Indonesia has always been a favourite with travellers looking for variety. The country offers tropical beaches, ancient temples, dense forests, wildlife, food trails and active volcanoes: all in one stretch of islands. From Bali's calm shores to Java's rugged mountains, Indonesia balances beauty and adventure with ease.
For many tourists, volcano visits are a big draw. They are raw, unpredictable and unforgettable. One such place that continues to fascinate travellers from across the world is Kawah Ijen, a volcanic crater lake on the island of Java. This lake is touted as world's deadliest crater lake.
Indonesia's Most Unusual Natural Wonder
Located in East Java, Kawah Ijen is part of a large volcanic complex and is known for holding the most acidic crater lake in the world. As per a report by Live Science, parts of the lake have a pH level lower than 0.3. That is similar to battery acid. To put it simply, this water is strong enough to burn skin and dissolve metal on contact.
The lake's colour is what grabs attention first. It appears bright turquoise or bluish green, an almost unreal hue. This colour comes from minerals and acids released by red-hot magma below the volcano. The lake is so bright that it is visible from space.
However, despite how deadly it is, the lake remains visually stunning.
Why The Lake Is So Dangerous
As per a video uploaded on YouTube by Wonder World, the low pH level can make the lake one of the most corrosive natural bodies of water on Earth. Aluminium cans sizzle when dropped into it. Rocks slowly dissolve. No animal or human can survive in the water.
But the danger does not stop there. Toxic gases constantly rise from the lake and surrounding vents. These include sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. Exposure without protection can lead to breathing problems, paralysis and even death. Tourists visiting the area usually carry gas masks and limit the time they spend near the crater.
The Famous Bright-Blue Fire
One of Kawah Ijen's biggest attractions is the bright-blue fire. The blue flames come from sulphuric gases that escape from volcanic vents at very high temperatures. When these gases meet oxygen, they ignite and burn blue.
The flames can reach temperatures of up to 600 degrees Celsius. At night, the blue colour looks intense and striking. During the day, sunlight washes the colour out, making it harder to spot. This is why most visitors hike up before sunrise to catch the blue fire in the darkness.
What It's Like To Work Inside The Crater
Despite the risks, Kawah Ijen is also a workplace. Locals mine solidified sulphur from the crater floor. The sulphur forms when hot gases cool and turn into liquid, which then hardens into bright yellow chunks.
Miners break the sulphur using metal rods and load it into baskets. Each basket can weigh between 40 and 50 kilograms. They then carry the load up a steep trail of nearly three kilometres. The climb can take up to two hours. Most miners manage only one trip a day due to the strain.
Tourism At Kawah Ijen
Despite all the dangers, Kawah Ijen sees around 300 tourists daily, as per the Wonder World video. Most come for the blue fire and the lake's colour. Hikes usually start late at night and continue till sunrise. Gas masks are commonly rented at the base.
Visitors are advised to stay alert. Gas levels can change suddenly. Paths can be slippery and narrow. Still, the experience draws people to the acid lake. For tourists, it is about seeing nature at its rawest. For locals, it is about earning a living.
A Place Of Contrast
Kawah Ijen stands out because it combines beauty and danger in one frame. Lush green slopes surround a lake that can kill on contact. Bright blue flames burn in total darkness. It is a reminder of how powerful nature can be.
Indonesia offers many postcard-perfect spots. Kawah Ijen is different. It is not gentle or relaxing. But it leaves a lasting impression. For those willing to respect its risks, it offers a rare look at the planet's extreme side.
Also Read: Lake Natron, The Red Lake In Tanzania That Turns Living Things Into Stone
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
