Who wants to try hiking a mountain and snorkeling in one trip? Indonesia has a destination that offers just that. Yes, visiting Mount Anak Krakatau is the perfect choice for those who love outdoor activities both underwater and on the mountains.
Mount Anak Krakatau is located in the Sunda Strait, specifically to the west of Banten Province (West Java) or to the south of Lampung Province (Sumatra Island). This volcano boasts stunning natural beauty that is rarely found elsewhere.
After a massive eruption in 1883, Mount Krakatau (the mother) disappeared, leaving behind a new peak now known as Mount Anak Krakatau.
In the past, there were many islands around Mount Krakatau, but the eruption submerged several of them and eroded the coastlines of Java and Sumatra.
Despite the devastation, the eruption left behind breathtaking natural scenery. In this article, I’ll share my experience visiting Mount Anak Krakatau in 2014. Don’t worry, even though it’s been 10 years since that trip, I’ve compared it with the current travel experiences available today.
Curious to learn more about exploring this extraordinary and historical natural wonder? Let’s dive into it!
About Mount Anak Krakatau
Krakatau, internationally known as Krakatoa, is a cluster of volcanic islands located in Rajabasa District, South Lampung, Lampung Province, specifically in the waters of the Sunda Strait (between the islands of Java and Sumatra). The name Krakatau is also used for one of the volcanic peaks in the area, called Mount Krakatau.
The ancient Mount Krakatau experienced a massive eruption in 535 AD, which led to the formation of the Sunda Strait, the disappearance of the Pasemah Lampung and Salakanagara civilizations in Banten for approximately 20-30 years.
Mount Krakatau erupted several times with significant impacts, such as in 1680, which caused dark skies and cold weather, and the most devastating eruption in 1883. This eruption wiped Mount Krakatau off the face of the Earth, giving birth to a new volcanic peak known as Mount Anak Krakatau (230 meters above sea level). This event also triggered a tsunami, volcanic ash rains that reached as far as Europe, and claimed up to 36,000 lives.
The eruption created four islands around the former site of Mount Krakatau: Sertung Island, Panjang Island, Krakatoa Island, and, at the center, the Krakatau Nature Reserve.
The Krakatau Nature Reserve serves as a hiking location to view the peak of Mount Anak Krakatau. While you may not be allowed to climb to the very top, there is a hill you can hike to enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Anak Krakatau up close, and this climb is relatively safe.
Interested in exploring Java’s exotic wilderness? Make sure to learn about Ujung Kulon and Banyuwangi Travel Guide: Uncover the Hidden Magic of East Java
How to Get to Krakatau Island
If you’re planning an adventure around Krakatau, there are two options for starting your journey:
From Canti Pier (Lampung)
The first recommended route is through Canti Pier, located in South Lampung (Sumatra Island). Departing from Canti Pier is a favorite choice for travelers who want an enjoyable trip, as you can also visit several other islands and snorkel around the waters of the Sunda Strait.
If you’re starting from Jakarta, the journey begins with a trip to Merak Harbor in Banten. From there, you’ll board a ferry, which takes about 3 hours to reach Bakauheni Harbor in Lampung.
Once you arrive at Bakauheni Harbor, the journey continues by land to Canti Pier in South Lampung. From Canti Pier, you’ll take a boat to Sebesi Island, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
If you’re joining an open trip, the itinerary often includes a visit to Sebuku Kecil Island and Sebuku Besar Island first. Here, you can enjoy the beach and snorkeling before continuing your journey to Krakatau Island the next day.
From Anyer Beach/Tanjung Lesung Beach/Carita Beach (Java)
You can also cross to Krakatau Island via Anyer Harbor or from Tanjung Lesung Beach and Carita Beach. The crossing from Anyer Beach to Krakatau Island takes approximately 1.5 hours, but it tends to be more expensive, costing around IDR 5,500,000 to rent a speedboat for up to 6 people.
This route is often chosen by those planning to dive or fish in the sea. However, if you’re short on time, traveling from Anyer Beach can be a great option for a one-day trip.
In addition to its exotic beaches, Banten is also home to the self-isolated, read on Baduy Tribe: Discover Indonesia’s Isolated Community near Jakarta
What To Do
From my experience joining an open trip to Mount Anak Krakatau, here are some activities you can enjoy:
Explore Underwater
The underwater beauty around Mount Anak Krakatau is truly undeniable. There are plenty of sea anemones and small fish swimming around the coral reefs. You can fully enjoy the underwater scenery of the Sunda Strait, especially on a clear day when the green sea blends with shades of blue, making the view underwater so vivid and mesmerizing.
For other underwater activities, you can also visit Karimunjawa or Klaten for a different experience.
White Sand Beaches
The islands you’ll visit feature wide and beautiful stretches of white sand beaches with Mount Anak Krakatau as a stunning backdrop.
