Kawah Ijen, an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia, is famous for two things you won’t find anywhere else together – bright blue flames and a turquoise crater lake.
The volcano’s crater holds the largest highly acidic lake in the world. The striking blue-green water is beautiful, but it’s also dangerous because it’s filled with sulfuric acid. At night, visitors can witness glowing blue flames caused by burning sulfur gases, a rare natural phenomenon.
Kawah Ijen is also known for being one of the few places in the world where sulphur mining is still done by hand. Miners hike into the crater before sunrise, chipping bright yellow sulfur from the rock. They carry heavy loads, weighing between 60 and 95 kilograms, up steep paths. The work is risky, with toxic fumes and unstable ground. Despite the dangers, Kawah Ijen is a popular tourist destination. Travelers come for sunrise hikes, stunning scenery, and the chance to witness the unusual blue fire. Authorities remind visitors to wear gas masks and follow safety rules, as the fumes can be harmful.
Kawah Ijen offers unforgettable sights, but it also demands respect from those who visit or work there.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor junior/1755743364/1613368124
1. What makes Kawah Ijen unique compared to other volcanoes?
2. Where is Kawah Ijen located?
3. What kind of dangerous work do miners do at Kawah Ijen?
4. How are visitors advised to stay safe when visiting the volcano?
1. Would you like to visit Kawah Ijen despite its dangers? Why or why not?
2. Do you think the miners should continue working under such risky conditions? What alternatives could help them?
3. How can tourism at dangerous natural sites be managed responsibly?
4. What lessons can people learn from natural wonders like Kawah Ijen about respecting nature?
Kawah Ijen, an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia, is famous for two things you won’t find anywhere else together – bright blue flames and a turquoise crater lake.
