White Paradise in Tatar Sunda : White Crater , Ciwidey

When you think of Bandung is only a densely populated city, congestion on city streets, shopping malls and night entertainment that is quite expensive, then you are wrong! Bandung like a “paradise” that is hidden on the island of Java. Beautiful natural panorama stretching across Parahiangan. One of them …. Kawah Putih (White Crater), Ciwidey, South Bandung.

White Crater is located in Bandung District, Ciwidey. White Crater is a crater lake of Mount Patuha with a height of 2434 meters above sea level with temperatures between 8-22 ° C. At the top Patuha Crater, there’s Kawah Saat (Saat Crater), “saat” mean low tide in Bahasa Sunda, which is in the west and beneath White Crater with a height of 2194 meters above sea level. Both craters were formed by the eruption that occurred at about X and XII centuries ago. White crater is located about 46 km from the city of Bandung or 35 km from the capital, Bandung regency, Soreang, toward Ciwidey.

White crater itself was invented by a German-born Dutch botanist researcher, Dr. Junghuhn Franz Wilhelm (1809-1864) who conducted research in this area. As a scientist, Junghuhn simply do not trust the stories the local community. As he traveled through the wilderness study Patuha, he finally found a beautiful crater lake. Like a volcanic crater, from the lake bursts out of gas and sulfur lava flow, with a pierced nose smells. From this it was revealed that a very high sulfur content that is what causes the birds are reluctant to fly across the top surface of the White Crater’s lake.

White Crater’s lake has distinctive features and unique characteristics. The water in the crater lake may change color, sometimes colored bluish green apple when the hot sun and fine weather, sometimes also the color of milk chocolate. Most often seen in white water is thick with fog over the crater surface. In addition to the crater surface is white, sand and rocks around it were dominated by white color, hence the crater is called White Crater.

To get there, visitors from Jakarta to pass through toll Cipularang continue heading toward the exit toll Kopo Soreang southwards to the town Ciwidey. Approximately 20-30 minutes from town Ciwidey visible sign of entry into the tourist entrance White crater that is to the left of the road. To get to the White crater from the entrance gate area attractions crater White suggested using the vehicle, do not walk away because the road is slightly uphill and quite a distance, that is about 5.6 km or about 10-15 minutes drive. Personal vehicles may indirectly towards the available parking area not far from the crater. While visitors with a large entourage that use bus or public transport can use a special vehicle in the parking area (ojeg or wagon) near the entrance gate to reach the crater from the entrance. Small road conditions and the uphill is not possible to pass a big bus type vehicle or medium. Along the small road, on either side of the road you will find a bunch of edelweiss flower, which is much grown in the highlands and cold.

Public transport to Ciwidey from Bandung can be found in Leuwi Panjang Terminal or Kebon Kalapa Terminal. Having arrived in Ciwidey then proceed using the rural transportation purposes Situ Patenggang. Rural transport that led to this Situ Patenggang crossed attractions in the area of strawberry plantation, White Crater, Ranca Upas, & hot water pools Cimanggu. To be able to explore and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the area Ciwidey and it’s not enough just for one day. And do not forget to bring your warm clothes! 🙂