Mount Patuha Mountain
Stratovolcano featuring the white crater lake Kawah Putih
West Java's Mount Patuha is known for the Kawah Putih crater lake and nearby tea plantations; tourists visit for the otherworldly pale-green lake, short hikes and photography amid plantation landscapes.
Mount Patuha at a Glance#
About Mount Patuha#
Mount Patuha is a stratovolcano in West Java, Indonesia, located in the Ciwidey area south of Bandung and known for the crater lake Kawah Putih.
The mountain’s primary attraction is the Kawah Putih crater lake, whose pale turquoise to whitish water and surrounding mineral deposits create a distinctive appearance; boardwalks and a small visitor area provide close views. The immediate surroundings include short walking routes and photo viewpoints suitable for day visitors.
The crater lake occupies the summit depression created by past volcanic activity and is maintained by ongoing fumarolic and hydrothermal processes rather than a permanent inflow of fresh water.
The peak sits in the volcanic highlands of southern West Java, roughly 50 kilometers south of Bandung and accessible by road via the Ciwidey district.
- Proximity to Bandung: Located in the Ciwidey highlands approximately 50 kilometers south of Bandung, the site is a common day-trip from the city.
- Sulfur and safety: The lake is acidic and emits sulfur gas, so wind direction can make the area smoky and visibility variable; keep to marked paths for safety.
What to See#
- Kawah Putih (Crater Lake): A hydrothermal crater lake on the mountain’s summit, noted for its milky turquoise to pale-white water and visible sulfur fumes; a boardwalk and viewing area allow visitor access around the shore.
How to Get to Mount Patuha#
From Bandung, take the main road toward Ciwidey and follow local signs to Kawah Putih and Patuha; travel time is about 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Local tour operators run day trips from Bandung.
Tips for Visiting Mount Patuha#
- Visit Kawah Putih (a neighbouring crater lake) early in the day to avoid crowds and the thickening fog.
- Patuha can be reached via Bandung; local drivers know the narrow mountain roads best.
- Bring a light jacket-the crater lake areas can be cool and misty even in the dry season.
Best Time to Visit Mount Patuha#
Dry months give the best access to crater lakes and viewpoints; expect fog and cool temperatures near crater rims.
Weather & Climate near Mount Patuha#
Mount Patuha's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 8°C to 17°C. Heavy rainfall (3368 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 10° - 17° | 13° | 461 mm | overcast | 90% | 1.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Acceptable | 9° - 17° | 13° | 416 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| March | Acceptable | 10° - 17° | 13° | 443 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 10° - 17° | 13° | 342 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 10° - 17° | 14° | 242 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 2.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| June | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 2.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| July | Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Very Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 99 mm | some cloud | 86% | 2.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| September | Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 121 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Acceptable | 9° - 17° | 13° | 242 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Acceptable | 10° - 17° | 13° | 369 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| December | Acceptable | 9° - 17° | 13° | 430 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
