Written in May 2021
Krakatoa
|
1. What is Krakatoa
2. What to do at Krakatoa 3. How to get there and how long does it take 4. How much does it cost 5. When to go 6. What to bring 7. Where to stay 8. Krakatoa now and then |
RELATED ARTICLES
|
1. What is krakatoa
Krakatoa today is a caldera of four islands, located in the waters of Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra.
Krakatoa is famous for the biggest eruption ever recorded in the history of mankind, in 1883. The sound of the eruption traveled around the globe and was even heard in Europe, in London.
Rakata is the largest of the four volcanic islands. It is a beautiful green mountain visible as the first island when you are coming in a boat from the mainland. The two other inactive ones are called Lang and Verlaten.
Anak Krakatoa, generally referred to as Krakatoa, is the fourth growing peak.
Krakatoa has been quietly growing since 1927. It has started its activity once in a while over the years but always got silent again.
However, the last activity in 2018 ended up in a huge eruption which was followed by a disaster tsunami. The high peak of Krakatoa slipped and shrank and the mountain disappeared. You will now find an island that looks rather flat from a distance. But do not be put off by first sight - it is still a peak to climb and it is worth it.
Krakatoa is famous for the biggest eruption ever recorded in the history of mankind, in 1883. The sound of the eruption traveled around the globe and was even heard in Europe, in London.
Rakata is the largest of the four volcanic islands. It is a beautiful green mountain visible as the first island when you are coming in a boat from the mainland. The two other inactive ones are called Lang and Verlaten.
Anak Krakatoa, generally referred to as Krakatoa, is the fourth growing peak.
Krakatoa has been quietly growing since 1927. It has started its activity once in a while over the years but always got silent again.
However, the last activity in 2018 ended up in a huge eruption which was followed by a disaster tsunami. The high peak of Krakatoa slipped and shrank and the mountain disappeared. You will now find an island that looks rather flat from a distance. But do not be put off by first sight - it is still a peak to climb and it is worth it.
2. what to do at krakatoa
You arrive by boat at a black sandy beach, the waters around have beautiful blue colors. What an exciting feeling to step on the grounds of the famous Krakatoa!
Hiking - this is the highlight of your trip and the main activity to do here. Hike up the volcano slowly and enjoy the feeling of nature constantly changing throughout time.
The hike is pretty easy, take your time, mind the heat, and be surprised by the fantastic views.
Follow the steps of your guide as he knows the best place to put the foot to make the hike smooth. You walk on sand and small broken stones, it can get slippery.
Views - the views are awesome. Walk up to the edge of the hill where you will be absolutely surprised by the scene and its colors. Black ground, yellow sulfur, white smoke and clouds, red rock of former lava, turquoise sea.
Walk further up along the edge, watch the smoke coming up from the crater and smell the sulfur when the wind brings it to you. Imagining there was just a recent eruption that took the growing volcano of Krakatoa down, gives you shivers.
You can spend about 1-1,5hrs here walking, enjoying the views and taking pictures.
We have even found a live grasshopper on the top of the hill!
After you are done hiking, the boat will take you around the island from the other side so you can enjoy even more spectacular views.
Lunch at the beach of Rakata
The guides carry lunch for you and will take you to eat it at the beach of the green island of Rakata.
The beach can be very nice if all the trash is cleaned. The lunch was very tasty, even the pre-ordered vegetarian option, we appreciated that it was served in reusable boxes with metal spoons. We had some nice fruits and drinks.
Activity which we would not recommend - swimming and snorkeling.
We tried snorkeling but we did not see anything interesting under the water, probably still as a result of the recent eruption. We tried swimming around, which was fun, but the waves were a bit rough so it is definitely not recommended for kids. Then there the surprise came. We got out of the water with black oil stains on our skin!
While having lunch at the beach, we also saw oil on the rocks around us and our feet were dirty, black and oily from the sand. It was a very sad experience. Large boats are passing by in the strait and apparently, accidents happen.
However, just quick jump to the water from the boat (check there is leather!) is very nice. It will cool you off and you clean off the volcano dust.
Hiking - this is the highlight of your trip and the main activity to do here. Hike up the volcano slowly and enjoy the feeling of nature constantly changing throughout time.
The hike is pretty easy, take your time, mind the heat, and be surprised by the fantastic views.
Follow the steps of your guide as he knows the best place to put the foot to make the hike smooth. You walk on sand and small broken stones, it can get slippery.
Views - the views are awesome. Walk up to the edge of the hill where you will be absolutely surprised by the scene and its colors. Black ground, yellow sulfur, white smoke and clouds, red rock of former lava, turquoise sea.
Walk further up along the edge, watch the smoke coming up from the crater and smell the sulfur when the wind brings it to you. Imagining there was just a recent eruption that took the growing volcano of Krakatoa down, gives you shivers.
You can spend about 1-1,5hrs here walking, enjoying the views and taking pictures.
We have even found a live grasshopper on the top of the hill!
After you are done hiking, the boat will take you around the island from the other side so you can enjoy even more spectacular views.
Lunch at the beach of Rakata
The guides carry lunch for you and will take you to eat it at the beach of the green island of Rakata.
The beach can be very nice if all the trash is cleaned. The lunch was very tasty, even the pre-ordered vegetarian option, we appreciated that it was served in reusable boxes with metal spoons. We had some nice fruits and drinks.
