Overnight Ijen from Bali: North Coast Stops, a Homestay and the 2 am Climb

The drive to Ijen is treated as part of the trip rather than as dead time. It crosses Bali northwards, with a stop at Ulun Danu Bratan in Tabanan Regency, the temple that stands out on the lake, then the twin lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan seen from the hills above them, then Lovina on the north coast. The name Lovina is thought to join "Love" with "Ina", Balinese for mother, so love for the motherland. It was forbidden at first for sounding foreign, and local businesses used Manggala, Krisna, Angsoka or Nirwana instead. The ferry to East Java leaves from Gilimanuk. The night is spent on the Java side, with coffee or hot tea before the walk. The climb starts at 2:00 am. A local guide takes you to the blue flames, which burn where sulphurous gas escapes through the fractures of the volcano and ignites, and past the sulphur miners at work. Sunrise depends on the morning. Afterwards there is a shower back at the homestay, and a break at a local coffee farm before the return. The tour is private and covers the permits and the payments. Personal gear and meals are yours to bring. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.