The Ijen crater is one of the most stunning landscapes in Java and can be compared with Bromo. Most airlines from Bai to Jakarta and VV fly past this crater for it's views. The sleeping volcano is used for sulphur production. Strong men then load the sulphur in baskets which can weigh up to 90 or 100 kg. Then walk up narrow paths to the crater rim, 800 m higher than the crater lake and continue their way down some 3 km walk covering 1500 m down again. This heavy work combined with sulphurus air is not good for the body. When you as a tourist want to make photos of these men (who are more than willing to pose), they will either ask you 1000 Rp ( € 0,09) or a cigarette (you better don't hand them the latter). The crater lake is famous for its chemically green and blue appearance and is worth the pretty hard walk up. Fortunately you don't have to be at the rim before sunrise as with Bromo, but make sure you reach the crater rim early in the morning for best views.
