Anak Krakatoa: A Personal Journey to a Volcanic Island
As a newcomer to Jakarta, Indonesia, I found myself with a unique opportunity to explore the country. My company had sent me and some colleagues to our head office for three months, giving me plenty of time to discover the tourist destinations around the capital.
Soon after arriving, a friend told me about a trip to Anak Krakatoa, the legendary “Child of Krakatoa” volcano. Unfortunately, the trip was fully booked. But when he returned, he couldn’t stop talking about how much fun it was. He described the breathtaking landscapes of Krakatoa, the classic island scenery of the Indonesian archipelago, and the amazing underwater views. His stories immediately inspired me to plan my own trip.
The Journey Begins: From Jakarta to Merak
I booked a three-day, two-night backpacking trip to Krakatoa from April 27th to 29th. Our group agreed to meet at Merak Port in Banten at 10:00 PM. Once everyone was there, we boarded a ferry to Bakauheni Port in Lampung at 1:00 AM. The crossing took about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the weather. Since it was late and we were already tired from the long journey from Jakarta to Banten, I couldn’t fully enjoy the ferry ride. It would have been a different experience if the trip had started in the morning.
We arrived at Bakauheni around 3:30 AM. From there, we took a public transport vehicle to Canti Dock, the closest point to the Krakatoa nature reserve. The ride took about 40 minutes to an hour.
It was still dark when we reached Canti, but we quickly washed up, performed our morning prayers, and had breakfast at a small cafeteria while waiting for the next boat.
Exploring the Islands: Sebesi, Sebuku, and Umang
At 5:30 AM, we crossed to Sebesi Island, the nearest inhabited island to Anak Krakatoa. The fresh morning air and the warm sun on the wooden boat were invigorating. I was in awe of the beautiful views of the sea, dotted with small, green islands in the distance. This archipelago truly feels like a gift bestowed by the gods.
Our first stop was the uninhabited island of Sebuku. As we sailed around its coast, our local guide pointed out the remnants of destroyed coral reefs. He explained that these were the result of destructive fishing practices, like using bombs, which ruin the reefs and kill marine life. It made me reflect on the saying, “Much of the damage on land and in the sea is caused by human hands.” It’s a sobering reminder of how human greed can destroy nature and ultimately harm ourselves.
After exploring Sebuku, we went snorkeling and saw firsthand the damaged underwater landscape. It was clear that it would take decades for the coral to recover.
At 10:00 AM, we headed to our homestay on Sebesi Island and, exhausted, immediately fell asleep without even showering.
Later that day, we took a boat to Umang Island to snorkel and enjoy the sunset. The underwater views were similar to Sebuku—many of the reefs were destroyed, likely by the same illegal fishing methods. Still, swimming in the clear blue ocean was an unforgettable experience. As dusk approached and the sky turned a fiery red, the atmosphere became magical. This blend of nature’s beauty and the twilight sky is a moment every adventurer should witness.
We returned to our homestay at 8:00 PM, showered, and then had a delicious dinner of fresh grilled fish on the beach. The sounds of the waves and small animals in the dark created a refreshing and peaceful ambiance. I realized that everyone needs a moment like this—away from the crowded city—to reflect on their lives.
The Ascent of Anak Krakatoa and a Glimmer of Hope
The next morning, we woke up at 3:00 AM to catch the sunrise from the top of Anak Krakatoa. The boat trip from Sebesi Island took about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, we had a short but steep 15-minute climb to the summit. Anak Krakatoa is essentially the peak of the original Krakatoa volcano, most of which is now submerged. At the time of our visit, the volcano’s status was normal, so we were able to safely climb it. From the top, we had a clear view of the entire island group, a landscape shaped by countless eruptions over millions of years.
Watching the sunrise from the volcano’s peak was an amazing experience. The sunrise blending with the rugged island landscape was a perfect reward for our long journey. It felt like we were witnessing the sun giving life to the Earth, its warmth waking up all its inhabitants.
Afterward, we went to Lagun Cabe, a popular snorkeling spot known for its healthy reefs. Here, I found a thriving marine ecosystem, a stark contrast to the other islands we had seen. I even spotted a small stingray swimming on the ocean floor.
As we returned to Sebesi Island, I felt a sense of hope. The healthy reefs at Lagun Cabe showed that the marine life in this reserve has a future. This hope must be protected. Nature must be preserved and sustained without being harmed by human hands, because the survival of not just the marine life but also the local communities depends on it.
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2 Comments on “Child of Krakatoa, The Beauty of Archipelago and the Amazing Underwater Views”
Hyon Fix
24 Jul 2012I really love Sailing because it helps me relax whenever i am going on vacations. My father also loves sailing as well as grand dad. :’.,;
Thanks again
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