The pride and joy of the region is without doubt the Kawah Ijen, an impressive crater ("kawah"), at the bottom of which is a turquoise lake, smothered in thick sulphurous vapours. With its neighbours, the Merapi (2,914m) and the Raung (3,322m), the volcano has given its name to the nature reserve at their feet, covering a 130,000ha-forest plateau. This garden of Eden is inhabited by countless birds whose song fills the undergrowth.