Written in May 2021, updated in October 2021
Please always contact the site before visiting to check the condition. It happened to our friends, who visited in October - at the end of dry season, that the lake was dried out, there was a lot o smoke coming from the bottom of the lake and the bridge leading into the lake was half broken. Also some of the view points were closed. Therefore the best might be to visit the site after the rainy season.
Please always contact the site before visiting to check the condition. It happened to our friends, who visited in October - at the end of dry season, that the lake was dried out, there was a lot o smoke coming from the bottom of the lake and the bridge leading into the lake was half broken. Also some of the view points were closed. Therefore the best might be to visit the site after the rainy season.
Kawah Putih
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Magically beautiful crater and one of the most remarkable places on Java.
We managed to visit the place as a one day trip from Jakarta but you might want to combine it with your stay in or around Bandung/Lembang during holidays or long weekends. The usual travel time from Jakarta, as shown on Google maps, is around 3-3,5hrs. What is Kawah Putih What to do at Kawah Putih How to get to Kawah Putih What is the price What to do in the area around Kawah Putih The weather How we did it and our tips |
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What is Kawah Putih
Kawah Putih (White Crater) - is a mystical volcanic acidic lake with amazing colors of the water, from white to various shades of turquoise blue or green. The cliffs above the lake reach up to 2,500m above sea level, the area around the lake is largely forested and the leafless trees add to the dramatic feeling. It is a very special place to visit.
Two centuries back local people believed that the lake was hunted and the forest around the lake was somehow mysterious because many birds died while crossing the crater. In 1837 German scientists denied that and explained that it is caused by the sulphur in the air.
Kawah Putih was formerly a sulfur mine during the reign of the Dutch and later the Japanese also kept the sulfur factory under a different name. The development of Kawah Putih as a tourist attraction began in 1987.
The whole area was renovated in 2020 and the place is absolutely worth the visit. Read below about the other interesting places to see while you are in this area.
Two centuries back local people believed that the lake was hunted and the forest around the lake was somehow mysterious because many birds died while crossing the crater. In 1837 German scientists denied that and explained that it is caused by the sulphur in the air.
Kawah Putih was formerly a sulfur mine during the reign of the Dutch and later the Japanese also kept the sulfur factory under a different name. The development of Kawah Putih as a tourist attraction began in 1987.
The whole area was renovated in 2020 and the place is absolutely worth the visit. Read below about the other interesting places to see while you are in this area.
What to do at Kawah Putih
Cantigi Skywalk
This skywalk is about 500m long, built from dry bamboo. Some of the trees grow right through it. It was also built very recently, in 2020. The skywalk starts almost right away from the parking lot, there is a ticket booth at the entrance, and goes through the forest all along one side of the lake. Your first views of the lake from the above are beautiful.
Entrance ticket: 10.000rp/person
Second skywalk, with the entrance lower by the lake, would take you around the lake along the left side, with a wooden view tower at the end of the walk. This tower was closed at the time we visited and we were advised that we will have better views walking up to Sunan Ibu Sunrise point (even though it was not early morning anymore) then walking at this skywalk.
This skywalk is about 500m long, built from dry bamboo. Some of the trees grow right through it. It was also built very recently, in 2020. The skywalk starts almost right away from the parking lot, there is a ticket booth at the entrance, and goes through the forest all along one side of the lake. Your first views of the lake from the above are beautiful.
Entrance ticket: 10.000rp/person
Second skywalk, with the entrance lower by the lake, would take you around the lake along the left side, with a wooden view tower at the end of the walk. This tower was closed at the time we visited and we were advised that we will have better views walking up to Sunan Ibu Sunrise point (even though it was not early morning anymore) then walking at this skywalk.
Wooden path on the lake
After seeing the lake from above, you would definitely want to go down to the lake itself.
Walk around the sandy “beaches” first, take some amazing pictures and then walk right to the middle of the lake on the wooden path. This path was again built in 2020, it is very nicely made with some benches to sit and some decorations around.
You are very close to the white thick water here and you will smell the sulphur all around you.
It is not advised to stay more than 30min close by the lake around the sulphur fumes.
After seeing the lake from above, you would definitely want to go down to the lake itself.
Walk around the sandy “beaches” first, take some amazing pictures and then walk right to the middle of the lake on the wooden path. This path was again built in 2020, it is very nicely made with some benches to sit and some decorations around.
You are very close to the white thick water here and you will smell the sulphur all around you.
It is not advised to stay more than 30min close by the lake around the sulphur fumes.
