Gunung Krakatau
Volcano Volcanic island famous for 1883 catastrophic eruption
Volcanic island in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia. Site of the catastrophic 1883 eruption, now dominated by the younger Anak Krakatau; the area is accessed by boat for offshore views, though activity advisories and safety restrictions apply.
Krakatau (Krakatoa) is a volcanic island group in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, Indonesia. The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa was an enormous explosive event that destroyed much of the island complex and generated global atmospheric effects.
A new volcanic cone, Anak Krakatau (the ‘child of Krakatoa’), emerged on the caldera floor in 1927 and grew through repeated eruptions in the 20th and 21st centuries. In December 2018 a partial flank collapse and eruption of Anak Krakatau triggered a tsunami that struck coasts around the Sunda Strait.
The archipelago lies in the central Sunda Strait and is subject to maritime approach restrictions; visits by boat are possible but commonly regulated because of ongoing volcanic hazards.
- 1883 eruption and Anak Krakatau: The 1883 Krakatoa eruption was one of the largest volcanic explosions in recorded history; Anak Krakatau ('child of Krakatoa') formed in 1927 on the caldera floor and has been volcanically active since.
- 2018 tsunami event: A 2018 flank collapse and eruption of Anak Krakatau generated a tsunami in the Sunda Strait with widespread coastal impacts on Java and Sumatra.
How to Get to Gunung Krakatau #
Krakatau (Krakatoa) lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. The usual way to visit is by boat from the western Java coast - common departure points are the tourist ports at Anyer or Carita (Banten) or from Lampung on Sumatra. From Jakarta it’s typically a 2-3 hour drive west/southwest to the Anyer/Carita area where day‑boat tours to Krakatau depart.
Boat tours vary in length and stop at Anak Krakatau for viewing; plan for a sea transfer of a few hours each way. There is no direct public rail service to the island; arrange an organized boat trip from the mainland ports listed above.
Tips for Visiting Gunung Krakatau #
- Book an early-morning boat from Carita (Banten) or Kalianda (Lampung) when seas are typically calmer-operators run tours into the Sunda Strait from both sides.
- Check the volcano's activity status before you go: landings on Anak Krakatau are frequently prohibited after the 2018 events, so plan to view from a safe distance and only use licensed operators.
- Ask your skipper to include viewpoints on both the Banten and Lampung sides of the strait for fuller caldera perspectives; binoculars help spot remnant islands and seabirds.
Best Time to Visit Gunung Krakatau #
Visit during the dry season (May-September) for the most reliable boat access, calmer seas and clearer conditions for viewing the volcanic islands.
Weather & Climate near Gunung Krakatau #
Gunung Krakatau's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2653 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (329 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (289 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (266 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (225 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (193 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (122 mm).
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (215 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (300 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (313 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
