CopiPanas

Two Days Trip To Krakatau

By Ludy Andria
March 13-14, 2010

This trip is actually not CopiPanas’ lead hiking event. However, I think my experience visiting Krakatau early this year is worth sharing.

I was offered this journey by a fellow co-worker who arranged a two days – one night trip to Krakatau Island. There are 10 of us who are mostly visiting friends from Houston on their business trip to Jakarta. It cost each of us Rp. 1.25 millions, which includes speed boat ride from Carita, camping equipments (tents and sleeping bag), and 3 meals. The trip is organized by Iyan from Krakatau Tour. For more detail information, please visit their website on krakatautour.com.

We left Jakarta around 11.00 and arrived in Carita at 2.00 PM by cars (not included on trip cost). We immediately load up our gears into 2 speed boats which carry us and another 8 trip guides (incl. boat’s captains, cooks and porters). We brought 2 large ice chests full of soft and ‘hard’ drinks. First meal of nasi goreng was served when we’re onboard.

We sailed NW direction and took about 1 hour to reach the Krakatau Islands complex. The weather was good with almost flat water and sunshine. There was a little worry when we saw clouds from behind Krakatau Island, but later on we found no rain throughout our journey.

We sailed in slowly between two islands of Rakata and Rakata Kecil when approaching to Anak Krakatau Volcano. The view is somewhat breathtaking. It seem like we were entering the belly of a giant volcano.

When the main body of Krakatau erupted in 1883, most of the island was disappeared and left only 3 small islands, they are the Sertung Island and 2 islands mentioned above. Since then, slowly the Anak Krakatau re-appears from the middle of this group of islands, and now standing about 600 M above sea level.

 The boats were closing in to Anak Krakatau and sailed around to its west flank. From a closer look, steamed crest of sandy peak with several new craters and newly formed lava flow down to water line proved that this is a very active volcano.

As we go around to the east flank, things are looked very different. There are a lot of trees with black sandy beach. We saw a group of 5 tents with a boat have set up their camp site. We went further 300 M before we land, and set up our own.

The guides and porters immediately clean up the area, set up tents, and preparing cook area. We decided to climb the volcano that afternoon. It was 4.00 PM, but the sun is still shining very hot. Lead by a guide, we followed a trail to the top. The guide have reminded us that it might not be possible to reach the crest since the volcano just spewing hot sands and dust 2 weeks ago.

After 1 hour hiking in a steaming hot sun and sands, we reached a saddle area, about half way to the crest. From here, Anak Krakatau peak is standing majestically before us. The view down is even more beautiful looking at the surrounding islands and deep blue sea.

The guide refused to continue climbing since the ground is still too hot. Some of us try to continue, but return back after few hundreds meters. It was too hot and the smell of the sulfur was just too strong. So, we decided to hang around to enjoy the view. The sun has disappeared behind the volcano and made the air much cooler.

We had down to campsite before dark, and spent sometimes swimming by the beach. The water was refreshing after having a hot climb. The cooks were preparing big meals for that night. We had bbq fish, shrimps, salads and lots water melon for dessert. Thumbs up for the cook.

The night was clear with a slow blowing wind. It was a nice breeze, so couple of us decided to sleep on the beach, and just lay on the sleeping bag by the fire place.

The morning light was as beautiful as expected in any other outdoor places. We spent easy time by walking on the beach or swimming. After tasty omelets cheese breakfast, we sailed to near by corals. We spent about an hour snorkeling and enjoying beautiful sea creatures. It is as beautiful as coral I saw in Gili Trawangan.

Around 10.00 AM, we were heading back to Carita and continue drove back to Jakarta.
 

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