Kawah Ijen Volcano

This photo is of Kawah Ijen Volcano, located in East Java. If you're staying in Bali, the easiest way to get there is to take a tour. There are plenty to choose from and most are a full day. From Bali to Ijen, it usually takes between five to eight hours, depending on your exact location in Bali. You can also get there on your own by doing the Mount Ijen Hike. This isn’t hard—all you need is your own transport. In general, if you're a bit independent, you'll be fine. The hike starts at the parking lot and lasts around 2 hours. If you want to go to Ijen by yourself and see more of the East Jawa region, you can take a flight to Banyuwangi Airport (BWX) from Bali, Jakarta, or Kuala Lumpur. Once you’re in Banyuwangi, it’s still a 1-hour drive to Mount Ijen from the town, but you can easily arrange this with your hotel or book a tour online. Once you get to Mount Ijen, you can fly your drone to find an angle where you can frame the lake and the volcano. It’s a good idea to check the current status of Kawah Ijen before you make travel plans because it is an active volcano, after all. The Indonesian government will close the park if they notice tremors or unusual activity. (before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements.)