Malang to Banyuwangi

Mt. IJEN

The next 60 km to Pasirian along the slopes of Mount Semeru were really great, with little traffic and a nice, wide road. However, we were racing so hard along this stretch that the brake drums got so hot that they grinded against the outer rim of their casing. When we stopped for a short drink, checking out the damage, the brakes got stuck for good, effectively blocking the wheel.

We were very lucky that there was a ' benkel' (small workshop) just across the road and they took off the wheel and chipped the grinded metal off. 20 minutes later we were back on track, taking it more easy.

After Pasirian the road to Tempeh and on to Rambipuji was a bit featureless and a rather average drive. The 35 km from Rambipuji via Jember, where we had lunch, to Sempolan were also full of traffic and not very nice.

The next 40 km to Genteng were also nice, leading through the gap between Mt Raung and Mt Betiri. After Genteng the last 35 km to Banyuwangi were average and we found a nice looking hotel in Banyuwangi. The hitel looked nice but it turned out to be the probably worst hotel we stayed in during the entire trip, but we couldn't be bothered finding another one. We ate at one of the many seafood warungs, and we had great fish, crab and prawns.

Undoubtfully one of the most beautiful volcanic crater in Indonesia

At the summit of Mt.  Ijenis a kawah (crater) filled with a haunting turqouise­blue lake, its surface streaked in wind-blow patterns of yellow sulphurous vapor.  Though dormant now, in 1817 Ijen erupted disastrously, wiping out 3 villages.  It last erupted in 1952. 

From a distance you will see a beautiful, eerie, pale yellow-green smoke.  As you near the crater's edge you must be able to stand the evil-smelling sulphur.

Nearly vertical walls of white rock surround the lake, except where the wall has collapsed in the northwest.  A dam has been built to regulate the flow of water into the Banyupahit river; the lakes has been known to boil over when volcanic activity increases.