Banyuwangi & Ijen Crater by Scooter or Car: Prices, the Night Ride, Blue Fire Tips & Day Trips
By the siappergi.com team · Published · 7 min read
Banyuwangi, at the eastern tip of Java, is where many travellers stop between Bali and Bromo — mostly for Ijen, the volcano with a turquoise acid lake and the famous blue flames. The town is also the base for Baluran's savanna and the Red Island surf beach. A rental makes all of it easier; here's how to use one well, and when to leave the driving to someone else.
Scooter and car prices in Banyuwangi
SiapPergi's fixed catalogue prices, the same as Bali, delivered to your hotel or homestay with 2 helmets per scooter.
| Scooter | Engine | Per day | Per week | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda BeAT (Gen 4–5) | 110cc | IDR 80,000 | IDR 425,000 | IDR 1,210,000 |
| Honda Scoopy (Gen 4) | 110cc | IDR 90,000 | IDR 515,000 | IDR 1,410,000 |
| Honda Vario 125 | 125cc | IDR 100,000 | IDR 515,000 | IDR 1,510,000 |
| Honda Vario 160 | 160cc | IDR 130,000 | Ask | IDR 1,910,000 |
| Yamaha NMAX 155 (Gen 2) | 155cc | IDR 150,000 | IDR 902,000 | IDR 2,260,000 |
| Honda PCX 160 (Gen 2) | 160cc | IDR 150,000 | IDR 902,000 | IDR 2,260,000 |
| Honda ADV 160 ABS | 160cc | IDR 180,000 | Ask | IDR 3,010,000 |
Self-drive cars start at IDR 310,000/day (7-seaters IDR 360,000–IDR 410,000). Book: scooter rental in Banyuwangi · car rental in Banyuwangi. Staying outside town? See the whole Banyuwangi regency.
Check a scooter or car in Banyuwangi on WhatsApp
Ijen Crater: how the night works
- Leave Banyuwangi around midnight to 1 am; the ride to Paltuding takes about 1–1.5 hours, with a steep final climb.
- Hike about 3 km to the crater rim (1.5–2 hours), on a steep but well-trodden path.
- Descend into the crater for the blue fire before dawn (if it's open), then watch sunrise over the acid lake.
- Back at Paltuding mid-morning; the ride down needs care on tired legs.
Opening hours, the rules on going down into the crater and requirements for local guides change, and the area closes when gas levels or weather are dangerous. Bring a proper gas mask (they are usually available to rent at the trailhead) and check the current status the day before.
Riding a scooter up to Paltuding at 1 am on a steep, dark and cold road is only for experienced riders. Many travellers book a car with driver for the Ijen night and keep the scooter for daytime trips.
Day trips from Banyuwangi
| Trip | Approx. distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baluran National Park (savanna, wildlife) | about 1–1.5 hours north | Main north-coast road with trucks; the road inside the park is rough in places |
| Red Island (Pulau Merah) beach | about 2 hours south | Surf and sunsets; ride back before dark |
| Ketapang harbour (ferry to Bali) | a short ride north | Ferries to Gilimanuk run around the clock |
| Jagir and Kalibendo area waterfalls & plantations | under an hour | On the way up towards Ijen — nice by day |
Coming from or going to Bali
Rental scooters from either side are meant to stay on their own island, so plan two separate rentals: one in Bali, one in Banyuwangi, delivered to where you're staying. Arriving by ferry from Gilimanuk? Ketapang is just north of town. The Indonesian-language guide Denpasar to Gilimanuk by scooter covers the Bali side of the crossing.
What you need
- Scooter: your home licence must include the motorcycle category (often A, A1 or A2), plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) that also shows the motorcycle category. A car-only licence does not cover a scooter in Indonesia.
- Car: your home car licence plus an IDP with the car category (B).
- Carry your passport (or a copy) and the vehicle papers (STNK) that come with the rental.
- Helmets are compulsory for rider and passenger everywhere in Indonesia — every SiapPergi scooter comes with 2.
- Police checks happen across Indonesia, not only in Bali; missing documents usually mean a fine. Travel insurers often refuse claims if you rode without the right licence.
Licence and IDP rules can change. Check your licensing authority, your embassy's travel advice and the Indonesian traffic police (Korlantas Polri) before you go.
Safety around Banyuwangi
- Indonesia drives on the left. Keep left, overtake on the right and expect scooters to pass you on both sides.
- Don't ride after dark on unlit country roads — potholes, animals and unlit trucks are the main risk outside the cities.
- Rain changes everything: in the wet season (roughly November–March) roads get slippery and visibility drops. Wait out a downpour.
- Lock the steering and park in attended parking (a small fee) at beaches, markets and viewpoints.
- Trucks and buses on the main north-south road are heavy and fast; keep left and don't overtake on bends.
- Warm clothes for Ijen: it gets cold at the trailhead and on the rim, especially in the dry season.
How booking works
- Message SiapPergi on WhatsApp +62 818-0800-1102 or +62 818-0800-1811 with the model, your dates and where you're staying in Banyuwangi (a Google Maps pin is perfect).
- The team confirms availability, the total price and the delivery time — nothing is paid in advance.
- The vehicle is delivered to your hotel, guesthouse or villa. Check it together and photograph any scratches.
- Show your passport and licence + IDP, pay in rupiah (cash, bank transfer or e-wallet) and ride off. Pick-up at the end is included.
Ready to rent a scooter or car?
Fixed catalogue prices, delivered to your hotel or villa. Book on WhatsApp and pay when the vehicle arrives.
All areas & scooter models
Frequently asked questions
How much is scooter rental in Banyuwangi?
From IDR 70,000 per day at SiapPergi catalogue prices, the same as Bali. Minimum 2 days, delivered to your hotel or homestay.
Can I ride a scooter to Ijen Crater?
Experienced riders can — it's about 35 km to Paltuding with a very steep final section. For the night climb many people prefer a car with driver.
Can I take my Bali rental scooter to Banyuwangi?
Rental scooters are meant to stay on their own island. Rent separately in Banyuwangi and have it delivered to your accommodation.
Do I need a gas mask at Ijen?
Yes, the sulphur gas can be strong near the crater. Masks are usually available to rent at the trailhead, and access closes when gas levels are dangerous.
Which WhatsApp number handles Banyuwangi?
East Java bookings go to +62 818-0800-1102 or +62 818-0800-1811.
This guide follows the SiapPergi editorial policy: facts are checked, market prices are given as ranges and mistakes are corrected. Spotted something wrong? Report a correction.
