Among the many attractions at Bandung, personally, I would highly recommend Kawah Putih as the must visit. Kawah Putih means white crater in English. And literally, this is the way it is. At first sight, I went “Wow”!
Background of Kawah Putih
Kawah Putih is 2,430 meters above sea level hence it may be chilling at times. It is a one of the 2 craters on Mount Patuha. The second one is dry. The lake is whitish due to the sulphur content, though sulphur is yellow in colour when solid. It is highly acidic as such it is not suitable to dip in the water. Kawah Putih has a mystical aura in the 19th century, as it is said that birds were not willing to fly over the lake while villagers regarded it as eerie and mysterious. No plant grew around the lake too. These prompted Dr Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn, a German botanist, to start researching the lake in 1837 till his death in Lembang at 1864.
Getting There
Besides the long travelling time, getting to Kawah Putih is no easy feat too. At Bandung, like any part of indonesia, there isn’t much public transport as such the best way getting there is either you rent a car and self drive or rent a car with driver. We opted for the latter as none of us in the group drives.
The travelling time is about 2 to 3 hours drive, depending on traffic condition, from Bandung City.
Getting Admission
Before getting up close to the White Crater, we arrived at the base to purchase our ticket for admission. There are different prices for local and foreigner. For Foreigner, each ticket costs IDR 50K while local pays IDR 18K. If you are getting into the park by car, pay an additional IDR 150K. Otherwise, you can go for the orange shuttle bus at IDR 15K per person. At the base, there are some toilet too, using them cost IDR 2K per person.
Once the tickets were purchased, we got back to the car and drove uphill for about 5 minutes. And we reached the carpark. Now we were one step closer to the magnificent view.
At the Door Step
Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask when entering Kawah Putih as the sulphur content is high. It might pose some health issue for visitors. You will notice a mask vendor by the side of the entrance. We didn’t get any as I always have masks in my bag, in case of polluted environment.
At The Crater
When I reached the flight of stairs leading to Kawah Putih, I sighted the crater and I went “Wow!”. The view was breathtaking. I couldn’t take my eyes off the crater while walking down the steps even though I know I need to watch my steps.
Both my camera, including my mobile phone, went clicking non-stop. I just want to capture every angle of the crater though I know it is not realistic.
Visitors may also spot thermal gas emitting from the ground.
Finally, time for some #ootd! It is a place great for ootd shots.
NAHMJ Verdict
We felt that Kawah Putih is certainly a must visit at Bandung. Don’t miss out on this nature gem.
Kawah Putih
Jl. Raya Soreang Ciwidey, Ciwidey, Bandung, Jawa Barat 40973, Indonesia
Tel: +62 812 2345 6911
Website: http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/point-of-interest/kawah-putih
Opening Hours
Daily 0800 to 1700
Entrance Fee
Local: IDR 18K, Foreigner: IDR 50K
Car: IDR 150K, Bus: IDR 500K
Shuttle Bus: IDR 15K
Getting There
By Car:
- Either rent a car for self drive or rent a car with driver
By Public Transport:
- Start from Leuwi Panjang Bus Terminal, take the Ciwidey bus (IDR 6000) –> Then an angkot (minibus) to the entrance to Kawah Putih (IDR 7500)
Surrounding Attractions
Situ Patengan
Strawberry Farm
Cimanggu Hot Spring
Lunch Option
Saung Gawir Bungalow & Resto Ciwidey
Rumah Makan Emte Highland Resort
Kampoeng Strawberry Bungalow dan Restoran