Sunan Ibu Sunrise point Ciwidey
This is a place to watch a beautiful sunrise above Kawah Putih, the rays of the rising sun breaking through the thick fog that covers the top of the white crater lake. But, not only sunrise, the views are stunning any time during the day. During our hike, there was bright sunshine, the lake was clearly visible and within minutes came the clouds and the we did not see the lake at all. In another 10 minutes sun was back and lake too. Quite amazing.
Sunan Ibu entrance is approximately 15min walk on a narrow steady path and stairs through the forest.
You can then walk up another 15min uphill via narrow path and stairs again through the forest with more views of the lake.
Either park your car at the entrance to the point or but I recommend leaving your car at Kawah Putih parking and just enjoy the walk on the asphalt road through the forrest in the cool, fresh air.
There are tea plantations all around the Sunan Ibu entrance, you can enjoy amazing views and green colors and even take a short walk through the plantations.
This is a place to watch a beautiful sunrise above Kawah Putih, the rays of the rising sun breaking through the thick fog that covers the top of the white crater lake. But, not only sunrise, the views are stunning any time during the day. During our hike, there was bright sunshine, the lake was clearly visible and within minutes came the clouds and the we did not see the lake at all. In another 10 minutes sun was back and lake too. Quite amazing.
Sunan Ibu entrance is approximately 15min walk on a narrow steady path and stairs through the forest.
You can then walk up another 15min uphill via narrow path and stairs again through the forest with more views of the lake.
Either park your car at the entrance to the point or but I recommend leaving your car at Kawah Putih parking and just enjoy the walk on the asphalt road through the forrest in the cool, fresh air.
There are tea plantations all around the Sunan Ibu entrance, you can enjoy amazing views and green colors and even take a short walk through the plantations.
Mt. Patuha
You can hike up Mt. Patuha, which is a former volcano with Kawah Putih as its crater. You can do so alone or with an official guide. You will find the guide around the parking lot at Kawah Putih or in a small office here. He can either give you the directions or walk up with you. (Facing the lake, the path to Mt. Patuha starts on the very right side of the parking lot. From there you can walk straight up the hill. Do not confuse with a road leading downhill - this is a mountain bike path.)
The hike takes about 1hr up and less down. The path leads through a natural forest.
The views from Mt. Patuha down over the entire region and at Kawah Putih are supposed to be stunning!
Unfortunately we did not have enough time to do this hike. But next time, it is on the list!
You can hike up Mt. Patuha, which is a former volcano with Kawah Putih as its crater. You can do so alone or with an official guide. You will find the guide around the parking lot at Kawah Putih or in a small office here. He can either give you the directions or walk up with you. (Facing the lake, the path to Mt. Patuha starts on the very right side of the parking lot. From there you can walk straight up the hill. Do not confuse with a road leading downhill - this is a mountain bike path.)
The hike takes about 1hr up and less down. The path leads through a natural forest.
The views from Mt. Patuha down over the entire region and at Kawah Putih are supposed to be stunning!
Unfortunately we did not have enough time to do this hike. But next time, it is on the list!
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How to get to kawah putih
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Kawah Putih is about 50km down from Bandung, near the town of Ciwidey in the area called Rancabali. If you go from Jakara, you will go half the way towards Bandung via toll road and then road will lead you around the city of Bandung to the south.
Once you are on the main road you will not miss the turn to Kawah Putih as there is a large sign board by the road. Your arrival point will be the ticket booth at the entrance gate. From here, you will go another 5km (20min) further up the road to the lake through a forest. It is an asphalt road. At the time of writing this article the road was in very good condition. (Before pandemic the arrangement was to leave your car at the main entrance parking area and go further up with an orange angkot. You will see many of those being parked around.) |
After about 20min you will arrive at a Kawah Putih parking lot. From here it is about a 50m walk to the lake. You can choose to walk on the Skywalk, Wooden path on the lake, or around the lake to the Sunan Ibu point. You can also hike up to Mt. Patuha. See above.
what is the price
Domestic visitors and KITAS holders: 27.000rp/person
Foreigner visitors: 81.000rp/person
Car entry with parking at Kawah Putih: 162.000rp
Foreigner visitors: 81.000rp/person
Car entry with parking at Kawah Putih: 162.000rp
What to do around Kawah Putih
Few kilometres from the crater you will find other interesting places that are worth visiting while in the area.
The whole Rancabali area is green and beautiful, there are many farmer lands, mainly stunning tea plantations. You might also recall the name of Ciwidey from the Strawberry package from your supermarket. Local food crops grown include a wide range of fruits and vegetables. And especially the strawberry industry is well established in the area and many strawberry farms have fruit for sale along the side of the main road.
