Kawah putih
The lost paradise

Need some rest after hectic shopping in Bandung? Explore the unspoiled beauty of Kawah putih or White Crater in Ciwidey. and visit more green lush to the south of Bandung.

This area is less popular than those to the north, because of its accessibility.

There are three ways to go there, from Mohammad Toha, Buah Batu and Kopo, but all of them are heavily traffic. If you're lucky, without traffic jams, you could be there in one hour from Bandung north, Kopo.

But there is another route that you can take without having trouble with traffic but the road is very bad and you need a guide who knows the road very well, through LeuwiGajah and Soreang. It takes longer than you need to go there, but it's free from traffic and the view is fantastic.

Along the way to Ciwidey there are strawberry fields. You can stop there to pick them by yourself for some price. About IDR 40,000 or $4 for a kilo. But it's cheaper to buy them in the area of Kawah Putih.

Not many tourists know about this place. But for the people from Bandung and around it, this is more interesting place to visit than Tangkuban Perahu.

This beautiful white crater is formed by the active volcano of Mount Patuha. The crater looks like a lake surrounded by mountains. The water is warm and has a high sulfur content. The reflection of the sunshine makes the colour of the water frequently change from milky white to white green.

Locale people believed that the water of kawah putih can heal some of diseases.

Do you want fully enjoy the beauty of this crater? Make sure that you get there very early, at least before 10 am, before the mist come down. In this height of 2300 meters above sea level, it could be very cold. Take warm clothing, you will need it.

And if you're interested, you can buy some bandrek, a traditional sundanese beverage made of ginger and palm sugar that will warm your body if you drink it and it taste good too. There are number of stalls selling bandrek.

If you're leaving Kawah putih, you will pass a green panorama of tea plantation. Hundreds of local workers are picking tea leaves here from early morning until afternoon.

Beautiful situ Patenggang

And with a short journey around the slopes of Mount Patuha, you will arrive at the place called Situ Patenggang. Situ means lake. Here you can enjoy the beautiful view and fresh mountain air. There are colourful boats to make a cruise around the lake. This is an area to relax and maybe a picknick place?

So, if you're in Bandung, don't forget to visit this area. It's worth it despite the accessibility. Soon you will forget all the trouble to get there, enjoy the superb view of this area.

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