Activity which we would not recommend - swimming and snorkeling.
We tried snorkeling but we did not see anything interesting under the water, probably still as a result of the recent eruption. We tried swimming around, which was fun, but the waves were a bit rough so it is definitely not recommended for kids. Then there the surprise came. We got out of the water with black oil stains on our skin!
While having lunch at the beach, we also saw oil on the rocks around us and our feet were dirty, black and oily from the sand. It was a very sad experience. Large boats are passing by in the strait and apparently, accidents happen.
However, just quick jump to the water from the boat (check there is leather!) is very nice. It will cool you off and you clean off the volcano dust.
3. how to get there and how long does it take
It takes 3hrs by car from Jakarta to Anyer - Lippo Cerita beach harbor. It took us 3hrs to get back to Jakarta.
It takes 1,5hr by double engine fast speed boat from Lippo Cerita beach harbor to Krakatoa.
It is a lot of time sitting, in the car, and on the boat. But to take this trip once is worth it. To avoid both ways in one day, you can combine your trip with a one-night stay at Anyer, we recommend the very new hotel Novus Anyer Resort (see below).
We also took a break to stop just for a coffee in hotel Aston on the way there and in hotel Novus on the way back.
We would not recommend spending time at Carita beach and swimming there especially, as the waters are not so clean around here. Still, if you decide to stay, take a walk along the beach and have fun on the banana boat provided with a life vest. That is a very popular activity here as the waters are shallow.
Mind the factories (oil refineries) you will pass on the way by car, already close to Anyer. They look like sci-fi movie scenery!
It takes 1,5hr by double engine fast speed boat from Lippo Cerita beach harbor to Krakatoa.
It is a lot of time sitting, in the car, and on the boat. But to take this trip once is worth it. To avoid both ways in one day, you can combine your trip with a one-night stay at Anyer, we recommend the very new hotel Novus Anyer Resort (see below).
We also took a break to stop just for a coffee in hotel Aston on the way there and in hotel Novus on the way back.
We would not recommend spending time at Carita beach and swimming there especially, as the waters are not so clean around here. Still, if you decide to stay, take a walk along the beach and have fun on the banana boat provided with a life vest. That is a very popular activity here as the waters are shallow.
Mind the factories (oil refineries) you will pass on the way by car, already close to Anyer. They look like sci-fi movie scenery!
4. How much does it cost
Our travel agent was a reliable Krakatoatour owned by Pak Rohman (WA +6281386668811).
We had one guide and two boatmen as a company.
They also took care of our food, water, drinks, and fruit. Their guides speak good English. Their boats are double engine ones, with a roof and a cabin where you can put your belongings. Life vests are provided.
1 pax: Rp. 4.500.000
2-3 pax: Rp. 5.000.000
4-5 pax: Rp. 5.200.000
6 pax: Rp. 5.500.000
We understand that there are about 5 travel agents in Anyer that can organize the trip so you may compare the prices.
We had one guide and two boatmen as a company.
They also took care of our food, water, drinks, and fruit. Their guides speak good English. Their boats are double engine ones, with a roof and a cabin where you can put your belongings. Life vests are provided.
1 pax: Rp. 4.500.000
2-3 pax: Rp. 5.000.000
4-5 pax: Rp. 5.200.000
6 pax: Rp. 5.500.000
We understand that there are about 5 travel agents in Anyer that can organize the trip so you may compare the prices.
5. what to bring
Change of clothes. You will get wet on the boat and you will get sweaty when hiking.
Bring your swimmers if you plan to swim or just jump to the water from the boat. It is very nice to cool off and wash off the black sand. You can change in the cabin of the boat but please mind that the conditions are not super comfortable :).
Bring high factor sunscreen and a hat and wear sunglasses. Bring trainers for the hike and slippers for the boat.
I recommend towel or sarong, it is always handy to cover your neck from the strong sun on the boat or just cover your back when you get wet and the wind makes you chilly.
Waterproof bag is great. You do not have to worry that anything gets wet. Camera or phone with a good camera is a must!
You may want to take food and water for the morning journey in the car.
Take anorak or raincoat if you travel in rainy season.
Bring your swimmers if you plan to swim or just jump to the water from the boat. It is very nice to cool off and wash off the black sand. You can change in the cabin of the boat but please mind that the conditions are not super comfortable :).
Bring high factor sunscreen and a hat and wear sunglasses. Bring trainers for the hike and slippers for the boat.
I recommend towel or sarong, it is always handy to cover your neck from the strong sun on the boat or just cover your back when you get wet and the wind makes you chilly.
Waterproof bag is great. You do not have to worry that anything gets wet. Camera or phone with a good camera is a must!
You may want to take food and water for the morning journey in the car.
Take anorak or raincoat if you travel in rainy season.
6. where to stay
Hotel Novus Jiva Anyer - if you want to split your trip in half and enjoy nice afternoon and evening before heading back to Jakarta, we recommend to stay at this very new hotel - there are beautiful surroundings with swimming pools, green areas, restaurants, sports facilities, playground and a small private beach with another swimming pool and a beach bar. Hotel Novus is about 10 min drive from Carita beach.
8. Krakatoa now and then
Get a glimpse of how the volcano looked like few years ago.
Pictures are from 2013 and from 2018 three months before the last eruption.
Pictures are from 2013 and from 2018 three months before the last eruption.
Tsunami in December 2018 was a disaster.