From Bali to Krakatoa
Krakatoa, Krakatau or Gunung Krakatau in Indonesian and Javanese, is a subduction volcano in the peri-Pacific ring of fire, and whose eruptions are predominantly explosive (so-called “grey” volcano). From Bali to Krakatoa takes 6h 20 mn in total (1h 40mn flight + 2h 40mn drive from Jakarta to Carita harbour + 2 hours boat ride from Carita to Anak Krakatau).
Visiting Mount Krakatau can be an unforgettable experience for those who love adventure and nature.
Although this island was the scene of one of the greatest dramas in history, it retains an irresistible charm. In 1883 its archipelago was pulverized by a terrible earthquake. The shock wave of the latter was felt nearly 200 km away. A big tsunami followed. The scars are still visible there! Thousands of victims have been identified. The geography of the area has changed. Have no fear, you will be safe there.
Its activity is closely monitored. So you risk nothing by going there. Hurry to visit the site and take the opportunity to get a vibrant tribute to the many victims of this archipelago and its surroundings.
Mount Anak Krakatau is a nature reserve that has an attraction for scientists because this area can function as a natural laboratory to study natural science, geography, volcanology and biology. Dwi Pambudo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to go from Bali to Krakatau Volcano? (cont’d)
To go to the Krakatau volcano, we have two options either from Anyer or Carita on Java, very accessible from West Jakarta, or from Kalianda on Sumatra, accessible from Bandar Lampung or from Bakauheni ferry terminal connecting Java and Sumatra.
Going to Krakatau from Java
We are not going to give you a chapter on how to get to Jakarta 😀
So from Jakarta, take the toll road towards Merak. You have several options:
- Exit at Cilegon and follow the road to Anyer and Carita
- Exit at the Pandeglang exit and head towards the coast at Labuhan. Then follow the road north to Carita and Anyer.
The first option is easier to get your bearings, but the second option has better roads (Roads are improving pretty quickly right now). - From Carita there are several boats going to Krakatau. For Accommodation there are several options in Anyer and Carita. Carita is cheaper.
From Bali to Jakarta by air
The main airport of Jakarta, Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the one operating flights to Bali, the duration of the flight is on average 1 hour 50 minutes, sometimes a little bit less, the airlines offering these flights are:
Going to Krakatau from Sumatra
There is Radin Inten II Airport in Bandar Lampung (TKG) with internal connections to the following cities: Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Batam, Palembang, Bengkulu.
To go to Kalianda, take a DAMRI bus towards Bandar Lampung (if you come from java) and towards Bakauheni if you come from Bandar Lampung and get off at Kalianda. Then head to the Canti pier and take a boat to Sebesi.
For accommodation several options in the Kalianda region.
From Bali to Sumatra, Bandar Lampung (TKG) by air
The main airport of Jakarta, Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the one operating flights to Bali, the duration of the flight is on average 1 hour 50 minutes, sometimes a little bit less, the airlines offering these flights are:
What to do and visit in Kratoa?
Krakatoa is a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Here are some things you can do in Mount Krakatau:
Trekking, Ascent to Anak Krakatau
Departure by boat from Java takes about 2 hours to Anak Krakatau. Walking time 45 minutes and max altitude 180 m (600 ft), easy level!
The ascent of Anak Krakatoa is not strictly prohibited, as long as the volcanic activity allows it. The easiest way is to organize the boat trip and the trek with an agency in Jakarta or in the seaside resorts of Labuhan or Carita in West Java. From there, we can take the boat to Krakatoa, in order to climb the flanks of its offspring, Anak Krakatoa.
This cone which emerged in the middle of the three islets in 1927 continues to rise, with the accumulation of pumice stones and basalt rocks that it rejects over the eruptions. It now reaches more than 300 meters but could well grow more! Arriving on the site, we see the thick fumaroles of sulfur and we hear a dull noise escaping from the crater.