The whole Rancabali area is green and beautiful, there are many farmer lands, mainly stunning tea plantations. You might also recall the name of Ciwidey from the Strawberry package from your supermarket. Local food crops grown include a wide range of fruits and vegetables. And especially the strawberry industry is well established in the area and many strawberry farms have fruit for sale along the side of the main road.
Tea Plantations
Tea plantations are everywhere in Rancabali area around Ciwidey. You can take a walk through the plantations once you are at Kawah Putih or when you are at Kawah Rengganis. It is absolutely picturesque, the green color varies from light to dark and you will want to take so many pictures. The best are those taken in the morning sunlight.
Tea plantations are everywhere in Rancabali area around Ciwidey. You can take a walk through the plantations once you are at Kawah Putih or when you are at Kawah Rengganis. It is absolutely picturesque, the green color varies from light to dark and you will want to take so many pictures. The best are those taken in the morning sunlight.
Kawah Cibuni Rengganis (Natural Hot Springs)
This interesting site, definitely worth visiting, is about 5km from Kawah Putih. There are natural hot springs, man made bath water pipes, and a small lake in the shape of a heart. The light sulphur smoke and the clouds above the streams of hot water create mysterious and awesome views, especially in the morning sun. There are simple toilets, changing rooms and rest areas with a roof. All is very simple but clean.
There is only a small sign on the main road, you park your car right here and walk up to the tea plantations and further on via the path for about 10 minutes (see the first picture below). Then you come over the hill down to the crater area. We were here very early in the morning so nobody asked us any entrance fee and we met only one family who came to have a picnic here.
This interesting site, definitely worth visiting, is about 5km from Kawah Putih. There are natural hot springs, man made bath water pipes, and a small lake in the shape of a heart. The light sulphur smoke and the clouds above the streams of hot water create mysterious and awesome views, especially in the morning sun. There are simple toilets, changing rooms and rest areas with a roof. All is very simple but clean.
There is only a small sign on the main road, you park your car right here and walk up to the tea plantations and further on via the path for about 10 minutes (see the first picture below). Then you come over the hill down to the crater area. We were here very early in the morning so nobody asked us any entrance fee and we met only one family who came to have a picnic here.
Situ Patenggang (Patenggang Lake) and Batu Cinta
Just 7km from Kawah Putih. The area of the lake is surrounded by tea plantations and rows of trees. The air is cool and fresh.
Surprisingly beautiful lake and a park style forest that will remind you of places in your country! Walk around the peninsula under the trees, enjoy beautiful views of the lake, rest or even have
a picnic here. Walk back to the parking lot via the wooden path which is built on the lake.
Tickets price:
Domestic tourists - 20.000rp
Foreign tourists 135.000rp (weekdays) or 185,000rp (weekend).
Boat rides around the lake: 20.000/person/trip each person per trip or you can
Rent of a water bicycle: 30.000-50.000rp/1hr
There is a story about the lake - a royal prince was only able to meet his beloved ordinary village girl here, secretly, at a rock on a small island in the middle of the lake. The rock, called Batu Cinta is still here and whoever comes here will have an everlasting love!
In the area around the lake you can visit;
Teras Bintang - this is a wooden deck viewpoint, you need to walk slightly up the road from the other side of the parking area. The road is not suitable for the car but it is worth to walk up!
Phinisi restaurant Rancabali - The restaurant is a large boat (Phinisi style) like structure, overlooking the Patenggang lake and it is a great stop for lunch or just a coffee.
Glamping (glamorous camping) - staying in a tent on the shore of the beautiful lake might be the option if you feel like spending the night here. Tents are all located on the opposite, quiet side of the lake.
In the nearby resort there are activities such as strawberry picking, playing with rabbits in the garden, walking through the tea plantations. There is a small fee for all separate attractions. It is a great area to spend some time in nature with your kids.
Just 7km from Kawah Putih. The area of the lake is surrounded by tea plantations and rows of trees. The air is cool and fresh.
Surprisingly beautiful lake and a park style forest that will remind you of places in your country! Walk around the peninsula under the trees, enjoy beautiful views of the lake, rest or even have
a picnic here. Walk back to the parking lot via the wooden path which is built on the lake.
Tickets price:
Domestic tourists - 20.000rp
Foreign tourists 135.000rp (weekdays) or 185,000rp (weekend).
Boat rides around the lake: 20.000/person/trip each person per trip or you can
Rent of a water bicycle: 30.000-50.000rp/1hr
There is a story about the lake - a royal prince was only able to meet his beloved ordinary village girl here, secretly, at a rock on a small island in the middle of the lake. The rock, called Batu Cinta is still here and whoever comes here will have an everlasting love!
In the area around the lake you can visit;
Teras Bintang - this is a wooden deck viewpoint, you need to walk slightly up the road from the other side of the parking area. The road is not suitable for the car but it is worth to walk up!
