World · East Asia & Pacific · 13 hrs ago
Mount Papandayan hiking trail reopens after blue fire subsides
Mount Papandayan’s hiking trail in Garut Regency, West Java, has reopened after a blue fire was seen in the crater area on September 24, 2026.
The phenomenon led authorities to restrict access to the area to keep visitors away.
The West Java conservation agency says the blue fire has disappeared and the mountain’s activity level is normal.
The trail had reopened on September 29, with safety monitoring by the conservation agency, the geological hazard agency and the park operator.
Hikers are allowed back but should pass through the crater area without lingering.
Camping at Pondok Saladah remains restricted as a measure to prevent forest fires.
Authorities continue to monitor the crater and visitors.
Mount Papandayan’s hiking trail in Garut Regency, West Java, has reopened after a blue fire phenomenon in the crater subsided.
The phenomenon was observed on September 24, 2026, and led to restrictions on access to the crater area.
The park reopened on September 29, with safety monitoring by the conservation agency, geological authorities and the park operator.
Mount Papandayan’s activity is at Level I, or normal, according to the Geological Agency’s monitoring.
Hikers are told not to linger in the crater area, and camping at Pondok Saladah remains restricted to help prevent forest fires.
- Who
- The West Java Major Nature Conservation Agency announced the reopening; the park operator also confirmed it.
- What
- Mount Papandayan’s hiking trail has reopened after the blue fire subsided. Monitoring and visitor restrictions remain in place.
- When
- The park reopened on September 29, 2026. The blue fire was observed on September 24, 2026.
- Where
- Mount Papandayan, in Garut Regency, West Java, Indonesia.
- Why
- The blue fire phenomenon subsided, and Mount Papandayan’s activity was assessed at Level I, or normal.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The 'blue fire' has disappeared, and tourism activities have resumed under monitoring. It is expected that tourists will pass through the crater area and not linger
Regarding what the BBKSDA stated, it is indeed true [that it has been opened], and visitor levels remain normal
The blue fire phenomenon was observed in the crater area, prompting restrictions on access.
The park reopened while authorities monitored the situation and visitor safety.
Tempo reported that the hiking trail had reopened after the blue fire subsided.
- Location
- Mount Papandayan, Garut Regency, West Java
- Phenomenon observed
- September 24, 2026
- Park reopening
- September 29, 2026
- Volcano activity level
- Level I (normal)
- Camping restriction
- Pondok Saladah
Sources
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