White Crater Bandung offers stunning natural beauty with uniquely colored lakes, pontoon docks, and beautiful skywalks, making it a favorite tourist destination in Ciwidey.
White Crater Bandung is one of the most iconic natural tourist destinations in the Ciwidey area, Bandung. Located at the foot of Mount Patuha, this crater is known for its charming volcanic lake and enchanting natural scenery.
The appeal of White Crater lies not only in its natural beauty, but also in the various interesting facilities and activities offered to visitors. This article will review in depth the beauty, facilities, and various activities that can be enjoyed at White Crater Bandung.
The Main Attraction of White Crater Bandung
White Crater Bandung offers various attractions that make it a favorite tourist destination. Here are some of the main attractions that visitors should not miss:
1. White Crater Lake
White Crater Lake is the heart of this tourist area. The lake, formed by the eruption of Mount Patuha, has very distinctive greenish-white water.
The uniqueness of the water color comes from the high sulfur content, which can change depending on the sulfur content, temperature, and weather conditions.
Bandung Nature Tourism offers breathtaking sights, and on sunny days, the lake water reflects a calming apple green color. Under certain conditions, the water color can change to bluish or milk chocolate, adding to the natural beauty of this area.
2. Pontoon Pier
This wooden pontoon pier is a favorite place for visitors to enjoy the lake view up close. Even though the pier’s capacity is limited, the experience of standing on the pier while witnessing the natural beauty of the surroundings is very satisfying.
From this pier, visitors can directly see the lake’s activities as well as the mountainous backdrop which adds to the dramatic impression.
3. Skywalk Cantigi
Skywalk Cantigi is a 500-meter bamboo bridge that offers the experience of walking at a height with spectacular views. Located in the Cantigi Forest area and connected to the top of Sunan Ibu hill, this skywalk provides a unique opportunity for visitors to capture beautiful moments with a stunning natural backdrop. The panoramic beauty of the Cantigi skywalk makes it a favorite photo spot for tourists.
Location and Accessibility of White Crater Bandung
The White Crater of Ciwidey is located on Jalan Raya Ciwidey Patengan Km 11, Lebakmuncang Ciwidey, Sugihmukti, Pasir Jambu District, Bandung Regency, West Java 40972.
To enter the White Crater area, visitors must ride an ontang-anting, a traditional vehicle provided by the management as a means of transportation to the crater.
The journey up the ontang-anting itself is an experience in itself, providing a unique sensation for tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Opening hours and entry fees for White Crater
White Crater Bandung is open every day from 08.00 to 17.00 WIB. The entrance ticket price for White Crater is IDR 15,000 per person, both on weekdays and holidays and weekends.
In addition to the entrance ticket, there are different vehicle parking fees depending on the type of vehicle. Vehicle parking rates at White Crater are as follows:
- Upper parking (car): Rp. 150,000
- Upper parking (motorcycle): Rp. 35,000
- Earrings: Rp. 13,000
- Underground parking (car): Rp. 6,000
- Underground parking (motorcycle): Rp. 5,000
- Lower parking (bus): Rp. 25,000
In addition to entrance tickets, visitors can also enjoy various additional facilities such as horse riding rentals, archery, and a mini playground. There are also tour packages or private trekking that can be booked to visit White Crater and Puncak Sunan Ibu more exclusively.
Various Tourist Activities at White Crater Bandung
White Crater Bandung offers various interesting activities that can be enjoyed by visitors. Here are some activities that can be done at White Crater:
1. Enjoy the Beauty of the Lake
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of White Crater Lake which has uniquely colored water and stunning natural scenery. With a white land contour due to tuff deposits, this lake provides a different view every time depending on natural conditions.
However, it should be noted that the lake water has a very high acidity level (pH 0.5 – 1.3) and its high sulfur content makes it unsafe for swimming.
2. Ride a horse-drawn carriage to the crater
A ride on an ontang-anting is a unique experience that every visitor should try. This traditional vehicle takes visitors to the entrance of White Crater while enjoying the natural forest views typical of the mountains.
The entrance ticket price includes the fare for the ontang-anting ride, so visitors can enjoy this trip without additional costs.
3. Delving into Sundanese History and Mythology
White Crater has a rich history and mythology in Sundanese culture. According to legend, the peak of Mount Patuha is the resting place of ancestral spirits, and Mount Patuha was known as a haunted mountain before it was discovered by scientist Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn in 1837.
Junghuhn discovered that the silence of the area was due to the high element content in the White Crater, not because of its haunted nature as previously believed.
4. Photo Hunting at Sunan Ibu Spot
White Crater is also known as a paradise for photography lovers. With an exotic natural background and dominant white color, every corner of White Crater offers interesting and Instagrammable photo opportunities.
One of the favorite spots is the Sunan Ibu sunrise viewing point, where visitors can enjoy the sunrise from an altitude of 2430 meters above sea level while capturing beautiful moments.
Additional Facilities at White Crater Bandung
In addition to the basic facilities mentioned, White Crater Bandung also offers various additional facilities to increase visitor comfort:
- Relaxation Area: There is a special area to relax and enjoy the natural scenery around.
- Local Traders: Around the White Crater, there are traders selling various local products such as sulfur ash and special stones that are believed to have healing properties.
- Information Center: Visitors can find an information center that provides area maps and other important information.
- Organized Parking Area: The area management ensures that the parking area is organized and adequate to accommodate the high number of visitors.
Tips for Visiting the White Crater in Bandung
To ensure a pleasant experience visiting White Crater Bandung, here are some tips you can follow:
- Come in the Morning: To avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter view, it is recommended to come in the morning.
- Bring Warm Clothes: The temperature in White Crater tends to be cold, especially in the morning and evening. Make sure to bring warm clothes to be comfortable during your visit.
- Pay Attention to Weather Conditions: White Crater is often hit by thick fog that can obstruct visibility. Be sure to check the weather conditions before leaving.
- Obey Area Rules: Don’t pollute the environment and follow all the rules that apply in White Crater to maintain natural beauty and public safety.
- Bring a Camera or Smartphone: Don’t forget to bring a tool to capture beautiful moments during your visit to White Crater.
White Crater Bandung is a natural tourist destination that offers the beauty of a unique volcanic lake, various complete facilities, and interesting activities that can be enjoyed by all groups.
Its enchanting natural beauty, coupled with adequate facilities and various interesting activities, make White Crater one of the main choices for tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Bandung. With the right visiting tips, your experience at White Crater will be an unforgettable moment.
With all the beauty and facilities offered, Bogor Nature Tourism also provides many natural attractions worth visiting, including White Crater Bandung, which is a must-visit tourist destination when in Ciwidey, Bandung. Be sure to plan your visit well to enjoy all the charms this stunning crater has to offer.