Krakatoa gained worldwide attention in 1883—not for its beauty, but for an eruption with the force of a 200-megaton bomb. The disaster killed more than 36,000 people and cooled the entire Earth, lowering the average global temperature by around 0.6°C for several months. The volcanic ash from Krakatoa was not only felt across Asia, but reached as far as Australia, Africa, Norway, New York, and several European countries.
The sound of the eruption traveled across more than 10% of the Earth’s surface. A series of massive tsunamis followed, spreading as far as Hawaii and South America. It’s no coincidence that Indonesia is called the “Ring of Fire,” as it sits at the meeting point of three major tectonic plates—making it a region with many active volcanoes (around 127) and frequent earthquakes.
In 2018, I had the chance to visit Anak Krakatau, the child island formed by later eruptions that created a new volcanic cone. And did you know? Just five months after my trip, another explosive eruption occurred—this time releasing lava.
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Journey to Anak Krakatau
Anak Krakatau, located in Lampung, Indonesia, is surrounded by beautiful islands. One you shouldn’t miss is Sebesi Island and my personal favorite, Sebuku. The coral reefs here are truly stunning. Ongoing volcanic activity continually reshapes the seabed, making the corals look vibrant and alive, even revealing rare colors like purple and crystal blue that you don’t often find elsewhere.
Of course, I also wanted to see Anak Krakatau up close—a remnant of one of the largest geological events in world history. So naturally, it became a must-visit on my bucket list! The journey began at Merak Port, Lampung, with a ferry ride to Bakauheni. From there, you can rent a car and continue to Canti Port. If you’re flying, you can depart from Jakarta and choose Radin Inten II Airport as your destination.
Your journey to Krakatau officially begins from Canti Port. If you’re tired, it’s better to book a place to rest first. After that, take a small boat that will bring you to Anak Krakatau Island. I stayed on Umang Island. When I visited, accommodation options were very limited, and electricity around Krakatau was only available in small amounts. But things are very different now—you’ll find many resorts with better amenities, and some accommodations even offer open-trip packages to make your travel easier.
Island Hopping: Sebuku, Sebesi, and Sertung
Besides Krakatau, Sebuku Island is another highlight of this region. The island is uninhabited, and in my opinion, that’s exactly what keeps the snorkeling spots so pristine—like places untouched by the crowds. Although Sebuku’s underwater world is breathtaking, you should know that there are many jellyfish around the main snorkeling area. They’re not poisonous, but they do sting a bit when you swim through them.
Since Sebuku is uninhabited, it’s essential for travelers to be accompanied by local guides to avoid risks and unsafe areas. Nearby, there’s Sebesi Island, another popular destination close to Anak Krakatau. It’s known for its stunning sunset spots—perfect for photography enthusiasts eager to capture the best golden-hour light. Just like Sebuku, you can also enjoy snorkeling and diving around Sebesi.
We took a short break, spending the night enjoying grilled seafood prepared by our guide. The fish was incredibly fresh, taken straight from the sea. If you’re lucky, your guide might even bring you fresh young coconuts to enjoy. The next morning, we continued our trip to Sertung Island, where you can get a close view of Anak Krakatau. To reach the best viewpoint, we had to hike for several hours—a tiring trek that requires good physical condition. That’s why getting enough rest is so important!
Finally Seeing Anak Krakatau from Sertung Island!
My friends and I boarded a boat to Sertung Island. The island appeared dry, small, and uninhabited. Interestingly, Sertung itself was formed by past eruptions of Krakatau. It doesn’t offer picturesque beaches, but instead a rare opportunity to witness the power and presence of Anak Krakatau up close.
To get the best view, we had to hike to the top of Sertung. The trail wasn’t too difficult, but there was one section with loose soil that easily crumbled, making it exhausting as our steps kept slipping downward. It took me about an hour to complete the climb. Once we reached a point level with Anak Krakatau’s height, we paused to rest and capture the breathtaking scenery before us.
When I visited, Anak Krakatau wasn’t actively erupting, but it was surrounded by thick clouds that created a dramatic atmosphere. Strangely enough, the hike felt hot and sunny, yet the summit was darker and noticeably cooler. Seeing Anak Krakatau so close stirred a sense of awe that’s difficult to put into words—despite being much smaller than the original Krakatau, the volcano still carries a quiet but undeniable power.
In fact, just five months after this trip, Anak Krakatau erupted again, triggering a landslide. That landslide generated a tsunami and opened up its crater. I feel incredibly lucky to have seen Anak Krakatau at that moment in time, because since the most recent eruption, the volcano’s height has continued to decrease. Someday, there may no longer be any visible trace of the original 1883 Krakatau—whether it forms yet another small island or gradually collapses back into the sea.
The journey to Krakatau may not be long, but what I saw and felt there left a lasting impression, making me truly grateful to have witnessed it.
Travel Cost Summary: Anak Krakatau
| Item | Price |
| *Flight ticket from Jakarta to Lampung | IDR800,000 |
| Ferry ticket to Bakauheni | IDR100,000 – 200,000 |
| Hotel near Canti Port | IDR500,000 – 1,000,000 |
| *Open trip island hopping around Krakatau | IDR500,000 – 1,000,000 |
*If you choose to travel to Lampung by plane, you can fly from Jakarta and arrive at Radin Inten II Airport.
*It’s best to book your open trip well in advance to secure your spot and get the best arrangements.
Some of the open-trip providers listed below can be great recommendations for your visit:
- Krakatau Trail
Contact: +62 813 5754 2146
Website: krakatautrail.com - Haraduta
Contact: +62 811 144 089
Website: haraduta.com - Krakatoa Tour
Contact: +62 8521 644 8250
Website: krakatoatour.com
For more detailed information, you can contact the numbers above before making a booking.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or simply breathtaking views, a trip to Krakatau offers an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after you return home.
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