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Ijen crater lake is open again. Since 6 April 2018. The lake can be closed at any time if gas production rises again.

Ijen crater lake got closed as from last evening at around 22:00, 21 March 2018. Gas emissions by the lake increased to such a level that hundreds if residents in two plantation areas on the slopes of mount Ijen fled to saver grounds.

From Yogyakarta to Bali is actually far, not necessarily in distance but certainly in time. Why not visit the lesser seen parts of Java? There is plenty of good stuff that needs your visit. Here some ideas enroute to Bali to see more of East Java.....

The biggest blue fire area in the world is still closed. Descending into the crater of the active volcano Ijen is forbidden since March 6th, 2017. As the volcano releases toxic gasses mainly during the night, visitors officially aren't allowed to see the blue fire. One can still climb the mountain.

The four days cycling race International Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen (ITdBI) will be held from 27 September till 30 September 2017. The track is about 500 km long, and is divided into 4 stages. This sport event attracts cyclists from all over the world.

Coffee in present times has many variants, but the best known are the coffee beans Arabica and Robusta.

The Seblang trance dance is performed at July 13th in the village Olehsari and at September 18th in the village Bakungan. These villages are home to the Using, a Javanese sub-group. Both villages are situated in the district Glagah, Bayuwangi. The Seblang ritual is performed in order to promote the welfare of the community, to keep the land fertile, and to ensure the success of the next crop.

Ijen Trail Running will be held for the second time in 2016. This scenic volcano run in East Java - Indonesia - offers four distances; 10, 21, 42 and 70 km. Fees for foreigners vary from USD 25 to USD 65 for the longest distance. Residents pay between IDR 250,000 and IDR 600,000 (or USD 18 - 45). Registration will be closed at the 8th of May 2016.

Civet coffee is the most expensive coffee in the world. Civet coffee costs between USD 200 and 600 per kilogram in general. A Vietnamese variety produced in the wild costs almost USD 7000 per kilogram. The short supply compared to the demand, the different taste and the uncommon production methods define the value of kopi luwak.

Raining season is still in full swing. The few ripe berries can't be dried and are stored till better days.