Kawah Putih: A Stunning Volcanic Crater Lake in West Java
Introduction
Kawah Putih, or the White Crater, is a breathtaking natural attraction located in Alam Endah Village, Rancabali District, Bandung Regency, West Java. Situated at the foot of Mount Patuha, this crater lake was formed by a volcanic eruption. The high sulfur content in the soil gives the surroundings a striking white color, while the lake itself exhibits a mesmerizing milky-green hue. Interestingly, the lake’s color changes depending on weather conditions, making each visit a unique experience.
Perched at an elevation of 2,194 meters above sea level, Kawah Putih spans a total area of 25 hectares, with 5 hectares allocated for tourism activities and the crater itself covering 3 hectares.
The History of Kawah Putih
The origins of Kawah Putih date back to the 10th century when a powerful eruption of Mount Patuha occurred. Following the eruption, local villagers noticed that birds flying over the area mysteriously fell dead. As a result, they believed that the region was haunted and avoided it for centuries.
In 1837, Dr. Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn, a Dutch-German botanist and geologist, arrived in West Java to cultivate quinine. Curious about the myths surrounding Mount Patuha, he ventured into the area, accompanied by local residents. Upon reaching the crater, he discovered that the strong sulfuric fumes were responsible for repelling birds and wildlife.
After this discovery, the colonial government established a sulfur mining operation named Zwavel Ontgining Kawah Putih. During the Japanese occupation, the facility was renamed Kawah Putih Kenzaka Gokoya Ciwidey. Despite its long-standing history, Kawah Putih only gained recognition as a tourist attraction in 1987 when the Indonesian government, under PT Perhutani Unit III West Java and Banten, officially opened it to the public.
Location and How to Get to Kawah Putih
Kawah Putih is located at Jalan Raya Ciwidey-Patengan Km 11, Lebakmuncang Ciwidey, Sugihmukti, Pasir Jambu District, Bandung, West Java 40972.
To access the crater, visitors must take an “ontang-anting,” a shuttle vehicle provided by the management, as private cars are not allowed to drive up to the crater.
Entrance Fees and Activities
According to Ciwidey Outbound, the following are the entrance fees for Kawah Putih:
- Local tourists: IDR 30,000 per person
- Foreign tourists: IDR 81,000 per person
- Combo ticket: IDR 74,000 per person (includes shuttle service, Sky Walk, Floating Bridge)
- Shuttle service (round trip): IDR 29,000
Additional attractions and activities include:
- Horse riding: IDR 50,000
- Archery: IDR 20,000
- Mini playground: IDR 20,000
- Sunan Ibu hill access: IDR 11,000
- Floating Bridge: IDR 15,000
- Professional photography: IDR 10,000
- Pre-wedding photoshoot: IDR 500,000
- Video recording/shooting: IDR 3,000,000
Parking fees:
- Motorcycles: IDR 8,000
- Cars: IDR 15,000
- Buses: IDR 43,000
Facilities
Kawah Putih offers various facilities to enhance visitors’ comfort, including public restrooms, prayer rooms (musala), food stalls, a spacious parking area, shuttle transportation, local guides, shelters, and Instagram-worthy photo spots.
Operating Hours
Kawah Putih is open daily from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
Attractions and Unique Features
Kawah Putih is renowned for its ethereal beauty and unique landscape. Some of its key attractions include:
1. The Crater Lake
The main highlight of Kawah Putih is its lake, which showcases a stunning mix of white, green, and blue hues. The lake is surrounded by white sand and sulfuric smoke, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The color of the water changes based on temperature, sulfur levels, and weather conditions.
2. Sunan Ibu Hill
Sunan Ibu is one of the surrounding hills that offers breathtaking views, especially at sunrise. From its peak, visitors can admire the serene landscape of the crater lake, framed by lush green forests.
3. Ponton Dock
Visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of Kawah Putih from Ponton Dock, a wooden platform extending over the lake. However, the dock can only accommodate a maximum of 30 people at a time.
4. Skywalk Cantigi
Another must-visit attraction is the Skywalk Cantigi, a 500-meter-long bamboo bridge suspended above the lush Cantigi Forest. The bridge follows the natural contours of the landscape, providing visitors with a thrilling yet picturesque walk leading up to Sunan Ibu Hill.
Conclusion
Kawah Putih is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Its mystical landscape, rich history, and well-maintained facilities make it one of the most captivating attractions in West Java. Whether you’re exploring the surreal crater lake, hiking up scenic trails, or capturing stunning photographs, Kawah Putih promises an unforgettable experience. Are you ready to explore this hidden gem?
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