Indian travel YouTuber Isa Khan has amazed the web with a stunning view of Indonesia’s Ijen Crater, where an elusive blue fire lights up the night. Posting the stunning view to his 1.1 million Instagram fans, Khan’s clip reveals the dreamlike scenery of this natural wonder, giving observers a glimpse into one of Java’s most interesting volcanic wonders.
Shared on the Instagram handle @khan.isa, the video captures Khan’s late-night climb up the volcano, with gas masks to brave the sulfur-rich atmosphere. The dancing blue flames illuminating the volcanic landscape make for an almost extraterrestrial sight, making Ijen Crater a one-of-a-kind destination.
The physically exhausting trek started at 1 AM in minus temperatures, Khan described in the caption. “Within minutes of walking, I was sweating under my jacket. The trail was inclining, my legs already sore, but the cold wind in my face kept me going,” he wrote.
After ascending to the top in pitch blackness, his guide told him that they would have to climb down into the crater ahead of dawn in order to see the blue fire firsthand. “The ride down was bumpy, and when we approached closer, heavy smoke covered the air. Even with a mask covering my face, I could taste the sulfur burning at the back of my throat. Breathing was labored, nearly strangling. Then, through the mist – I saw it,” Khan remembered.
Seeing the Blue Fire Rare
The view was described as ‘something out of another world’, and Khan penned, “A curious, almost unbelievable blue flame fluttering in the darkness. It wasn’t a wild or noisy one, but burning quietly.”
As morning was dawning, he and his group climbed yet again, making their way from the blazing depth of the crater to the idyllic blue turquoise lake that capped the mountain. Looking back at the adventure, he related, “From fire to peace in a few hours. Difficult but 100% worthwhile.”
Science Behind Ijen Crater’s Blue Fire
Found within the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark, the crater is renowned for its blue fire, which occurs when sulfuric gases are ignited upon contact with oxygen. As opposed to usual volcanic eruptions, which have red or orange-colored flames, the very high sulfur content and the intense heat of more than 360°C allow for an atmosphere where blue fire is observed. This event only appears during the night since light during the day masks the effect.
The crater also boasts the world’s most acidic lake, Kawah Ijen, an exceptionally turquoise-colored lake. UNESCO explains the vivid color of this lake to be due to intricate geological processes such as magmatic interaction, rock-fluid interactions, and hydrothermal activity. The region’s ecological and geological importance is further augmented by the Belambangan Biosphere Reserve surrounding the crater, a UNESCO site since 2016.
