Review Author: Mathieu Lafon

Review Date: 29 Feb 2020

Review Body:

Review rating: 5

Review Author: caledane, United Kingdom

Review Date: 19 Dec 2019

Review Body: Despite the fact that I had accidentally booked this trip in February... Yohanes and his team Kiki and ex-miner Yono accommodated our last minute schedule change. Two of us went on this trip, we were met at the ferry by Kiki who greeted with a smile and a cake. We then driven on good roads in an air conditioned car to the bottom of the trek. There we were greeted by Yono an ex-sulphur miner who then led us on the track up the volcano. We were both given torches and gas masks. The trek requires a little bit of effort and a modest degree of fitness. After a few kms you then descend into the caldera. It’s difficult to appreciate this as the trek is carried out in the dark so that you can appreciate the blue flame at night. When dawn eventually breaks you realise that truly you are in the crater of a volcano... which is quite something! We then had the opportunity to have a wash in a secluded and deserted waterfall... which is a must... you will stink of sulphur! All in all an experience worth doing. If you decide to do the tour from Bali, I would recommend making sure you’ve recovered from your flights as the Bali to Ijen tour involves a 4 hour taxi drive if you are staying in Denpasar to the port. We were both shattered and required a day to recover! We are very grateful to how well Blueflame Tours looked after us and cannot thank Yono, Kiki and Yohanes enough for being so helpful, professional and accommodating.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: yvonnethung, Singapore

Review Date: 12 Sep 2019

Review Body: Highly recommended for those who are keen to explore Mt Bromo, Ijen and Surabaya area! Credits to Mali (our driver), Mr Yanto (our guide at tumpak sewu waterfall) and Arief (our ex-miner guide at Mt Ijen). Mali took great care of us and ensured our safety throughout the trip even checking to make sure we reach back to Singapore safely. He has his signature laughter which never fails to make our day. Mr Yanto went extra miles to bring us to awesome phototaking spot, even helping us with our bags sometimes when he saw us having difficulty with the slippery floors. Arief shared alot of his life stories through the Ijen Hike which really inspired us. Perseverance and taking small steps at a time wins the race. He even held my hands throughout the descent to crater when he noticed I needed help. Really cheers and thanks to all the guides who make this trip an unforgettable one. Additional kudos to Johannes who responded to all our queries prior to the trip and Hartono who drove us to the airport on the final day Final tip to all who read my reviews. Please please get a proper hiking shoes for the trip. The only regret I had for the trip is the wrong shoe I worn that I feared for every step I take. Especially so for the waterfall and Ijen hike down to mining crater. Thanks BlueFlameTour again for such an amazing trip ❤

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Paul B, New Zealand

Review Date: 22 Nov 2019

Review Body: I was fortunate to get Kiki as my driver. He collected me from the airport and gave me a running commentary as he transported me to my accommodation. Kiki was a friendly knowledgeable guide who took a genuine interest in my welfare during my stay in Banyuwangi. Despite the somewhat chaotic traffic in Indonesia, at no time did I feel unsafe while being driven around by Kiki. Kiki ensured we always arrived safely and on time. The trek was great, it took about an hour to reach the summit and then another 20 minutes to descend into the crater where we saw the blue flames at three different locations. We spent about 15 minutes in the base of the crater before ascending back to the top of the crater wall and trekking around the lip of the crater in time to watch the sun rise behind the mountain. We then returned back down the mountain and returned to our vehicle. As well as being a punctual and professional guide Kiki also supplied me with ample mineral water, some fantastic cake and kindly took the time to explain much of the background and history of the region. After completing my trek, we stopped at a coffee plantation and a rubber tree plantation which was an excellent way to conclude my trek. My only regret is that I didn't spend longer in Banyuwangi.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: filiptemptation, Spain

Review Date: 01 Oct 2019

Review Body: Second time booked via Ijen Blue Flame Tour agency (previous time 2 years ago for Ijen crater visit), second time a 10/10 rating. We asked once more for Arif, who was our guide as well last time. About the trip: triple AAA rating Adventurous to get there via rough jungle paths with jeep crossing a few times the river. Amazing to release baby turtles in the morning. Astonishing how lucky we were (but first disappointed): we could see the process of a sea turtle nesting during daylight whereas they do this in 99% of the cases at night! In the evening unlucky as no turtle came ashore, at 4h50 rangers came to wake us as they detected nesting activities around 4h00. A present of Indonesian nature for our wedding a week before in Kalimantan. Rest of the trip with Teluk Hijau (green bay) and Pantai Merah (red beach) resulted in picture perfect views (and I did wave surfing awaiting the sunset at Pantai Merah). See you soon Banyuwangi for a next adventure! Thank you once more Ijen Blue Flame Tour, guide Arif and Ali experienced driver in that area (since 1978)! Regards Filip and Gita

