nothing more than a metal pole and hand axe, we stopped, said hello, asked questions and just watched for a while in awe of their strength and resilience.
Luckily the wind was with us, sending the smoke in the opposite direction. The fumes were overwhelming, even with a gas mask and if the smoke got in my eyes they stung and streamed.
To put this into context, these workers mine every day, for 1000 Rupiah per kilo, carrying up to 300kg each time on a good day, which equates to around £15. They do it in flip flops, with no mask, and carry it all out of the crater in two baskets, one on each end of a bamboo rod which is placed over their backs or necks. A reality check to say the least.
We hiked back out as the sun rose, in time to truly admire the geographic make up and striking topography, arriving back at base for around 7.30am...ready to start the day!Read more