One of the most interesting volcanos on the Indonesian island of Java, Kawah Ijen is a truly amazing place. The barren crater emerges from a wide plateau of volcanic peaks and smooth hills covered of lush green vegetation. Inside the crater, sheer and rugged walls enclose a magnificent turquoise-colored lake on whose shores lies a sulphur mine. Heroic workers run the mine amidst infernal fumes and with only the most basic equipment. Volcanic gasses are channelled through condensation pipes to collect molten sulphur into deadly pools. Cooled material, turned bright yellow, is then broken into pieces and carried out of the crater by porters that hike the steep path loaded with heavy casks. Terrible and fascinating.
Crater with turquoise-colored lake at the bottom (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Worker at the mine (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Condensation pipes at the mine (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Worker breaking cooled sulfur at the mine (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Workers at the mine (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Worker at the mine (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Porter climbing out of the crater (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Porter climbing out of the crater (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Porter climbing out of the crater with a tourist (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Porter climbing out of the crater (Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia)
Shot in August 2011 with a Nikon D300 reflex and Nikkor AF-S DX 10-24, Nikkor AF-S DX 17-55 lenses.