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 29denisf

Review Date: 19 Sep 2019

Review Body: Our driver Kiki picked us up at 0:15 am and took us to the foot of Ijen. It was very cold there, so we bought gloves and a hat and rented jackets. Then we met our guide Yono who took us to the top and showed us the crater and blue flames. It was really amazing. The ascend was quite challenging but it was worth it. We would recommend to bring some kind of safety glasses because of the smoke which hurts a bit in the eyes. But it was still ok and the gas mask helped as well. After that Kiki took us to a Coffee plantation and a water fall which was also really cool. Kiki and Yono were very nice and helpful. Yono is a great photographer, he took really cool pictures of us! He also helped us to manage some of the trickier parts of the track and told us a lot about the hard work of the miners. The blue flames tour was one of the highlights of our trip through Indonesia, so we can definitely recommend this tour and agency!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: kitsoni

Review Date: 20 Sep 2019

Review Body: I contacted the team via WhatsApp while I was in Malang to get some help planning Ijen to fit in with our busy itinerary. From the moment I spoke with the team, I've had nothing but first class service. The tour was great value for money and although I might have found cheaper, I was grateful for all the premium touches. From booking with Johannes, to the driver and guide picking us up from the train station, to arranging our transfer to Bali airport, we were chauffeured at every step. The tour was great and it made a change for the guide to be very conscious about safety. Ijen is a challenge when you've had no sleep but our guide made sure we got up and close to everything as well as being official photographer for us. Cant reccomend these guys more highly. They made everything so easy that all I had to do was turn up. Fantastic work guys and thanks for a great trip.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 605helenv

Review Date: 14 Oct 2019

Review Body: We were a group of 8 people and contacted blue flame tours only 24h beforehand. Right after I called them, I received an offer with detailed explanation of the tour and the price, which was very competitive with other tour operators as well as with organizing the driver, equipment and so on individually. The tour itself was amazing. Our guide, Theo, was very very nice! He and the drivers were patiently waiting for us taking many pictures insight the carter. After the hike they drove us to a coffee plantation which was an eco tourist resort as well. That place was perfect to relax and have a good coffee after the hike. Also there, the tour guides were very patient with us as we took a lot of time at the coffee plantation. I am very happy we decided to book Blueflame tours and I thank Theo & the crew for the great trip. I can only recommend booking with them!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Adam P

Review Date: 13 Nov 2019

Review Body: I highly recommend choosing Blueflametours as a organizer who delivers fantastic trips around Java. The company provides comfortable accomodation and professional service throughout the trip. We chose 3d2n trip to Ijen and Bromo which is 'must be' on Java. In first part of the trip we've been guided by Denish - eternally smiling, friendly man who works also as a professional blues guitarist. In addition to providing information about Indonesia, he told us countless jokes:-). The rest of our trip was conducted by our crazy driver Mirzol. We were lucky to have him as a driver. He knows every hole on Java's road and know exactly how to survive in Indonesian traffic:-) Despite traffic jams we arrived on time to the hotel and we had enough time for a sleep to prepare to the morning trip to Bromo. We are very grateful for showing us this beautiful part of Java.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Marije1991, Netherlands

Review Date: 11 Nov 2019

Review Body: We had an amazing experience! Mr kiki was our driver and as well private photographer as he took a ton of pictures for us and knew the best spots to take them. At bromo we could sit on top of the jeep which was very cool as well and as we were the only ones on top of the any of the jeeps we saw, made it extra special. For the Ijen tour we had Dennis as guide. He is very friendly speaks good English and was very helpful with the difficult climb down to the crater. As well as some guides take you right next to the smoke he said it is to dangerous and we were happy to stay at a safe distance but were able to see the blue flames! As an extra we went to a coffee plantation, rubber plantation and beautiful waterfall after Ijen Kiki and Dennis, both of you guys made our tour very special! We will never forget!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: VascoDaGama99

Review Date: 01 Dec 2019

Review Body: Excellent 3D2N tour of Mount Bromo and Ijen Blueflames organised by Johanes Tony at Blueflametours. Picked up by the driver and guide Hartono. He spoke fluent English, was punctual and drove safely in a well maintained SUV. He offered great tips on where to get the best views at Mount Bromo. At Ijen Crater the tour included a guide (Hassan) who safely led the hike up to the crater rim and the descent into the crater to see the blue flames. Hassan was a figure of calm when the wind direction changed and needed to wear the gas masks. He offered great tips on the best locations for the best photos. In summary a well organised tour (by Johanes) with great people on the ground (Hartono and Hassan) to make it an enjoy and memorable tour. Highly recommended.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Marta O

Review Date: 03 Oct 2019

Review Body: We've booked 3 days trip to Bromo and Ijen starting from Surabaya and finishing with transfer to Bali. Everything was organized with attention to the details and we have felt very comfortable and safe during whole trip. Our driver Hortono was taking care of everything, making our journey pleasant and explaining all important stuff on the way. Both hotels were excellent! We did itinerary as promised and both Bromo and Ijen are definitely worth seeing. What need highlight is definitely our guide to Ijen - Hasan who made this tough hiking bearable and what's more important - made us feel safe, especially while going down to crater. Definitely we recommend!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: JustAn0therTraveller, United Kingdom

