Kawah Putih: Visiting West Java’s White Crater on a day trip from Bandung

The White Crater in West Java is a volcanic crater lake that is mystical, charming, and a total enchantment for locals and tourists visiting Indonesia

Being one of the two craters of Mt. Patuha, Kawah Putih (a name that literally translates to White Crater) is situated near the small town of Ciwidey. The White Crater is located about 2-3 hours away from Bandung, about 50 kilometers south of the city. Time wise it may take longer mainly because of the traffic in Bandung city before reaching the hilly terrain towards the crater that is located 2430 metres above sea level. Being a highly acidic lake with a pH of 0.5-1.3 that fills the dormant volcanic crater, you’ll witness its colour change from a turquoise hue to whitish green depending on the concentration of sulphur, temperature, oxidation state, and sunlight reflection.

🚀 How to get to Bandung and the White Crater?

First step: Reach Bandung! Depending on where you are located, you can either catch a flight to Bandung, take a train, or drive there. We were based in Jakarta, so we chose to hop on the KAI train to escape the traffic. We boarded the train from Jakarta’s Gambir station at 5am and reached Bandung by 9am. The ticket cost us IDR 110,000 (USD 7.9) per person for an economy class reservation.

Second step: Rent a bike! Once we reached Bandung station, we rented a Honda Vario 150cc bike for IDR 110,000 (USD 7.9) from RifTrans Rental Motor Bandung. After completing the rental formalities and paper work, we were soon on our way to the White Crater. If renting a bike isn’t a feasible option, one can drive there or hire a car with a driver for IDR 400,000 (USD 28.5) for 12 hours.

Alternatively, there are public transport options available, though they are not as time efficient as driving your own vehicle. If you opt to go to Kawah Putih by public transport which takes about 3 hours one way, you’ll have to hop into three angkots (mini shuttle vans on a shared basis). We suggest starting out at 9am from Bandung city and leaving the White Crater by 2pm when choosing this option.

• 1️⃣ Reach the Kalapa Terminal from central Bandung in the green Kalapa–Dago angkot (IDR 5,000 – USD 0.4)
• 2️⃣ Take the yellow Kalapa–Cibaduyut angkot to Leuwi Panjang Terminal (IDR 5,000 – USD 0.4)
• 3️⃣ Take an angkot to Ciwidey (IDR 10,000 – USD 0.8)
• 4️⃣ Finally, hop into the yellow Ciwidey–Patenggang angkot that will drop you near Kawah Putih (IDR 10,000 – USD 0.8)

🚀 Stop at Happy Farm in Ciwidey

Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore multiple unique spots on the way to the White Crater, such as gorgeous rice fields, emerald tea plantations, hot springs, and Happy Farm. This was a highlight during our trip, when we reached Ciwidey after about 1.5 hours into the journey having covered 40km distance. We indulged in some lovely farmland fun tasting fresh milk available in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavours while also having lunch at the restaurant offering fabulous countryside views. The garden in the vicinity was lovely and the place offered many cute little activities to do such as:

• Feeding carrots to the sheep – IDR 10,000 (USD 0.8)
• Playing with the rabbits – IDR 15,000 (USD 1.2)
• Pony ride for kids – IDR 25,000 (USD 1.8)
• Giving milk to the baby cows – IDR 20,000 (USD 1.4)

🚀 Reaching the White Crater

We continued our journey for another 9.5km riding through the windy uphill slopes for 50 minutes before turning left into the White Crater parking arena. We paid IDR 5,000 (USD 0.4) for parking and deposited our helmets (IDR 5,000 each). We were also offered to buy face masks for IDR 5,000 (USD 0.4) each, something that was needed at the crater lake and something you can bring with you if you’re well-prepared.

At the ticket counter, we purchased our entry passes.

• 🎫 White Crater entrance ticket costs IDR 20,000 (USD 1.4) per person for locals
• 🎫 White Crater entrance ticket costs IDR 50,000 (USD 3.5) for foreigners
• 🎫 Shuttle bus ride (ontang anting) to the upper entrance of the crater lake costs IDR 15,000 (USD 1.2) per person for a return journey. The vehicle brings you 5km through a paved uphill road through the forest to the rim at the top. You have to queue up and wait for the bus to be filled with 12 people before the ride commences.
• Note: Motorbikes are not allowed to ride up. Only cars are allowed and a parking fee of IDR 150,000 (USD 10.6) is applicable once you reach the top.

Once you walk down the steps, you’ll start sniffing the ubiquitous smell of sulphur. The colour of the lake will enchant you, but you are advised to not stay longer than 15 minutes down there.

While the smell of the sulphur may dissuade you to stay longer to take in the beauty of this geographical wonder, it’s a phenomenon worth witnessing in real life! Take heaps of photos because the place is exquisite, but also appreciate the fact that you’re able to dream, explore and discover the awesomeness of this beautiful planet 🌏

Visit the White Crater for an absolute surreal experience from Bandung city! And learn more about another gem in Indonesia, the Ijen Crater in East Java right here! 🇮🇩