Krakatau

I never could have imagined such an incredible place. In 1883 a volcano (Rakata), lying in the Sunda Strait between the Java and Sumatra islands, exploded. This produced the loudest noise that had ever been recorded on Earth. Some say it could be heard as far east as Central Australia and as far North as China or Mongolia. The sound was about 15 times as loud as the atomic bomb the Americans dropped on Hiroshima. The eruption did not just cause the loudest sound Earth had ever bear witness too, it also created life; three new islands. The three areas of land have since grown into decent sized islands with flourishing wildlife.

To get to Krakatau we left from Anyer beach on the coast of West Java. Anyer is about three or four hours west of Jakarta depending on the traffic. Our boat departed around 11 am and we arrived at Krakatau for lunch and we’re joined by some unwelcome guests who didn’t exactly keep their space.

Large monitor lizards patrol Rakata Island itself as we witnessed during our lunch. The islands as a group are called Krakatau but the island that erupted is called Rakata. It’s hard to imagine these lizards surviving such an explosion but they were certainly present. Nearly 4,000 people died and the deafening boom, and debris annihilated the wildlife that was there. Not long after, grass, and trees began growing. Today animals, birds, insects, and lizards call the area home. How did they get there? That’s one of a number of questions surrounding Krakatau.

It's hard to imagine a more beautiful color of water, and on an abandoned island to boot...... Paradise.

Rakata from the boat as we head to Anak Krakatau.

Anak Krakatau from the boat.

After snorkeling we boarded the boat and headed to one of the 20th century’s great natural creations, and mysteries, Krakatau’s child (Anak Krakatau.) Anak Krakatau was created in the aftermath of Rakata’s eruption and it has been existence since 1927. The island is home to a sensational collection of fauna and flora. Luscious green plants, beautiful trees, huge lizards, insanely beautiful black sand beaches as well as rock formations and sediment resembling areas of Kona Hawai’I cover the small island. What’s more is that on the North side of the island there lies some phenomenal aquatic wildlife that is nestled against the rocky perimeter. Giant clams, needlefish, and creatures I couldn’t describe even if I tried, fill the area.

These long dents are imprinted on the islands surface, similar to empty riverbeds. What was flowing here?

Hiking Anak Krakatau and seeing its mother!

Win, scaling the mini mountain like a champion...

From near the top of the Volcano you can check out this breathtaking view of the Volcano that rocked the world......

A beautiful sunset...

Fascinating rock formations fill one side of the island. Snorkels up!

The island is getting bigger, about five inches per day and also getting taller each year. The volcano remains active and camping near its base, on a beautiful beach in the Sunda Strait, was an experience I’ll always remember.

Sampai nanti! Until later Krakatau... What a beautiful place...