Kawah Putih (White Crater)

The Basics

There’s an admission fee for foreigners and a smaller ticket charge for locals at Kawah Putih, plus a small additional charge if you’d like to stroll out along the jetty to take pictures.

Kawah Putih tours depart from Bandung and typically include other nearby attractions, such as strawberry farms, tea plantations, waterfalls, and lakes, to make up a complete day trip. While you don’t need to join a tour to visit, West Java’s heavy traffic makes tours an appealing option.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A must for photographers, Kawah Putih is one of West Java’s most striking natural attractions.

• The lake sits at around 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level and can get cool. Bring a jacket.

• Vendors sell masks against sulfur fumes, which can become overpowering under certain conditions.

• Kawah Putih is much more acid than either lemon juice or vinegar. Don’t even think about dipping in a toe to test the waters.

How to Get There

About 9 miles (15 kilometers) south of the market town of Ciwidey, or 36 miles (58 kilometers) south of Bandung, Kawah Putih is fiddly to reach by public transport, requiring no fewer than four separate minibuses from Bandung. A tour is a good way to ensure the traffic-clogged roads are not your problem.

When to Get There

On weekends, it can feel as though the entire population of Bandung—all 2.5 million of them—has descended on Kawah Putih to snap selfies. Visit during the week for better traffic, people-free pictures, and a more relaxing experience all round. The lake can be particularly atmospheric early in the day.

The Colored Crater Lakes of Indonesia

Kawah Putih is one of Indonesia’s most famous colored crater lakes. Others include the three multicolored lakes at Kelimutu on Flores, and the jade green Kawah Ijen in East Java. The lakes change color as their chemical composition changes, depending on the concentration of sulfur, the involvement of oxygen, and the water temperature.

Is Kawah Putih active?

No. Kawah Putih is stable. Even though it's a volcanic lake, there hasn't been any record of significant activity since the 17th century. As the name suggests, Kawah Putih (or White Crater) contains surreal turquoise-colored water that's almost a pale white color. The water is too acidic for swimming.

Is Kawah Putih worth visiting?

Yes. Since Kawah Putih first opened to visitors in 1987, it’s become a favorite destination for tourists and day-trippers from Bandung, in part because of its eerie atmosphere and the tree-lined cliffs that make a dramatic backdrop. But the strong smell of sulfur prevents visitors from staying too long.

What is the meaning of Kawah Putih?

Kawah Putih means white crater in English. The crater lake, located south of Bandung in West Java in Indonesia, is filled with pale bluish-green colored water that verges on milky white. Travelers come to see the unique, eerie lake and its surroundings, which are also white due to acid contact.

How do you get from Bandung to Kawah Putih?

Located about 36 miles (58 kilometers) south of Bandung, Kawah Putih is tricky to reach via public transport, requiring no fewer than four separate minibusses from Bandung. A tour from Bandung is the best way to visit, as it allows you to avoid navigating the congested streets on your own.

What is the best time of year to visit Kawah Putih?

The dry season of May–November is the best time to visit—if it rains, you might not be allowed to visit the crater. Visit first thing in the morning (around 6am) for fewer people. Expect crowds on the weekends and holidays. June and July are busy months due to school vacations.

Can you go to Kawah Putih on your own?

Yes. From Bandung to Kawah Putih, it's usually a 2-hour drive along mountain roads that are often congested. That’s why most travelers prefer to book a guided group or private tour with roundtrip transportation to visit Kawah Putih. Most guided tour prices include the entrance fee to the crater.