Kawah Putih Crater Lake in Bandung

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Kawah Putih, the White Crater, is a lake inside a crater of Mount Patuha, about 40 to 50 kilometres south of Bandung near Ciwidey. It sits more than 2,000 metres up. The water is very acidic and changes colour with the weather and the sulphur, from milky white to pale green or blue-grey. White rock and sand circle the shore, and dead trees stand along the edge. It has been open to visitors since 1987 and is one of the most photographed places in West Java.

The lake

From the parking area at the top, a short walk leads down to the shore. The whole crater opens up in front of you: still, pale water, white banks, steep grey walls and thin mist over the surface. The colour is never the same twice. In bright sun it can look bright green. On a cloudy day it turns soft grey and almost silver. A wooden boardwalk and pier let you walk out a little over the water. There is no swimming and no boating, because the water is strongly acidic. Just walk, look and take photos.

Sulphur and cold

The air smells strongly of sulphur, like boiled eggs. Most visitors stay 15 to 30 minutes at the shore, then go back up. Staff may ask you not to stay too long. Masks are sold at the entrance and are a good idea. People with breathing problems should be careful. Because of the height, the crater is cold, often around 10 to 15 degrees, and wind and fog can arrive suddenly. Bring a warm layer even when Bandung is warm. Rain can make the path slippery, so wear closed shoes.

Getting up the mountain

The entrance gate is on the Ciwidey to Rancabali road. From the gate, a narrow road climbs through forest to the crater. Visitors usually leave their car at the lower parking and ride a small park shuttle van to the top. In many cases you can also drive your own car up for an extra fee, but check the rules on the day. From central Bandung the drive takes about 2 hours, and more on weekends, because the roads through Soreang and Ciwidey are busy and slow.

Combine it with the south

Kawah Putih is the start of a good day in the southern highlands. Nearby are the Rancabali tea plantations, the lake of Situ Patenggang, hot spring pools and camping and deer park areas such as Ranca Upas. Many people stay a night in a mountain lodge or glamping site to avoid driving back in the dark. If you only have one day, leave Bandung very early, see the crater first while the sky is clear, then drive through the tea hills in the afternoon. Avoid Sundays and public holidays if you can.

Kawah Putih Crater Lake at a glance

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