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Krakatoa Island and Volcano in Indonesia

Visit one of the most deadly volcanoes in the world while it's still in a peaceful state

Best time: May–October

Krakatoa Island and Volcano
Krakatoa Island and Volcano

Krakatoa is an island located in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra. It became famous after a massive volcano eruption in 1883, which is considered to be one of the most violent ever. The eruption was equivalent to 200 megatons of TNT and ejected approximately 25km3 of stone. It was even heard in Australia and near Mauritius. As a result,165 towns were ruined and more than 35,000 people died. The eruption destroyed almost the entire island of Krakatoa. In 1927, a new island called Anak Krakatau, was formed from the volcanic activity. Small eruptions take place here frequently, with some of them having been recorded in 2011 and 2012.

The island attracts many hikers and can easily be reached by boat or ferry from Pulau Sebesi. Snorkelling, hiking and camping are possible on the island.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, May to October. However, July and August can get quite crowded due to school holidays.

Practical info

What are some facts about Krakatoa Island and Volcano?

Krakatoa Island is a famous island located in the Sunda Strait, known for the massive volcano eruption it experienced in 1883. The earthquake was equivalent to 200 megatons of TNT and expelled approximately 25km3 of stone. It brought about one of the most violent eruptions in history, with almost the entire island destroyed. Subsequently, a new island named Anak Krakatau was formed from the volcanic activity that took place. Show more

Which year did the Krakatoa volcano eruption take place?

The year was 1883 when a massive explosion occurred on the Krakatoa volcano. The eruption was among the most violent ever recorded, and it had numerous consequences. For one, it led to the death of over 35,000 people after triggering a destructive tsunami in the coastal regions of Java and Sumatra. Additionally, the explosion was loudly heard in Australia and near Mauritius. Show more

What is the easiest way to access Krakatoa Island from Java or Sumatra?

Visitors can travel to Krakatoa Island by taking a boat or ferry from Pulau Sebesi, which is just 24 km away from the island. To reach Pulau Sebesi, visitors can access a boat from the small town of Kalianda located in Sumatra. Tourists can also access Kalianda from Jakarta by bus, car or plane. Additionally, visitors can opt to take a ferry from Anyer, situated on the West coast of Java. Show more

What kind of activities are tourists allowed to do while on the island?

Krakatoa Island provides various activities that tourists can participate in, such as camping, hiking, and snorkeling. For hikers, the island's natural scenery offers a beautiful view of the Sunda Strait as they ascend to the peak of the volcano. Additionally, the waters surrounding the island provide an opportunity for visitors to go snorkeling and see the diverse aquatic life. Lastly, visitors set up camp and marvel at the beautiful panorama of the Milky Way galaxy. Show more

When is the most suitable period to plan for a visit to Krakatoa Island and Volcano?

The most suitable timeframe for a visit to Krakatoa Island and Volcano is from May to October, which is the dry season. Visitors are likely to have favorable weather conditions, making it perfect for outdoor activities. However, the months of July and August can get crowded during school holidays, leading to sub-optimal experiences. Therefore, planning the visit while keeping in mind the weather and crowd is advisable. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin