About Kawah Putih
Kawah Putih is a volcanic crater lake on Mount Patuha in Ciwidey, Bandung Regency, West Java, about 50 km south of Bandung city. Formed by eruptions of Mount Patuha, it is known for its pale turquoise to whitish-green water that changes color with sulfur concentration and light. Set at about 2,430 meters elevation, the lake is surrounded by sulfur-stained cliffs and misty forest and is managed as a major natural tourism attraction.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a high-altitude volcanic crater containing a shallow turquoise-white sulfur lake surrounded by white and yellow sulfur-stained cliffs and dead trees. The site is accessed via a shuttle (ontang-anting) from the main gate to the crater rim, with viewing platforms and pathways around the lake. The environment is cool, often misty, with strong sulfur odor, forested surroundings, and opportunities for sightseeing and photography. Swimming in the lake is not permitted.
Key highlights
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Turquoise to whitish-green crater lake whose color changes with sulfur levels and weather
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Sulfur-stained crater walls and stark dead trees creating distinctive landscape
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High-altitude setting at approximately 2,430 meters on Mount Patuha
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Misty forest surroundings and cool mountain climate
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Dedicated viewing platforms and shuttle access to crater rim
History of Kawah Putih
Kawah Putih is the crater of Mount Patuha, formed by eruptions in the 10th and 12th centuries. It was documented in 1837 by German botanist Dr. Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn who explored the crater then considered haunted due to birds avoiding the sulfur lake. The area was later used for sulfur mining before being developed as a nature tourism site managed by Perhutani.
Culture & Context
In local Sundanese folklore the crater was considered sacred and haunted because of sulfur fumes and absence of birds, and today it is a well-known natural landmark and symbol of the Ciwidey highlands tourism region in West Java.
Route
| By air |
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