Heri Sisworo
South Bandung is a paradise for those who love beautiful mountainous tourist destinations. You can find several lakes, tea plantations, hot springs, and lush green forests. Needless to say, the air is fresh and the climate is cool, you might want to wear thicker clothes.
Baca juga : Warung Kopi Purnama, Bagai Masuk ke Mesin Waktu
Kawah Putih, literally means white crater, got its name from the color of the water and the soil nearby. Everything is milky white with rugged hill surrounding the lake, making it look like a giant surreal bowl. Here are some of the features you can find in Kawah Putih Ciwidey.
A Crater of Mount Patuha, Rich with Sulfur
Geographically, Kawah Putih was formed because of the eruption of Mount Patuha. It is one of the two craters that form this mountain. There is no record of volcanic activity in this lake, at least since the seventeenth century.
There was a sulfur mine near this lake during the Dutch and Japanese colonial eras but the production has been ceased for years now. However, you can still see some of the tunnels used to mine sulfur in this area.
Found in 1837, Developed in 1991
Formal records regarding this lake was first made in 1837, made by Dr. Franz Junghuhn, a German botanist who did many researches in Indonesia. This lake since has been used as sulfur mine and not many people knew about its existence until the government develop this area as a tourist spot in 1991.
The Forestry Department began building facilities, creating better access, and promote the site as a new interesting destination. The popularity of this lake keeps growing, especially after it was being used as the setting of the popular ‘Heart’ movie in 2006.
Otherworldly Sight and Myths
There is simply unearthly aura you can easily sense in this place. With bluish white water, with soil, leafless trees, all shrouded in mysterious mist making you feel like you are in a different planet. In fact, the mysterious vibe here made locals afraid to venture into the lake, mainly for superstitious reasons.
People said that even birds and other animals are reluctant to go to this crater. The forest that surrounds the lake was also considered eerie and chilling. However, nowadays, all of the superstition about Kawah Putih have been replaced with admiration for its beauty.
Great Facilities
Today, Kawah Putih is a lovely tourist destination with abundant facilities. The access is easy as the roads are good. There are ample parking areas, divided into two parts (the lower and upper parking areas). There is even local transportation that will bring you from the gate of the park to the lake. Restaurants, toilets, information center, and prayer room. There are also several hotels located near Kawah Putih, mostly with affordable rates.
Kawah Putih is a popular place for pre-wedding photo-shoots and great for selfie. The official address of Kawah Putih is at Jl. Raya Soreang, Ciwidey, Bandung Regency. However, you need to go a bit deeper as the lake is located well within a naturally secluded area of the mountain.
