Krakatoa is an island volcano located in the Sunda Strait, between Sumatra and Java. Known for its cataclysmic 1883 eruption, one of the most violent ever documented, it made headlines again in 2018 when a partial collapse of its flank triggered a tsunami that claimed over 400 lives. Today, its active cone Anak Krakatoa draws travelers interested in geology and volcanology.

Why visit Krakatoa

Few volcanoes concentrate as much scientific, historical, and scenic interest. The site combines several attractions:

• An eruptive history documented among the most studied in the world
• An active cone, Anak Krakatoa, in continuous growth since 1927
• An archipelago composed of islands that are remnants of a caldera (Perboewatan, Danan, Rakata, Anak Krakatoa)
• Seabeds conducive to snorkeling around the islands
• An excursion accessible as a day trip from the west coast of Java

Location

Krakatoa lies at the heart of the Sunda Strait, midway between the coasts of Sumatra to the northwest and Java to the southeast. Serang, on the west coast of Java, is the nearest major city, approximately 42 km to the east. Jakarta is located 160 km to the east. Administratively, the archipelago belongs to Lampung Province on the island of Sumatra.

The ensemble is formed by the islands of Perboewatan, Danan, Rakata, and Anak Krakatoa, remnants of a vast caldera that collapsed during the 1883 eruption.

History of the volcano

Before 1883

Geological records show that Krakatoa experienced several major eruptions before 1883. An ancient eruption is mentioned around 416 AD according to Javanese chronicles, which describe major regional upheavals. In the 17th and 18th centuries, moderate eruptions are documented by European explorers. In the late 17th century, the Dutch East India Company briefly attempted to establish a pepper plantation on the island, but the effort proved unsuccessful.

The 1883 eruption

The first warning signs were observed in May 1883, with explosions and continuous ash emissions. The climax occurred on August 26 and 27, 1883, with a series of four massive explosions. The most powerful of these, whose energy is sometimes compared to approximately 13,000 times that of the Hiroshima bomb, was heard up to 4,800 km away and remains considered the loudest sound ever recorded in modern history.

The collapse of most of the island generated tsunamis reaching 30 meters, which devastated the coasts of Java and Sumatra. According to Dutch authorities of the time, approximately 36,417 people died, primarily from the effect of the waves. The plume of ash and sulfur dioxide reached 80 km in altitude, forming a stratospheric veil that caused global temperatures to drop by approximately 0.25 °C the following year—a phenomenon known as "volcanic winter." The colorful sunsets observed worldwide in the months that followed likely inspired the red sky in the painting The Scream painted by Edvard Munch in 1893.

The birth of Anak Krakatoa

In 1927, a new island emerged from the collapsed caldera: Anak Krakatoa, "the child of Krakatoa." This volcanic cone, still active, has continued to grow over the decades and today rises over 300 meters above sea level.

Recent activity: 2018, 2020, and 2022

In December 2018, the collapse of Anak Krakatoa's southwestern flank caused an underwater landslide and tsunami that swept the coasts of Sumatra and Java, killing over 400 people and injuring thousands. In 2020, another eruption occurred without an associated tsunami. In May 2022, the volcano emitted an ash plume reaching over 2,500 m in altitude. The site remains under constant surveillance.

What to see and do

Climbing Anak Krakatoa

When volcanic activity permits, climbing Anak Krakatoa is allowed up to 180 meters above sea level. Beyond that, access is prohibited due to ground heat and the density of sulfurous fumaroles. The trail crosses solidified lava flows and pumice stone fields, witnesses to successive eruptions. Fumaroles and a low rumbling emanating from the crater mark the ascent.

Views of Rakata

From the southern part of Anak Krakatoa, views extend to the island of Rakata and its cone, the highest point of the archipelago and the most visible remnant of the original caldera.

Snorkeling

The shallow waters around the islands harbor coral reefs frequented by diverse marine fauna. Most day excursions include a snorkeling session after the walk on the cone.

Camping

It is possible to spend a night camping on certain islands of the archipelago, provided you go with an authorized operator. This option allows you to observe the activity of the cone at dusk.

Practical information

• A guide is mandatory for any excursion in the archipelago
• Climbing limited to 180 m altitude
• Volcanic activity is monitored: outings may be suspended without notice
• Bring closed-toe shoes, water, sun protection, and a dust mask
• Plan a full day departing from the west coast of Java

When to go

The region enjoys warm weather year-round. The dry season, from June to August, offers the best sea conditions and visibility for crossing the strait. The rainy season, from November to March, often complicates the boat crossing and may lead to cancellation of excursions.

How to get there

Excursions depart from Labuhan or Carita, two localities on the west coast of Java. From Jakarta, allow approximately 3 to 4 hours of travel to reach Carita or Labuhan, depending on traffic. The speedboat crossing to Anak Krakatoa then takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from the coast. Most travelers book an organized excursion that includes road transfer, boat, and guide.

More to see in the region

To further explore Indonesia's volcanic and island landscapes, several sites complement a visit to Krakatoa well:

• Galunggung volcano, to the west of Java, another active stratovolcano
• Balangan beach in Bali, for a beach getaway
• Bali Botanical Garden, rich in tropical flora

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Krakatoa naturally fits into an itinerary combining Java, Sumatra, or Bali. To create a customized stay and include this volcanic excursion, check our suggestions for travel in Indonésie.