Review Date: 20 Sep 2019

Review Body: Got in touch regarding the plan, price and they reply really quickly, efficiently and detailed. They off flexibility to suit our travel plan (even though it is not a big alteration). Our driver is punctual, helpful and really friendly. He did an excellent job and he drove so much!!! The van is amazing! clean and spacious. It is just so comfortable to be in, 7 hours journey in the car feel nothing! Really thankful for everything from booking to driver to the guides on sites. Each one of them is professional. Somehow they are so eager to take photos for you and the photos are well taken!!! I am happy that I booked with blue flame!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: MounaBlk

Review Date: 13 Aug 2019

Review Body: Kawah Ijen was one of the highlights of our trip in Indonesia, certainly thanks to Blue Flame Tours. We really appreciated their professionalism, management and great team. Denise is a very nice and knowledgeable guide. He was really taking care of us, and took time to explain each step of the tour. The tour was a real joy with him! The company took us on a private tour from Ubud and back to Canggu in Bali to clim during the night and see the blue flames and sunrise, and all the trip was managed perfectly. Definitely recommend and also the price was the most reasonable in comparison with the other offers we got.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: CaseyH

Review Date: 09 Oct 2019

Review Body: Really can't recommend these guys enough! They were very accommodating and offered several options to make the trip work for us. They got us all the way from Yogyakarta to begin the journey and got us all the way to our place in Ubud. Hotels were great. Our drivers Kiki and Mirza were friendly, polite, and super helpful. Communication back and forth was effortless. Guides at each location knew all the best photo locations. And not to mention how mind-blowing Bromo and Ijen were. Well worth the drive time and the cost. Don't miss your chance to experience this unique place with these awesome people!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: aikot892, United States

Review Date: 08 Dec 2019

Review Body: We did a night-hike to Ijen crater. Our driver Mr. Hendrik was friendly. Our guide Arif is a young man who used to be a sulfur miner at Ijen so he was knowledgeable of not only the terrain but the life of the local miners who carries 70 kilos of sulfur out on their shoulder til this day. He helped us to pay proper respect to the miners who tend to get disrespected and shoved around by the tourists all day. He spoke English well. He also helped us take good pictures of the blue flames even under strong sulfur fumes. They are very good people. I highly recommend.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: jerrydzy, Singapore

Review Date: 08 Oct 2019

Review Body: We did this trip from 2nd to 6th Oct 2019. Mali and Arief are very friendly and provided us the best service and professional guidance. The whole trip was great and their service is customisable and flexible. Instead of going back to Surabaya after the trip in Ijen, we changed our trip to Bali and visit the Lempuyang temple, which is amazing. Usually I travel by myself without a tour guide. However, it is highly recommended to have a tour guide travelling in the East Java. Based on their good service quality, I highly recommend this tour!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 22MP22, United Kingdom

Review Date: 22 Oct 2019

Review Body: We did Mt Ijen trek with Blueflame tour. Very professional, reliable and well organised. Easy communication, friendly team, they did everything to make the trip unforgettable and personalised for us. Our guide (Mr Dennis) was knowledgeable and put out safety first. We also visited a coffee plantation and a waterfall the next day. They provided water and a massive cake during the trip. I highly recommend doing the trip with them - it was an amazing experience for us and we would happily do it again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: HongyenL3, Singapore

Review Date: 30 Aug 2019

Review Body: Our group consisted of 3 girls and you know how troublesome girls can be at times. Our guide, Kiki, was super patient and friendly and accommodated to our demands and requests. Not to mention, he’s also a safe driver, which allowed us to rest at ease during long journeys. Yono was our guide at Ijen. From ensuring our safety to taking photos for us, he took great care of us every step of the way. Did I mention they take amazing photos too?! Thank you Blueflame tour for the amazing trip!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: clairebS5540UN

Review Date: 16 Aug 2019

Review Body: We had a great trip. Our driver mr Mali was very friendly, always arrived in time and was a very good driver. He knew great places to eat along the way. Our guide at mount Ijen was Yono. He was with us all the time and helped us navigate into the crater. He was great fun and helped us take some amazing photos. He really went the extra mile to make sure we had a fabulous experience. If you want a visit to mount Ijen definitely ask for Mr Mali to be your driver and Yono to be your guide.

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Crossing to Java by ferry at night.

Itinerary Description: 7pm Drive 4 – 5 hours to Gilimanuk Harbor and cross over to Java by ferry 11pm (Java time) Arrive at Ketapang Harbor, Banyuwangi

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Witness the blue flames of Ijen

Itinerary Description: 12am Depart for Ijen Crater 1am Arrive on Post Bundar and start heading towards the crater 4.30am Go to up to the crater rim to wait and witness the sunrise 6.00am Arrive back to the car park and head out 7.00am Arrive at coffee and rubber plantation 8.00am Arrive at waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip 09.00am arrive on Ketapang Harbor and cross to Bali by Ferry