VOLCAN KRAKATAU

Located 40 km off the coast of Java in the Sunda Strait (which separates Java from Sumatra), Krakatau is one of the world's most active volcanoes. Its eruption on August 27, 1883 was the most violent of modern times (around 13,000 times the power of the atomic bomb that ravaged Hiroshima). It triggered a gigantic cataclysm: the ashes were hurled more than 80 km into the air, so powerful that they were deposited as far away as Singapore, and the Strait was plunged into darkness for almost two days. In all, 20 ^km3 of rock were expelled from the bowels of the Earth. The explosion was felt as far away as Perth, Australia, and Rodrigues near Mauritius: a distance of almost 5,000 km! The ashes released into the atmosphere disturbed it so much that, for three years, the sunsets were the most spectacular ever seen on the planet. In the USA, firefighters were called by residents who believed that it was not the sun that was setting, but an immense fire that was engulfing the region... The tsunamis that swept along the surrounding coast razed nearly 200 villages to the ground. Waves reached 30 metres in height (the shockwave is said to have circled the globe seven times!), and over 36,000 people perished beneath the waves (some experts put the death toll at over 120,000). The Earth's temperature dropped by 1.2°C over the following five years. After the explosion, Krakatau was totally pulverized and became an underwater volcano. In 1927, a second volcano emerged, christened Anak Krakatau ("Son of Krakatau"). This is the volcano we visit today. It's almost 350 m high and still growing! Its latest eruption occurred on December 22, 2018, ejecting a colossal cloud of volcanic ash to an altitude of around 2,500 m. During the visit, we climb up to a viewpoint at around 200 m altitude. The hike is easy, starting in dense jungle and continuing on volcanic ash-covered slopes. You can also spend the night near the beach where you land. Tours to Krakatau volcano start either in Carita or Jakarta, depending on the tour operator. It is generally necessary to plan your trip with a local agency. These tours often include a three-day visit to Ujung Kulon National Park. You'll need to bring light clothing, hiking boots, a raincoat, sunglasses, your bathing suit, sunscreen and a hat. We usually end the day with a snorkeling session on the nearby island of Rakata, where the majestic but truncated "old" Krakatau rises. Don't hesitate to head down to the small beach, where you'll find komodos about a metre long. The island is home to around a hundred individuals. They're sure to be attracted by the smell of fried fish or other food! Finally, don't forget to check current volcano conditions and safety tips before planning your visit, as access to Krakatau may be restricted depending on volcanic activity. Bear in mind that eruptions can occur suddenly, releasing ash, rocks and hot gases. Careful preparation is the key to a safe and memorable exploration of this sleeping giant.