Charm Blue Fire in Ijen Crater is Banyuwangi's biggest tourism magnet. The blue fire phenomenon, of which there are only two in the world, makes thousands of tourists willing to wake up in the middle of the night and penetrate the cold mountains. However, for tourists who bring private vehicles or intend to rent a car off key (self-drive), the journey to the starting point of the hike (Paltuding) holds its own challenges.
Many questions on WhatsApp AyoBanyuwangi like: “Mas, is the Brio strong enough to go uphill?”, “How scary is the road?”, or “Is matic or manual safer?”.
This concern is very reasonable. The route to Ijen Crater, especially from Banyuwangi City through Licin Sub-district, is characterized by long and steep climbs. Choosing the wrong vehicle or lack of skills driving can be fatal, ranging from the car backing up on an incline, the engine overheat, to the brake pads catching fire on the way home.
In this article, we will explore the anatomy of the Ijen route, recommendations for the most powerful cars, and safe driving techniques to keep your vacation enjoyable without the drama of breaking down on the road.
Getting to know the “Terror” of Erek-Erek and Gantasan Lines
The road to Ijen Crater from Banyuwangi city center is about 35 KM with a normal travel time of 1.5 hours. The asphalt is actually very smooth (hotmix) and the road is wide enough for two large cars to pass.
However, the challenge begins once you pass through Tamansari Village. You will be greeted by a fern forest and a continuous incline without stopping.
There are two most crucial points to watch out for:
- Gantasan climb: This is a warm-up. A very long straight climb. Here, the car engine often experiences overheat if forced to drive in a high gear or unstable RPM.
- Sengkan Erek-Erek: This is the “king” of Ijen climbs. It is located about 3-4 KM before the Paltuding parking lot. The contour is a sharp “S” shaped bend with a very extreme slope. It is at this point that many novice drivers fail to climb, tire slippage, or sudden engine failure. The smell of burnt clutch pads is a “common” smell at this bend.
[Honest Review] What car is strong enough to go uphill to Ijen?
Not all cars are created equal for extreme mountainous terrain. Based on our years of experience serving car rental banyuwangi, The following is a classification of cars based on their ability to conquer Ijen:
1. Toyota Innova Reborn (Diesel)
If you ask what is the most comfortable and safe car, the answer is absolute Innova Reborn Diesel.
- Why? Its 2,400cc diesel engine has a huge amount of torque at low engine speeds.
- Performance: When meeting the Erek-erek incline, the Innova Reborn traverses it leisurely without the need to roar. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) system gives it maximum traction uphill, minimizing the risk of tire slippage.
- Recommendation: Highly recommended, especially if you are bringing a full family (5-7 people).
2. Toyota Hiace (Commuter & Premio)
Many people think that because of its large minibus-like body, the Hiace will be slow. Wrong!
- Why? The Hiace is equipped with a similar engine to the Fortuner. The power is a rhino.
- Performance: The Hiace is very stable. Precisely because of its heavy weight and rear-wheel drive, the grip of the tires on the asphalt is very strong.
- Recommendation: This is a must if your group is 10-14 people. Don't force 2 small cars (like 2 Avanza), it's more efficient and safer to use 1 Hiace. Check the price hiace rental banyuwangi here.
3. Toyota Avanza / Daihatsu Xenia (RWD & FWD)
This is the most commonly seen car in Ijen.
- Old Avanza (RWD): It's very powerful because it's driven from the rear wheels. Strong enough to go uphill even with a full load.
- New Avanza (FWD - Front Drive): The latest generation (2022 and above) uses front drive. Is it strong? Strong, as long as NOT LOSE MOMENTUM. The driver must be smart to maintain the gas rhythm. If you come to a complete stop in the middle of the Erek-erek hill, the Avanza FWD will have a bit of trouble getting off the gas. start reset due to front tire risk spinning (spinning in place).
4. City Car (Brio, Agya, Ayla)
Many budget backpackers rent this unit. Can you get to the top? Yes, but with a big caveat.
- Risk: The engine capacity of 1,000-1,200cc is very limited. If filled with 4-5 adults, the car will be very ngos-ngosan.
- Tricks: Passengers often have to get off at the Erek-erek ramp so that the car can go up. Air conditioning must be turned off.
- Our Advice: Avoid this type if you're a novice driver or haven't memorized the terrain. The risk is not worth the savings.
Safe Driving Tips (Matic & Manual)
Carrying a high-specification car is useless if the driving technique is wrong. Here are tips from a senior driver AyoBanyuwangi:
1. Low Gear Lock (IMPORTANT!)
- Matic car: Do not leave it in the “D” position. Slide the lever to L, 1, or S (Sport). If there is a Tiptronic feature, use 1st gear. Let the engine roar at 3000-4000 RPM, it's normal to get power.
- Car Manual: Use 1st gear when on the Erek-erek. Do not shift into 2nd gear if the car is not completely light. Losing momentum while shifting can be fatal.
2. Keep a Safe Distance
Don't stick too close to the car in front, especially a truck or bus. Give yourself a minimum distance of 10-20 meters. If the car in front fails to climb and reverse, you have room to avoid.
3. Turn off the air conditioner when it's urgent
If the gas pedal is pressed in but the car feels heavy, turn off the air conditioner immediately. The AC compressor puts a burden on engine performance of about 10-15%. Turning off the AC provides additional instant power to the wheels.
4. Downhill Facing Technique (Most Dangerous)
Many accidents in Ijen happen when RETURN (Down Mountain). Blown brakes are the ultimate enemy.
- Engine Brake: Just like when going up, when going down, you MUST use a low gear (1 or L). Let the engine drive the car.
- Don't Pump the Brakes Constantly: Relentlessly applying the brakes will make the disk hot and the brake fluid boil (brake fading), causing brake failure. Pump-release-pump-release (shake) your brakes.
- Stop to Cool the Brakes: If you smell a burnt odor, pull over immediately. Flush the wheels (not the brake discs directly) with water or wait 15 minutes for them to cool down.
Preparation Before Departure
Before you head out to chase the Blue Fire at 1am, make sure to check these 3 things on your car (especially if you're renting it off key):
- Radiator Water: Make sure the reservoir tube is full. Ijen climb makes the engine heat up quickly.
- Tire Condition: Make sure the tire grooves are still thick. Ijen roads are often wet and foggy, bald tires are very slippery.
- Headlights & Fog: Road lighting in the forest is minimal. Make sure the far light and fog lamp function.
Conclusion: Hire Off-Hire or Use a Driver?
If you're an experienced driver who's used to the Puncak, Lembang, or Sitinjau Lauik trails, renting an off-road car can be an exciting adventure. Make sure you choose an Innova Reborn Diesel or at least an Avanza RWD unit from us.
However, if you want to enjoy your vacation without heart sports, fatigue, and worry, the option of Car Rental with Driver is the best investment.
Driver in AyoBanyuwangi:
- Memorized every hole and turn in Ijen.
- Know when to accelerate and brake.
- Could be guide impromptu local.
- You can sleep well on the way there and back.
Ready to conquer Kawah Ijen?
Don't speculate with safety. Contact us now to get a prime car unit that is strong enough to go uphill!
