Papandayan volcano steam coming out of ground

Bubbling Craters and Tranquil Lakes

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Java: Bandung - Cipanas - Papandayan Volcano
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 234.- per person (excluding flights)

Climb a remote active volcano and relax by glassy lakes in hidden rural Java, far off the tourist trail. Straying from the crowds, sample local delicacies and get an authentic glimpse of behind-the-scenes life in Java’s wild interior. Stay in the small village of Cipanas, tucked away between the rice terraces and trek past bright yellow crystals on the slopes of the Papandayan volcano. It’s a side of Java that most tourists just don’t see, and it’s simply beautiful.

Day 1 – Arrival in Cipanas

Setting off from Bandung, you’ll drive to the village of Desar Cangkuang, located on a scenic peninsula with a 9th Century Hindu temple. If you’re lucky, you may be invited by one of the friendly locals to take a look inside a traditional family home. Arriving in Cipanas in the afternoon, you’ll stay in a stilted bungalow over the water. It’s very simple but packed with atmosphere and local character.

Days 2-3 – Papandayan volcano & departure

Today, you’ll scale the active volcano Papandayan. Its remote location means you won’t find many tourists here, making it feel like a real adventure. The driver will take you to the foot of the volcano and you’ll walk for an hour to the peak (2622m) navigating rocks and craters. Soon, plumes of thick steam and wafts of sulphur will rise up from the ground as you find yourself on the rim of the volcano.

In several places, you’ll spot bright yellow crystals where the sulphuric air has come into contact with oxygen and crystallised. If you’d like a guide to accompany you during the trek, you can pay for one locally before you ascend. In the afternoon you’ll head back to your hotel where you can relax in your stilted bungalow with an ice-cold Bintang beer.

The next day you’ll pack up your things ready for your next adventure.