I had never heard of Krakatoa before coming to Indonesia, but immediately upon arriving in Bandar Lampung, it’s been heavily on my mind. This monster of a volcano sits in the Sunda Straight right between Sumatra and Java and is technically part of the province of Lampung. In August of 1883, the thing erupted killing at least 36,400 people and completely destroying Bandar Lampung. It was the loudest sound in modern history and even as far away an England people noticed a change in the waves. It’s regarded as the deadliest volcano in history and Anak Krakatoa (Child of Krakatoa), while safe to visit, is constantly spewing out smoke and spitting rocks and lava.
Keen to visit? Ask around in Bandar Lampung and people will tell you that it costs over USD 1,000.00 to get a boat out there or you can go to Java. Neither option is particularly convenient. Last weekend, however, we got together fifteen people and a boat for USD 500.00 and booked it! We looked relaxing to a new level on the three hour boat ride — beers were out by 9am — and then spent the afternoon diving off the boat into the crystal clear waters around Anak Krakatoa. Another perfect day in paradise. And Tony Packo hot dogs were for lunch, making it a special kind of perfect for me — Thanks, Mom and Susan for getting that sauce out to me!
yum!
From the plateau looking out over the Sunda Strait
spectacular sunset on the boat ride back to close the day
Say What?! 