We arrived rather late at Karangasem and arranged for a pickup from the train station. When we arrived at the station, the staff were already outside waiting for us. The staff, Agus and Jon, were very kind and understanding. Since, it was late and we hadn't had our dinner, they didn't mind us waiting to grab our meal. But, in the end, out of courtesy we turned it down and just head down to the hostel.
So we arrived late at Kampung Osing Inn, roughly 9+pm. We were greeted but the hostel manager and showed the room. The room was basic, so don't expect too much, but comfortable enough for us to rest prior to out hike in Ijen. Since we arranged our Ijen tour with them, the manager told us to get ready before 1230am (which would mean we would have very little sleep).
The next morning, Agus and Jon, drove us to the Ijen National Park. It turned out that Agus was our guide. A former sulphur miner himself, Agus knows every nook around Ijen. We set off at around 3pm and hiked for an hour plus. The tour package already includes gas masks, torchlight and water, so you don't have to bring your own. The itself trekking is no easy fit, but our guide Agus is very understanding and kind, as we took our stops every now and then to catch our breath. Upon reaching the top before descending into the crater, he warns us to take it slow here and be extra careful. He showed us the better spot to take the photos and feast on the blue flame. On the way up the crater to catch the sunrise, Agus took us a different route that was less crowded. I guess that's what you get being the insider gives you.
We managed to catch the sun before it rose, but the cloud covered for most part. Agus also offered us to take our pictures and showed us some places where we could get the best shots. Overall, out guide is very lovely and kind. He is understanding and would wait for us to take out photo and catch our best. As he told us, he wishes that we are satisfied with the trip, since we came all the way here. It was his pleasure that we enjoyed the trip. If you are coming to Ijen and stayed in Kampung Osing, I highly recommend you try and get Agus as your guide.
After the hike, we went back to the hostel and enjoyed an simple Indonesian breakfast, not your typical hotel/hostel breakfast, but it filled your stomach. Plus, it's tasty.
So we arrived late at Kampung Osing Inn, roughly 9+pm. We were greeted but the hostel manager and showed the room. The room was basic, so don't expect too much, but comfortable enough for us to rest prior to out hike in Ijen. Since we arranged our Ijen tour with them, the manager told us to get ready before 1230am (which would mean we would have very little sleep).
The next morning, Agus and Jon, drove us to the Ijen National Park. It turned out that Agus was our guide. A former sulphur miner himself, Agus knows every nook around Ijen. We set off at around 3pm and hiked for an hour plus. The tour package already includes gas masks, torchlight and water, so you don't have to bring your own. The itself trekking is no easy fit, but our guide Agus is very understanding and kind, as we took our stops every now and then to catch our breath. Upon reaching the top before descending into the crater, he warns us to take it slow here and be extra careful. He showed us the better spot to take the photos and feast on the blue flame. On the way up the crater to catch the sunrise, Agus took us a different route that was less crowded. I guess that's what you get being the insider gives you.
We managed to catch the sun before it rose, but the cloud covered for most part. Agus also offered us to take our pictures and showed us some places where we could get the best shots. Overall, out guide is very lovely and kind. He is understanding and would wait for us to take out photo and catch our best. As he told us, he wishes that we are satisfied with the trip, since we came all the way here. It was his pleasure that we enjoyed the trip. If you are coming to Ijen and stayed in Kampung Osing, I highly recommend you try and get Agus as your guide.
After the hike, we went back to the hostel and enjoyed an simple Indonesian breakfast, not your typical hotel/hostel breakfast, but it filled your stomach. Plus, it's tasty.