Phinisi restaurant Rancabali - The restaurant is a large boat (Phinisi style) like structure, overlooking the Patenggang lake and it is a great stop for lunch or just a coffee.
Glamping (glamorous camping) - staying in a tent on the shore of the beautiful lake might be the option if you feel like spending the night here. Tents are all located on the opposite, quiet side of the lake.
In the nearby resort there are activities such as strawberry picking, playing with rabbits in the garden, walking through the tea plantations. There is a small fee for all separate attractions. It is a great area to spend some time in nature with your kids.
The weather
The weather in the area is very pleasant, cool and refreshing. You might read that the temperatures can get down to 18-10C. It was around 18 when we visited and we loved the fresh air. Only some of us wore one more layer of clothes. It was slightly drizzling but it was only refreshing coming from Jakarta heat.
What to bring
KITAS, the price is much lower. We always bring snacks and water. Since it can get chilli especially at Kawah Putih, bring extra layer of clothes. Raincoats are alway handy. Camera is necessary and good sport shoes are useful to wear. Use insect repellent and sunscreen.
How we did it and our tip
Either we were lucky to get there and also back in 2,5hrs from Jakarta or it was due to a Ramadan time and therefore less traffic on the roads, or the very early morning and early afternoon time just makes a huge difference.
We left Jakarta (from Citos) at 4.30am and we were at the ticket office of Kawah Putih at 7am. We left Kawah Putih at 2.30pm and we were at All Fresh at Jl. Simatupang in Jakarta at 6pm. But please count with the real time Google maps give you.
When we arrived at the ticket office of Kawah Putih at 7am, the ticket office was not opened yet and were told that we cannot go into the area since there is movie shooting going on.
We were recommended to go and visit the natural hot springs of Kawah Rengganis and then, after researching a bit on Google maps, we also visited the Situ Patenggang area. Both places were definitely worth to visit.
After enjoying the beautiful area and all the natural sites, we returned to Kawah Putih and entered the area at about 10am.
All was fine, there were not too many people at that time.
Next time we would wait until the ticket office opens, visit Kawah Putih first and then continue to the other sites.
We would have a better chance to have lunch at Pinisi restaurant and then rest by the lake.
Overall this was a great escape from Jakarta and we can absolutely recommend it!
If you do not feel like spending so many hours in the car, if you travel with children for example, stay in Bandung or around and you will have more time to wonder around Rancabali, take more walks around Tea plantations, explore and enjoy the fresh air!!
The weather in the area is very pleasant, cool and refreshing. You might read that the temperatures can get down to 18-10C. It was around 18 when we visited and we loved the fresh air. Only some of us wore one more layer of clothes. It was slightly drizzling but it was only refreshing coming from Jakarta heat.
What to bring
KITAS, the price is much lower. We always bring snacks and water. Since it can get chilli especially at Kawah Putih, bring extra layer of clothes. Raincoats are alway handy. Camera is necessary and good sport shoes are useful to wear. Use insect repellent and sunscreen.
How we did it and our tip
Either we were lucky to get there and also back in 2,5hrs from Jakarta or it was due to a Ramadan time and therefore less traffic on the roads, or the very early morning and early afternoon time just makes a huge difference.
We left Jakarta (from Citos) at 4.30am and we were at the ticket office of Kawah Putih at 7am. We left Kawah Putih at 2.30pm and we were at All Fresh at Jl. Simatupang in Jakarta at 6pm. But please count with the real time Google maps give you.
When we arrived at the ticket office of Kawah Putih at 7am, the ticket office was not opened yet and were told that we cannot go into the area since there is movie shooting going on.
We were recommended to go and visit the natural hot springs of Kawah Rengganis and then, after researching a bit on Google maps, we also visited the Situ Patenggang area. Both places were definitely worth to visit.
After enjoying the beautiful area and all the natural sites, we returned to Kawah Putih and entered the area at about 10am.
All was fine, there were not too many people at that time.
Next time we would wait until the ticket office opens, visit Kawah Putih first and then continue to the other sites.
We would have a better chance to have lunch at Pinisi restaurant and then rest by the lake.
Overall this was a great escape from Jakarta and we can absolutely recommend it!
If you do not feel like spending so many hours in the car, if you travel with children for example, stay in Bandung or around and you will have more time to wonder around Rancabali, take more walks around Tea plantations, explore and enjoy the fresh air!!
BELOW ARE TWO PHOTOS OF KAWAH PUTIH FROM THE END OF THE DRY SEASON, OCTOBER 2021. ALWAYS CHECK THE CONDITION BEFORE VISITING.
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