World’s Most Acidic Lake

Last October I got the chance to spend a month on the world famous Island of Bali

After exploring every waterfall, rice terrace, and shoreline we decided to embark on our most ambitious Bali mission yet.

On the far north eastern side of Bali, one hour ferry ride away lies the territory of East Java. Home to some of Indonesia's most famous and grand volcanoes, among them lies Mount Ijen.

The top of Mount Ijen holds the world's most acidic lake with a shocking PH of .2 (Battery Acid has a PH of 1!). Not to mention every half an hour it spews a sulfuric cloud into the air!

The usual way to get to Java would be to hire a driver up to the north-eastern most point of Bali and take the ferry across then proceed to hire another driver or tour for the rest of your trip (or just take a flight across the islands).

Against popular favorability and comfort we decided to ride our scooters all the way up to the ferry. Purchase our ferry tickets and make our way to our homestay just 1 hour away from Mount Ijen.

Getting a decent night of sleep we woke up at midnight to finish the rest of our journey to the famous Ijen Mountain. The driveway anything but perfect. Freezing temperatures, and heavy rain drenching our camera gear almost convinced us to turn around at a few points. Yet we pushed through and made it to the base camp of Mount Ijen. Desperate for warmth we found a small coffee shop across the road and sat around a small fire with some local men preparing for a day of work. Aside from the language barrier it was a relieving feeling to share this moment around the fire with a hot cup of coffee.

At the start of the climb you rent gas masks to combat the sulfur in the air from the volcano. If youʼve ever smelled sulfur you would know it's not a favorable one. The hike takes an hour and a half and we made it up around 4am, an hour early for sunrise.

As the sun rose and burned all the fog away from the lake it was truly a sunrise for the books. Worth all the effort and sweat to make it to the top..