"At first, there were only French tourists coming here, but later, within two years, the number of Malaysian and Singaporean tourists has increased up to 100 people per month," Chairman of the Indonesian Tourist Guides Association (HPI) Bondowoso chapter Slamet Riyadi stated here on Sunday.
In contrast to the French, Germans, and Russians who visit the crater during their long holidays, which are in May-September, there are lesser number of arrivals of Malaysian and Singaporean tourists.
Due to its proximity to Indonesia, even on weekends, the tourists from both ASEAN countries could enjoy the charm of Ijen Craters blue fire, which they mostly come to know from the internet and through promotions conducted by travel agents.
Not only Malaysian and Singaporean visitors but tourists from China have also started visiting Ijen through the Bondowoso passing line.
"Tourists from Russia mostly went there through Banyuwangi after they had visited Bali. Tourists who went through Bondowoso could also enjoy the beauty of Mount Bromo," Slamet explained.
Although several tourists were heading to Ijen Crater, they usually only paid a short visit for around a night and two days as they were bound by their flight schedules or had to visit other tourism destinations.
In response to Indonesias visa-free policy for visitors from several countries, Slamet pointed out that there had not been a significant increase in the number of tourists.
Meanwhile, he said that since November 2015 until now, the number of foreign tourists who visited Ijen Crater from the Bondowoso line was less. This trend will continue until April before the figure starts increasing in May.
"During the peak season, usually a single individual can guide the tourists up to 20 times per month," Slamet added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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