You can play around the beach, take photos by the shore, or savor freshly grilled fish caught by local fishermen. In the evening, you can witness a breathtaking sunset with hues of orange and red painting the sky.
Want to see the other beauty beaches in Indonesia? Read Exploring the TOP Beaches of Yogyakarta
Hiking Mount Anak Krakatau
You can also hike Mount Anak Krakatau from the entrance of the Krakatau Nature Reserve. Before starting the hike, you’ll be greeted by lush forests surrounding the island. As you walk further, you’ll reach a hill dominated by sand and rocks. The hike takes you up this hill, where you can see the peak of Mount Anak Krakatau and take photos.
The hike to the hill is relatively easy and takes around 15-30 minutes to complete.
Before planning your trip to the Krakatau Islands, make sure to check the volcanic activity status of Mount Anak Krakatau.
Java also had others stunning mountain views, Ijen Crater, Bromo, and other activities around Mount Merapi
Itinerary
From my experience a few years ago joining an open trip to Mount Anak Krakatau, I can say it was both an enjoyable and unforgettable journey. Back then, I traveled during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations in August, and we joined an open trip to participate in the flag-raising ceremony on Mount Anak Krakatau.
Although it has been a long time, I’ve tried to recall the details of my trip and compare them with current open trip activities.
At the time, the special occasion made the trip last about 4 days and 3 nights, starting from the crossing from Java to Sumatra. I spent around IDR 400,000 (USD 25,21) in 2014, which included meals, boat rental, and snorkeling gear. Nowadays, open trips to Mount Anak Krakatau typically cost between IDR 450,000 and IDR 600,000 (USD 28,36 -USD 37,82), depending on the pickup point and services provided.
Disclaimer: This is only an estimate for open trips. I am not covering personal travel arrangements in detail.
We started our adventure at Merak Harbor, Banten, at 11 PM. After meeting the tour guide and other participants, we departed for Bakauheni at midnight on a ferry. Around 3 AM, we arrived at Bakauheni Harbor and continued our journey to Canti Pier (South Lampung). After a two-hour drive, we reached Canti Pier, where we prepared for snorkeling and performed the dawn prayer. Around 6 AM, our boat arrived. The tour group had about 20 participants, including myself and my friend Zhunitya.
The boat ride was pleasant, and it didn’t take long to reach the first island, Sebuku Kecil. There, we enjoyed the beach before heading to the first snorkeling spot near Sebuku Besar Island.
After exploring the underwater scenery, we continued to Sebesi Island around noon, where we stayed overnight. We rested in shared-room accommodations, and enjoyed dinner provided by the tour service, saving our energy for the next day’s journey to Krakatau.
We started our trip to Krakatau Island early in the morning before sunrise at around 3 AM. The conditions were windy, and we used a larger boat. All passengers stayed inside the cabin due to extreme weather and large waves. The three-hour ride made us seasick, but the view of Krakatau Island made it all worth it.
We were welcomed by black volcanic sand beaches and the lush forest of the Anak Krakatau Nature Reserve. Our group began the mission to conduct the flag ceremony on the hilltop. The trek to the hilltop took about 30 minutes. Afterward, we had breakfast near the nature reserve.
At 10 AM, after completing the ceremony, we headed to a snorkeling spot near Panjang Island. The currents at this snorkeling spot were quite strong, so it was important to stay close to the group.
After snorkeling, we returned to Sebesi Island to rest, have meals, and enjoy free time. In the evening, as a closing activity, our group decided to have a barbecue featuring fresh fish for an additional cost. It was a delightful party, gathering in the homestay yard while enjoying grilled fish.
On the fourth day, we prepared to return to Canti Pier. Along the way, we stopped briefly at Umang-Umang Island near Sebesi Island to take photos on its white sandy beaches.
The 1.5-hour boat ride ended at Canti Pier, and around 1 PM, we crossed from Bakauheni Harbor, Lampung, back to Merak Harbor, Banten.
This 4-day trip was an amazing experience. The schedule wasn’t too packed, so it didn’t feel exhausting. However, most open trips nowadays offer 3-day and 2-night packages, which I think are sufficient to explore the underwater beauty and islands around Mount Anak Krakatau.
If you have limited time, you can check out some travel packages that provide trips from Anyer Beach or Carita Beach.
Summary
As an archipelago, Indonesia is truly a paradise for underwater enthusiasts, including the islands surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau. The volcanic activity of the past has turned the area around the former Krakatau eruption site into a treasure trove of exotic natural wonders, stunning underwater scenery, and breathtaking views.
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the multi-day tour in the Krakatau Islands. Besides marveling at the natural beauty, I also had the chance to see the peak of the volcano that erupted so powerfully in 1883.
This destination is a great alternative to add to your travel list when visiting Indonesia. Before moving on to your next destination, take the time to explore the natural beauty on the western side of Java Island.