Kawah Putih is one of the two craters which make up Mount Patuha, a volcano located about 50 km south of Bandung in West Java. Currently, the volcano is not showing any signs of activity and has been open to visitors since 1987.
Kawah Putih is a highly acid lake which changes colour from white to turquoise or green, depending on the concentration of sulfur and the temperature. On sunny days, the colour of the lake is very bright, while on cloudy days the crater is covered in mist. The sand and rocks surrounding the lake are also whitish due to contact with the acid.
The lake is located almost 2,500 m above sea level so it's often quite chilly here. Temperatures may drop to 10°C. The dry season is usually a better time to visit the lake. Also if you visit Kawah Putih when it rains, you might not be allowed to go to the crater. It's possible that the fog contains poison gas from the crater. Therefore May through November is definitely a better period to choose for a visit. However, mind that June and July are very busy months due to school vacations. It's better to avoid this period as well as weekends if you don't want to get stuck in traffic.
Practical info
When are the least crowded days at Kawah Putih?
It's advisable to avoid weekends, June and July (school vacation period), and the rainy season to avoid the crowds at Kawah Putih. During weekdays, with pleasant weather, it's relatively less crowded. Visitors must plan their visit accordingly to avoid any inconvenience. Show more
What's the temperature like near the lake area?
The temperature near Kawah Putih varies between 10°C and other temperatures depending on the time of day and season. It is essential to carry warm clothes as the temperature could be cold due to its altitude of around 2,500m above sea level. It's also critical to check the weather condition before planning the visit. Show more
What causes the lake to change its colour?
The lake at Kawah Putih changes its colour depending on the concentration of sulfur and varies through white, turquoise, or greenish hue based on temperature and sunlight. The acidic composition of the lake contributes to the white appearance of the surrounding rock and sand. Show more
Is it safe to visit Kawah Putih during rainy weather?
Though one may visit Kawah Putih on rainy days, generally, it's not recommended to explore the place during rainfall because the fog generated may include poisonous gas from the crater, which could be unsafe. Hence, officials may restrict visitors from entering the crater area during rainy weather in the interest of visitor safety. It's advised to visit during clear and dry weather. Show more
How can you access Mount Patuha?
Mount Patuha is positioned about 50 km south of Bandung in West Java. Visitors can access it via a main roadway that leads to the mountain either by car or bike. There is a small parking fee required to be paid at the entrance, and visitors can then walk on foot or take a shuttle to the Kawah Putih location. Show more
