Indonesia is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and has a total of 147 volcanoes, 127 are wrathfully active volcanoes. However there are few beautifully known dormant volcanoes like Mt. Patuha in Bandung in West Java which has 2 craters and one of those is the Kawah Putih (White Crater). The crater’s sand and rocks surrounding the lake have been leached into whitish color through interaction with acidic lake waters and or the concentration of sulphur, thus called the White Crater. It is located at the Ciwidey which is about 35 kilometers south of Bandung and 2,500 meters above sea level.
The vast dormant crater of Kawah Puti is famous for its unparalleled beauty of striking turquoise colored lake bounded with whitish soil. The high altitude white crater is fenced by tree-clad cliffs which make a picture perfect view, while the cold temperature added a certain ecstasy to the visitors, thick clothing or jacket is a must. In contrast, the strong smell of sulfur that comes from the steam and sulphurous gas bubbling from the lake may give you discomfort, so it’s advisable to bring face mask. Every morning or on cloudy days, the crater lake is cloaked in mist making an eerie and mysterious experience.
How to get to Kawah Putih:
1. From Jakarta, a lot of van terminal has trips going to Bandung. Fare ranges from 60,000 – 70,000 IDR. Travel time is 3 - 4 hours ride.
2. Find Leuwi Panjan Terminal ride a public van to Ciwidey Terminal. Fare is 10,000 IDR. Travel time is 2 - 3 hours.
3. From Ciwidey Terminal ride a yellow van with the signage of Ciwidey – Rancabali – Situ Patengan. Tell the driver to drop you off at the entrance of Kawah Putih, it is just 15-20 minutes travel time. Fare is around 4,000 IDR.
4. Entrance fee to Kawah Putih is 15,000 IDR for local and 35,000 IDR for foreigners. You also need to pay a round trip truck service going to the site of Kawah Putih for 9,000 IDR.
