GUNUNG PAPANDAYAN
A volcano with a crater housing a lovely green lake, one of the most dangerous in Java, a must-see for an unforgettable experience.
Some 30km southeast of Garut (1h30 by car), Gunung Papandayan (2,662 m) is one of Java's most dangerous volcanoes. A major eruption took place in 1925, but the last one was in 2002.
A visit to this astonishing site is quite different from that to Tangkuban Prahu: you walk right into the heart of the volcano... In fact, there are far fewer tourists. Be extremely careful, as the suffocating sulphurous fumes can suddenly envelop you. The fumaroles are a 25-minute walk from the parking lot. However, it is possible to walk around the volcano along a path that is sometimes poorly defined: be careful not to fall into one of the craters! A guide is recommended. Remember to bring glasses and a small mask (the fumes can be really unbearable at times). The route is splendid, not to be missed (and rare enough to be experienced at least once!). You reach the crater formed by the last eruption in 2002, which is home to a pretty little green lake, before returning to the parking lot (forming a loop, so there's no turning back). Allow 3 hours for the walk, amid geysers, flash-yellow craters, ochres and ambers. For the more adventurous, some agencies offer multi-day excursions including camping, with guides and porters, and all the necessities (meals and drinks included). The perfect opportunity to share experiences and emotions around a campfire with other nature enthusiasts.
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