Trekking Deep into a Volcano to Explore the Blue Lava of Java

BOO !!!

Reclining into a tight ball, I blindly clung to an unnervingly hot rock as a thick belt of intense hot gas catalysed an encroaching sensation of panic. Feeling desperately vulnerable I took a deep breath through my gas mask and chose to remain calm.  As I pushed out the temptation to panic with my next breath, I gingerly braved opening one eye.  I thought to myself that this intense stinging must be what it feels like to be tear gassed and I wondered why I chose to put myself into this situation.  I could hear others coughing and spluttering around me, but due to the intense plumes of gas, I could not see my own hand, never mind the faces of those suffering around me.  Too early to open my stinging eyes I remained recoiled with no choice other than to sit this one out. Trekking deep into a volcano to explore the blue Lava of Java

Volcanoes are renowned for their volatile nature and this particular one is home to the world’s largest hyper acid lake.  Unable to move as I could not afford to slip on the disheveled terrain, I had to hope that the intense hot blasts of gas were nothing of serious consequence.

As the winds changed and I could see at least where to place my next step, I seized the opportunity to reach something that better resembled a pathway.  As I escaped the intensity of it all and made it to higher ground, I looked back over my shoulder and could see why I had indeed endured such toxic risk, acute pain, blistering heat and smelling of sulphur for the best part of a week.

Kawah Ijen

The blue lava of Java has a mystic allure that is difficult to resist.

Many choose to keep their distance when entering the depths of the crater, but I simply couldn’t resist getting that bit closer.  These photos were taken little more than a meter away from what you are seeing.  It was such an intense tension between indulging in the mesmerising molten blue beauty and remaining resilient to such a vicious environment.

Coughing through my gas mask and squinting through stinging eyes, desperate to take it all in, I wondered as to why humans can be willing to risk such danger for such beauty?  My own answer lies somewhere between my adventurous streak and perhaps being more fickle than I care to emphasise.  We live in a beautiful and dangerous world that beckons to be explored.  I realised on this venture more strongly than ever before that I am deeply motivated by sharing these experiences with you.  As I was getting closer than any mother could bare to the blue flames I was thinking and hoping that you would genuinely enjoy what I was capturing.

Technology permitting, we hope to put together a full and fascinating video of our journey into the crater, but here is a sneaky glimpse.

As the day dawned and it became apparent who had been coughing and spluttering so intensely.  I  started to better understand where I was and to be honest felt quite sick that people were having to work like this. Trekking deep into a volcano to explore the blue Lava of Java

Though Sulphur burns blue, but when it is in its raw cooled state it is a deep yellow colour.  It is mined and used for a variety of things including medicines, pesticides and various cosmetics.  I rocked up armed with a gas mask and spent only a few hours in this insanely harsh environment for the reward of seeing something that resembles another planet.  However, as I spent more time at the volcano I began to meet people who work there every day and are exposed to this level of both short and and long term danger constantly. Many die in accidents and all are greatly reducing their life expectancy due to long term exposure to such toxic gases.  The workers don’t have any safety equipment, but are so desperate to make a living that they risk their lives every day. Trekking deep into a volcano to explore the blue Lava of Java

They are the sweetest guys, ‘hard as nails’ as they say in England!

I couldn’t help but think of a news report in England a few years ago that featured a sandwich factory opening up.  Of course health and safety was to an exceptionally high, England-tastic standard, yet, no one was applying.  It came about that many believed the job to be below them.  Sorry, I digress, but I am sure some of you may see my point.

If you are planning to visit, perhaps budget for a handful of gifts for the miners; I wish i had taken more with me.  If this venture has captured your interest and you are visiting Java we have put together great info-blog on how to get to and explore Kawah Ijen independently. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, check out accommodation options for Banyuwangi for the days either side of your expedition.Trekking deep into a volcano to explore the blue Lava of Java 

As I clambered further up towards safety, the view became breathtaking in a more classic cliche ‘the scenery is so beautiful way’, than the stuffy sweaty gas mask, trying not to choke way.  I reached the crater rim and began trekking the circumference.

This seemingly tranquil lake is a total death trap.  With a pH of 0, it is on par with battery acid, not something you want to get anywhere near your skin.  It is so hyper acidic it could dissolve a human body in around two days!  Hard to believe?  Wondering where I get these crazy facts, then you MUST check out my lovely geek – tastic Husband’s write up on this place! The Science of Blue Lava is truly and terrifyingly fascinating! 

Now, I don’t think even this story would make it into Bear Grylls’ True Grit, but if you have just read this, you will definitely see where we get our inspiration from! It’s an amazing read, but it really should come with some kind of warning!

There’s a pretty cool FREE Kindle Unlimited book on the Science of getting to Middle-earth from Lord of the Rings at the moment and that has some stuff on the science of Volcanoes.

If you’re heading to Indonesia any time soon, don’t miss out Java, Bali and Lombok, they’re all epic in their own way.  I don’t know long it will stay at £2.49, so sorry if it changes, but at the moment the Kindle Rough Guide to Indonesia is super cheap on Amazon. I always think you don’t want more than a ‘rough guide’ as its about making it your own adventure!