Arrival at Juanda Airport

After weeks of email discussions, we agreed on a 5‑day East Java itinerary covering Ijen, Sukamade, Bromo, and rafting in Pekalen. The trip was set for 24–28 June 2013 with four participants from Singapore: Alan Yeo Yuan Lun, Loh Ee Chong, Hu Enwei, and Ong Peng Kiat. I served as their guide. Meeting them at Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport was memorable — I had mistakenly assumed one of the names belonged to a woman, but all four turned out to be young men my age. Names can be tricky to guess, but introductions quickly broke the ice.

First Impressions & Departure from Surabaya

As they exited the international terminal, looking around unsure of who to meet, I approached and asked for Hu Enwei. Once confirmed, I welcomed them warmly to Surabaya. The atmosphere was still a bit stiff, but we soon began our journey. One small issue arose: they hadn’t exchanged their Singapore dollars at the airport. We tried to find a money changer in Sidoarjo but failed, so we agreed the remaining payment would be settled upon returning to Surabaya. Lunch in Sidoarjo gave us a chance to relax before the long drive ahead.

Journey to Ijen

We left Sidoarjo at 15:30, but traffic in Porong delayed us. After passing three checkpoints, we finally reached Catimor Hotel on the slopes of Mount Ijen at 23:00 — two hours behind schedule. With only a short rest before the midnight climb, we stayed awake over hot coffee. By 1:30 am, we were on our way to Paltuding, the starting point for the ascent.

Climbing Ijen Crater

I had guided climbs to Ijen before, but this time my Singaporean friends outpaced me. The trek is demanding, especially for smokers, as the steep paths and thin air test stamina. After two hours, we reached the crater rim and descended to witness the famous blue fire. For 30 minutes, we stood close to the glowing flames, fortunate that the sulfur fumes did not blow our way. Soon after, smoke filled the crater, reminding us of the dangers of sulfur gas. Despite the challenge, the experience was unforgettable.

Sunrise & Recovery

At sunrise, we returned to Paltuding and enjoyed hot coffee at a stall. With little food available, we decided to head to Banyuwangi. Exhausted from the sleepless night and climb, everyone fell asleep in the car. Breakfast stops offered local dishes like fried eel and vegetables, which I enjoyed, though my Singaporean friends preferred something more familiar. We bought bananas and papayas as supplies for the next leg of the journey — Sukamade Beach in southern Banyuwangi.

Continue: 

#1: The Trip to Ijen Crater – Enjoy amazing Blue Fire from Singapore – part 1
#2: Sukamade Trip – Finding turtles and The Best Activity In Sukamade – part 2
#3: From Sukamade beach to Mt Bromo – part 3
#4: Rafting Adventure at Pekalen River – Last part of 4