TANGKUBAN PRAHU

This volcano, known as the "upside-down boat", is still slightly active and consists of a large caldera several kilometers long. It last erupted in 2019 (the site recently reopened). Easily accessible by car, it offers the chance to observe a volcano up close without too much effort. At the summit, you'll be surprised to discover hordes of guides pestering you to offer their services. You won't need one. In high season, it's crowded. Small stores are set up along the way, mostly selling items that have absolutely nothing to do with the volcano! But as you move away, you can appreciate the beauty of the landscape and listen to the chirping of the crickets.

The huge, deep crater at the summit is called Kawah Ratu. It takes a good half-hour to walk around it. A second crater, Kawah Upas, lies further away.

If you'd like to go all the way round, you're welcome to do so. Allow around 2h/2h30. At first, you follow the signposted path alongside the vendors' huts, then, once on the other side, the path is less visible, but you don't get lost either. You have to climb the rocks (superb panorama from up there), before reaching the jungle (then follow the main path to the right). At the next junction, follow "Bisa Keliling" on the left. The jungle and the silence are yours! If we're lucky, we'll see some monkeys. A solitary vendor sells drinks next, at a sign pointing to Bandung on the right: 17 km of footpaths back to town, a godsend for walkers (allow 3 hrs.). To return to the parking lot, turn left. Nice walk, isn't it?

Kawah Domas, more than a kilometer below the other 2, can be reached from the Kawah Ratu parking lot. The path is very well signposted, so you won't need a guide, but be careful all the same. Kawah Domas is a volcanic area with a boiling geyser. Here, Indonesians cook eggs and offer them to you for a small fee. Volcanic vents lined with sulfur blow rather toxic fumaroles, so be very careful. Then it's back to the Kawah Domas parking lot, on the road leading up to Kawah Ratu below (if you've hired a car, ask to be met here).

To take full advantage of the Tangkuban Prahu site and avoid the crowds, allow 3-4 hours for the walk. Magnificent!