I’m in Jakarta, I work here. Just like any other expats
working abroad, we clamour for more days off and rest. Given the chance of
having a Saturday a month off is rare and having that opportunity opens my time
to travel. With Riko (our office IT) who often does backpacking with other
locals, and my guide, I joined him on this trip to one of the world’s heritage
sites – the majestic Krakatoa Volcano.
Ref. Wikipedia:
Krakatoa, or Krakatau (Indonesian: Krakatau), is a volcanic island situated in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. The name is also used for the surrounding island group comprising the remnants of a much larger island of three volcanic peaks which was obliterated in a cataclysmic 1883 eruption, unleashing huge tsunamis (killing more than 36,000 people) and destroying over two-thirds of the island. The explosion is considered to be the loudest sound ever heard in modern history, with reports of it being heard up to 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from its point of origin. The shock waves from the explosion were recorded on barographs around the globe.
In 1927 a new island, Anak Krakatau, or "Child of Krakatoa", emerged from the caldera formed in 1883 and is the current location of eruptive activity.
I haven’t heard much of this natural feature until I got
interested. I hurriedly googled the place and found some history and beauty on
it, only then I decided to join the trip without second thoughts. I told Riko
that this will be my first time to travel on a ship, first time to be with backpacker
group and sleeping on a home-stay.
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| Jakarta to Krakatoa |
I made a map and routed our tour to give an idea how we
reached the site. Estimated distance from Jakarta is 254km. May 25 to 27 are
the dates booked and it’s a first come first served basis to be on the
backpackers list since this is a group tour and it’s a rare chance these groups
arrange scheduled trips to Krakatoa. The package cost me IDR 550,000.00
(approx. US$ 50.00), including transfers, food and accommodation.
Sharing photos here, no need for words on the pristine white sand beaches, the clearest waters to snorkel and not to forget the stunning Mount Krakatoa.