Most often, the ascent will consist of carving a path among the slag that litters the ground to a first level, 180 meters (600 ft) above sea level. The heat and the density of the fumaroles unfortunately do not allow to climb to the top, but the view of this unique place in the world is already breathtaking! To the south, you can see the island of Rakata and its impressive gutted volcano, the highest point of the archipelago.
Map of the Krakatoa archipelago. Afrogindahood, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Snorkeling
Before leaving the place to join civilization, a short snorkeling session (diving with flippers, mask and snorkel) is a must! The coral reefs of Krakatoa are among the most beautiful in Indonesia and swimming among the corals and multicolored fish in this wild place is absolutely magical. And for those who would like to prolong the pleasure (and who like adventure!), it is also possible to camp overnight on the beach of one of the islands in order to enjoy the lush vegetation and local fauna for a little longer. .
Krakatoa is not a volcano like the others. Its history, its metamorphoses over time and its deadly eruption in 1883 have made it a unique place. Lost in the middle of the Sunda Strait, the Krakatoa fascinates and amazes, terrifies too. Its dangerousness and its sudden topographic changes have placed it at the center of all attention and continue to fascinate geologists and volcanologists. The Krakatoa, or the temptation of a wild getaway to the other side of the world, far from human agitation…
Anak Krakatau Island Group. The Krakatau Island cluster is located in the Sunda Strait area, and is still included in the Lampung Province, South Sumatra. For Anak Krakatau Island itself is a small active volcanic island and is located in the middle between Sertung Island, Krakatau Kitjil Island, and Rakata Island.
This island is an island that emerged from the eruption of Mount Krakatau in 1883 and is still growing in height until now. Raviansyah Jawindra, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Relax on the beaches
Mount Krakatau is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and you can spend a day relaxing on the white sand beaches, soaking in the sun, and enjoying the calm waters.
Remember to follow safety guidelines, respect the local environment, and seek guidance from local authorities and guides before embarking on any adventure activities.
Visit Anak Krakatau
Anak Krakatau, which means “Child of Krakatau,” is a volcanic island that formed in the late 20th century. It is an active volcano, and visitors can witness the ongoing volcanic activity. However, due to safety concerns, visitors are only allowed to visit the island under certain conditions and with a licensed guide. You can take a boat tour to the island from the nearby towns of Carita or Anyer.
Photo credit (main picture): Uprising (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Photo description: Mount Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatoa).
Before and after Krakatoa (History)
The island is famous for its massive eruption in 1883, which was one of the most powerful volcanic events in recorded history. Here’s a brief overview of what the area was like before and after the eruption:
Before the eruption:
Before the eruption in 1883, Krakatoa was a small volcanic island with three peaks, called Perboewatan, Danan, and Rakata. The island was uninhabited, but nearby communities on the coasts of Java and Sumatra relied on the surrounding sea for fishing and transportation.
Evolution map in French of the Krakatoa’s archipelago (Indonesia), between 1880 and 2005. The main eruption was in 1883. Sémhur, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883
The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. It is estimated that the eruption released the energy equivalent of 200 megatons of TNT, or 13,000 times the power of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima during World War II. The eruption created a series of tsunamis that devastated nearby coastal areas, killing an estimated 36,000 people.
Krakatoa before and after. USGS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
After the eruption:
The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recorded history. The eruption generated a series of massive tsunamis that devastated the surrounding coastlines, killing more than 36,000 people. The ash and debris from the eruption caused a global climate cooling effect, leading to cooler temperatures and unusual weather patterns in many parts of the world.
Today
Today, Krakatoa remains an active volcano and continues to draw visitors from around the world who are interested in witnessing the power and beauty of nature. You can take a boat tour from the nearby town of Anyer to the island of Anak Krakatau, which is the remnant of the original volcano that was destroyed in the 1883 eruption. The island is still active and visitors can witness small eruptions and volcanic activity.
Pulau Anak Krakatau Nature Reserve. Sémhur, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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