The Awesomeness of Mount Krakatoa

Mount Anak Krakatau is located in the Sunda Strait (the strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra), Indonesia has been known to the world since its largest eruption in 1883. The eruption was only inferior to the 7-scale eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 and the 8-scale eruption of Mount Toba in North Sumatra, 74,000 in 2017.

The Krakatoa eruption was said to be 21,574 times the explosive power of the atomic bomb that melted Hiroshima (De Neve, 1984). In addition to obliterating the island of Krakatoa, the eruption destroyed life on the coasts of Banten and Lampung. 

At that time, Anak Krakatau erupted by spewing volcanic ash and water vapor that was hurled into the air as high as 11 kilometers from the Crater of Action. The sound of the explosion was heard up to 200 kilometers away. The intensity increased on August 26 and peaked on Monday August 27. On August 27, fine rock and ash were blown into the sky. Its height reaches 70-80 kilometers. It resulted in world weather disturbances a few years later 

The sun's rays were unable to penetrate the volcanic ash that was ejected at that time, so the southern parts of the islands of Sumatra and Java became pitch black. Its deposits cover an area of ​​827,000 square kilometers. Mud eruptions occurred in September and October 1833 until February 1884. Then came a period of calm for 44 years, until the appearance of the new Anak Krakatau in August 1930. Mount Anak Krakatau is what is known today. 

Present-day Anak Krakatau is an island in a caldera in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia's Lampung Province. On December 29, 1927, Anak Krakatau emerged from a caldera formed in 1883 by an explosive volcanic eruption that destroyed the island of Krakatoa.

There has been sporadic eruptive activity at the site since the late 20th century, culminating with the collapse of a large underwater volcano that caused a deadly tsunami in December 2018, followed by subsequent activity in 2019 and an eruption in April 2020.

Uci Waterfall, hidden paradise

Uci Waterfall (Cikawung Cisewu waterfall) is a seasonal waterfall (only visible during the rainy season, such as the Ceret waterfall in Naringgul) located in Girimukti Village, Cisewu District, Garut Regency, West Java, Indonesia. 

This Uci waterfall has several levels so that it offers exotic natural views. There are stone steps at the base of the waterfall and cliffs overgrown with wild plants, with cool air and the sound of flowing water that can make the mood peaceful. 

Uci Waterfall is also known as Cikawung Cisewu Waterfall, because it is located in the Cikawung river. Another name for this waterfall is Curug Mala. This waterfall has a height of more than 100 meters. 

Naming Uci Waterfall also has its own story. The name Curug Uci is taken from the name of an old woman and a native of Kampung Punduk Curug who lived from birth until she died living in the village. Mak Uci is one of the people who have contributed the most in preserving the environment, especially around the waterfall, such as planting a variety of banana plants, wood, bamboo and the area around the location becomes green and looks far from arid. 

Beneath this stepped waterfall there is a small pond to accommodate the flow of water, and the shape of the pool resembles a heart. Even so, visitors are not advised to swim in the pool, because the water discharge will be very heavy when it rains. In order to avoid unwanted things, visitors are not allowed to swim in the pool. No need to worry, because visitors can still play in the water at the base of the waterfall. 

Uci Waterfall, is now getting famous, it's just that because of its hidden location, not so many visitors come, it's still quite beautiful with clean water atmosphere Curug Uci is problematic in terms of access and facilities, because it has not been officially managed by the local government to serve as a tourist destination. There are no food vendors, so you have to bring food stock from the stalls on the street. Do not speak arrogantly and rudely. In the past, Curug Uci was also known to be scary and haunted, so speaking rudely and arrogantly, of course, was not allowed. 

Although Uci Waterfall is included in the administrative area of ​​Garut, the distance from Garut city to this waterfall is 110 km. Closer than Bandung via Pangalengan which is only about 88 km. For convenience, this location has been marked in Google Maps

 

Peucang Island, a beautiful island

Peucang Island is located within the Ujung Kulon National Park area by the Panaitan Strait in Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia, with an island area of ​​about 450 hectares. Peucang Island is truly a secluded paradise located on the westernmost edge of the island of Java. Surrounded by soft white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and stunning coral reefs, Peucang promises serenity for anyone stepping on the sand. 

Peucang Island is also home to various species of wild animals such as monkeys, hornbills, monitor lizards, wild boars, toucans, albatrosses, and many more. The most notable of these are the deer which are found in abundance around the island. Like much of the Ujung Kulon National Park area, Peucang Island was also hit by the historical eruption of Mount Krakatoa in 1883. Almost no flora and fauna survived the catastrophic eruption and tsunami that followed. 

However, one tree survived and is still alive today in the forest of Peucang Island. Trees classified as fig trees (Ficus sp) are called "Kiara" Trees and are estimated to be more than 2 centuries old. This spectacular tree has an extraordinary diameter equal to the circle made by more than 30 adult humans. 

Beneath the clear water surface, the enchanting coral gardens with their diverse sea creatures are the perfect place for beachside snorkelling or diving at various dive sites. Among the inhabitants of the underwater world of Peucang Island are butterfly fish, angel fish, clown fish, parrot fish, and many more. 

The most favorite place for diving is in Karang Copong on the western tip of the island. However, diving here can only be done by experienced professional divers because it has strong currents due to its location near the Indian Ocean. The island also has a large tropical forest for trekking and wildlife watching. As night draws near, the beach provides stunning views and a colorful setting of the mesmerizing sun setting on the horizon. 

The island with all its wonders above and below the surface offers a wide range of activities including: Trekking, boating, canoeing, animal watching, diving, snorkeling, surfing, camping and more. Peucang Island serves as a base camp and staging point for those who wish to explore deeper into Ujung Kulon National Park. This is the reason that on this small island you will find accommodation and supporting facilities. 

Eco Resort Pulau Peucang has a number of lodges with a total of 23 rooms. Each cottage has a spacious bedroom and a porch. Resort applies nature friendly concept ramah To reach Peucang Island, it can only be reached by boat from Sumur Dock or Tanjung Lesung Resort, or by fast boat from the tourist center of Carita Beach. The boat trip from Sumur Dock to Peucang Island takes about 3-4 hours depending on the weather and waves.