Many travelers planning a trip to Indonesia often hear the names Krakatoa and Anak Krakatau. While they are closely related, they are not exactly the same. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right tour and appreciate the fascinating history of one of the world’s most famous volcanic regions.
What Is Krakatoa?
Krakatoa was a volcanic island located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Mount Krakatau (main) is an ancient mountain known as the most historic volcano in the world, which experienced a devastating eruption on 26-27 August 1883, precisely 143 years ago, which destroyed most of the body of the mountain and obliterated the surrounding islands, leaving only a caldera below sea level.
According to history, Mount Krakatoa has erupted more than 100 times over the last 2000 years. And the 1883 eruption was the most powerful and legendary eruption which destroyed and destroyed most of the body of the mountain and wiped out the surrounding islands. This eruption triggered a tsunami more than 30 meters high and killed more than 36,000 people.
What Is Anak Krakatau?
After the 1883 eruption, volcanic activity continued under the sea, then in 1927, a new volcanic cone began to emerge on the sea surface and continued to grow into a volcanic mountain and is active to this day. This new volcano gradually developed and became known as Anak Krakatau, which means “Child of Krakatoa” in Indonesian.
Currently, Anak Krakatau is an active volcano that visitors can see during Krakatoa tours.
Key Differences Between Krakatoa and Anak Krakatau
| Krakatoa | Anak Krakatau |
| Original volcanic island | New volcano formed after 1883 |
| Destroyed during the 1883 eruption | Emerged in 1927 |
| Historical volcano | Active modern volcano |
| No longer exists in its original form | Can be visited on tours today |
Can You Visit Krakatoa Today?
You can visit the Krakatau archipelago (volcanic complex) today through a travel agent by clicking book on the “Krakatau Tour” package, then you will visit and climb the peak of Mount Anak Krakatau. But a direct climb to Anak Krakatau depends on the current level of volcanic activity. If the status is safe, then you can easily do a tour and cross the Sunda Strait from Carita pier to Krakatau with a distance of approximately 1.5 hours using a double engine speed boat.