Anak Krakatoa at a Glance
About Anak Krakatoa
Anak Krakatoa is a volcanic island in the Sunda Strait, Lampung province, Indonesia, that emerged from the Krakatoa caldera in 1927 and has been intermittently active since. It occupies a position between the islands of Java and Sumatra and is part of the Sunda volcanic arc.
The island is a steep volcanic cone with frequently changing shorelines and active vents; it is typically observed from boats or aircraft rather than visited on foot due to unstable terrain and ongoing risk. A major eruptive event and partial flank collapse in December 2018 produced a tsunami in the surrounding coastlines and significantly altered the island’s summit and coastline.
Anak Krakatoa arose from the sea after the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Krakatoa and has been a site of repeated eruptive episodes through the 20th and 21st centuries, building and sometimes losing volcanic mass in successive eruptions. Monitoring by Indonesian volcanic authorities remains active due to its persistent activity.
The island sits in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra in western Indonesia; the nearest large administrative centre is Bandar Lampung on Sumatra’s southern coast, and access is normally by boat from nearby ports.
- Access and safety: The island is active and conditions change rapidly; close approaches by boat are sometimes prohibited for safety following eruptive activity.
- Origins: Formed within the caldera produced by the 1883 Krakatoa eruption, it rose above sea level and has been growing intermittently since its first emergence in 1927.
Nearby Attractions to Anak Krakatoa
Best Time to Visit Anak Krakatoa
If attempting to view Anak Krakatoa from a distance, the dry season (April-October) usually offers calmer seas and better access-but always verify local safety notices due to volcanic activity.
Weather & Climate near Anak Krakatoa
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2653 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 329 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| February | Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 289 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.2h |
| March | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 266 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 24° - 30° | 31° | 225 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 193 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| June | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 146 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| July | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 111 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| August | Excellent | 23° - 30° | 26° | 122 mm | some cloud | 77% | 3.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| September | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 144 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 215 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 300 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| December | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 313 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
How to Get to Anak Krakatoa
Anak Krakatoa is an island volcano in the Sunda Strait and has no regular land access - it is reached only by boat. Charter boats and organised tour boats depart from West Java ports such as Carita/Anyer and from Lampung/Kalianda on Sumatra; schedules and crossing times vary and sea conditions can make access difficult. There are no roads or public transport onto the volcano itself.
Tips for Visiting Anak Krakatoa
- Do not attempt an independent landing; approach Anak Krakatoa only with an organized boat tour and follow local authorities - landings are often prohibited and conditions can change rapidly due to volcanic activity.
- Check the Indonesian volcanological agency (PVMBG) alert level and recent activity reports before booking any trip; operators will cancel or alter routes when the volcano is active.
- Plan sea-viewing trips for early morning when the water is usually calmer and visibility is better, and make sure your operator keeps a safe standoff distance rather than attempting to go ashore.
