Krakatoa, a volcano feared by inhabitants along the coasts of the Sunda Strait in Indonésie, is renowned for its cataclysmic 1883 eruption, one of the most violent in history. It made headlines again in 2018, after its tsunami claimed over 400 lives. Yet far from deterring adventurers, this untamed giant draws visitors each year seeking an extraordinary experience.

Location

Krakatoa sits at the heart of the Sunda Strait, equidistant from the coasts of Sumatra to the northwest and Java to the southeast. Serang, the nearest coastal city, lies 42 kilometers to the east. Some 160 kilometers further in the same direction sits Jakarta.

The Krakatoa archipelago is formed by the islands of Perboewatan, Danan, Rakata, and Anak Krakatoa, remnants of an immense caldera. It is administratively part of Lampung Province on the island of Sumatra.

History

Before 1883

Geological records reveal that Krakatoa experienced several major eruptions before 1883. One of the oldest and most notable is said to have occurred around 416 AD. According to Javanese chronicles, it triggered major climatic and geographical upheavals throughout the region.

Between major eruptions, Krakatoa experienced periods of moderate activity. During the 17th and 18th centuries, minor eruptions occurred sporadically, documented by European explorers mapping these islands and noting the volcano's intermittent activity, often marked by smoke emissions and low-magnitude eruptions.

In the late 17th century, efforts were made to establish a pepper plantation on Krakatoa, but the Dutch East India Company showed little interest in these islands.

The famous 1883 eruption

The first signs of an impending eruption appeared in May 1883, with explosions and ash emissions. On May 20, Krakatoa began continuously emitting smoke and ash. Locals were aware of the volcanic nature of the region, but the scale of the coming eruption was largely unpredictable.

On August 26, 1883, the volcano reached its climax. Explosions began in early afternoon and culminated on August 27 with a series of four apocalyptic blasts. The most powerful, equivalent to 13,000 Hiroshima bombs, was heard up to 4,800 km away, across much of Southeast Asia and Australia. This sound is often considered the loudest ever recorded in human history.

The explosions caused the collapse of most of Krakatoa island, generating massive tsunamis in the process. Waves reached heights of 30 meters and devastated the coasts of Java and Sumatra. Even Batavia (present-day Jakarta) was not spared by the tidal surge. The tsunamis produced shock waves that traveled across the Indian Ocean, Europe, and the United States. According to Dutch authorities, approximately 36,417 people perished, mainly from the tsunamis. This made it one of the deadliest catastrophes in history.

Moreover, the volcano injected enormous quantities of volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, reaching an altitude of 80 km. This dust formed a sulfate veil in the stratosphere, reducing sunlight and causing global climate shifts. Global temperatures dropped an average of 0.25°C the following year, a phenomenon known as "volcanic winter."

The particles suspended in the atmosphere also produced flaming sunsets and spectacular sunrises across the world. These luminous phenomena inspired many artists of the era, including Edvard Munch with The Scream in 1893.

The birth of Anak Krakatoa

The 1883 eruption virtually destroyed Krakatoa island, but it also gave rise to a new volcanic formation. In 1927, a new island called Anak Krakatoa ("the child of Krakatoa") emerged from the collapsed caldera. This volcano remains active and continues to grow.

Cultural impact

The Krakatoa eruption had a lasting impact on popular culture and science. It has inspired books, films, and scientific studies. It is often cited as an example of nature's destructive and transformative power.

Recent activity: the 2018 tsunami and the 2020 and 2022 eruptions

The volcano reminded the world of its power in December 2018. The eruption caused partial collapse of Anak Krakatoa's southwest flank and triggered an underwater landslide. Later, a devastating tsunami swept the coasts of Sumatra and Java. The death toll reached over 400 deaths and thousands injured.

Anak Krakatoa erupted again in 2020. The eruption was impressive. However, it did not trigger a tsunami as in 2018. Volcanic ash was dispersed by the winds. There were also no significant infrastructure damage or loss of life.

Krakatoa's latest notable activity dates to May 2022. Anak Krakatoa generated thick ash clouds reaching above 2,500 meters in altitude.

Discovering Krakatoa volcano

Climbing Anak Krakatoa

The Indonesian government does not ban visits to Krakatoa volcano. Tourists are even permitted to climb Anak Krakatoa. However, excursions must take place when volcanic activity permits.

Once on the island, you can take a walk across its slopes. Basaltic rocks form there with each eruption. Pumice stones also accumulate. As a result, the cone continues to grow over time. Currently, it rises above 300 meters. When its growth will end remains unknown.

You will see thick sulfur fumaroles during your visit. A dull rumbling from the crater will also reach your ears. You can traverse the island up to 180 meters above sea level, picking your way across the solidified lava that covers it. However, it is impossible to reach the summit due to the high heat and density of fumaroles. Yet being on this cone and witnessing these fumaroles is an attraction in itself.

Don't forget to head to the southern part of the island during your visit. There you'll enjoy a magnificent view of Rakata island and its majestic volcano, the highest point of the archipelago.

Snorkeling

A brief snorkeling session in the archipelago's waters is not to be missed after visiting Anak Krakatoa. Spectacular coral reefs, ranked among Indonesia's finest, await you. These reefs are home to magnificent multicolored fish. A must if you're passionate about snorkeling!

Camping on one of the archipelago's islands

Do you want to experience more of this wild and daunting place? Why not spend a night there? It is entirely possible to camp on one of the archipelago's islands. Take advantage of your adventure to discover the local flora and fauna!

Practical information

When to visit?

The Krakatoa region offers warm days year-round. The rainy season runs between November and March. The dry season, meanwhile, extends from June to August. This is the best time to visit the volcano.

To explore the Krakatoa archipelago, a guide is mandatory. Excursions depart from Labuhan or Carita, beach resorts located on the west coast of Java. These towns are accessible by car from Jakarta.