Kawah Putih Ciwidey: Complete Travel Guide, Ticket Prices & Tips 2026
Have you ever seen a photograph of a milky white-green lake shrouded in mist, framed by dramatic emerald hillsides? That’s Kawah Putih Ciwidey — one of West Java’s most extraordinary natural wonders and an absolute must for your Indonesia bucket list.
Kawah Putih (meaning “White Crater”) is an active volcanic crater lake formed by the geological activity of Gunung Patuha, located in Ciwidey, South Bandung Regency. The iconic white-green colour comes from the lake’s high sulphur content, creating an almost surreal, otherworldly landscape.
This is your most complete guide to Kawah Putih — covering ticket prices, opening hours, how to get there, the best photo spots, and tips that’ll make your visit truly unforgettable.
A Brief History of Kawah Putih
Kawah Putih was first documented by Dutch botanist Dr. Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn in 1837 as he explored the dense forests surrounding Gunung Patuha.
Local communities once considered the area haunted — birds refused to fly over it due to the high sulphur concentration in the air. Today, Kawah Putih has transformed into one of West Java’s most visited attractions, drawing millions of tourists each year.
Location & Getting to Kawah Putih
Address: Jl. Raya Soreang-Ciwidey, Alam Endah, Kec. Rancabali, Bandung Regency, West Java 40973
GPS Coordinates: -7.166667, 107.400000
Distance from:
- Bandung city centre: ±45 km (1.5–2 hours)
- Jakarta: ±180 km (3.5–4 hours via Cipularang Toll Road)
- Ciwidey town: ±15 km (30–45 minutes)
Kawah Putih Ticket Prices 2026
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Entrance (domestic visitors) | Rp 35,000/person |
| Entrance (international visitors) | Rp 100,000/person |
| Car (4-wheel vehicle) | Rp 20,000 |
| Motorcycle | Rp 10,000 |
| Bus / ELF | Rp 50,000–150,000 |
| Internal shuttle (parking to crater) | Rp 15,000/person |
Note: Prices are subject to change. Always confirm current rates before visiting.
Budget tip: Visit on weekdays (Monday–Friday) to avoid crowds and possible weekend price increases.
Opening Hours
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 07:00 – 17:00 WIB |
| Saturday – Sunday | 06:30 – 17:00 WIB |
| Public Holidays | 06:30 – 17:30 WIB |
Best Time to Visit:
- Early morning (07:00–09:00): Freshest air, thin romantic mist, fewer crowds
- Midday (10:00–13:00): Clear skies, the crater’s colour is at its most vivid and contrasted
- Avoid: Saturday/Sunday afternoons — peak crowds and long queues
How to Get to Kawah Putih Ciwidey
By Private Vehicle or Hired Car (Recommended)
The most comfortable and flexible option is a private car or hired car with a local driver who knows the roads well.
Route from Bandung:
- From central Bandung, head towards Soreang via Jl. Sudirman → Margahayu → Banjaran
- From Soreang, follow the main road towards Ciwidey
- From Ciwidey, continue to Rancabali until Kawah Putih signs are clearly visible
- Enter the resort area, buy tickets, then take the shuttle to the crater
Estimated travel time: 1.5–2.5 hours from Bandung city (depending on traffic)
Looking for a trusted Bandung car rental with driver? Shasha Tour’s experienced drivers know every road to Ciwidey.
By Public Transport
- Take an angkot (minivan) from Terminal Leuwipanjang Bandung towards Ciwidey (Rp 15,000)
- From Ciwidey terminal, take a local ojek or angkot to Kawah Putih
- Or hire an ojek wisata from Ciwidey town (Rp 50,000–100,000 return)
Downside: Inflexible, difficult if you have luggage, and not ideal for families with young children.
7 Best Photo Spots at Kawah Putih
- Front crater edge — the iconic spot with the full lake in view
- White volcanic rocks at the lake’s edge — dramatic contrast against the water
- Wooden-railed footpath — the crater and hills as a backdrop
- Misty morning areas — dramatic and mysterious atmosphere
- Viewing gazebo — bird’s-eye view of the entire crater
- Mineral-coated white trees — uniquely photogenic and eerie
- Against the greenish lake water — perfect for couple portraits
Photography Tips:
- Apply a cool/blue filter in post to enhance the crater’s natural colours
- Morning golden hour (07:00–08:30) gives the best natural lighting
- Avoid pure UV lens filters — sulphur mist can cause blurring
- Bring a small tripod for group shots
Nearby Attractions Around Kawah Putih
Since you’ve already made the journey to Ciwidey, make the most of your visit by exploring the surrounding area:
- Situ Patenggang (5 km) — a natural lake with a legendary “love island” in the centre, perfect for couples
- Ciwalini Hot Springs (8 km) — soothing natural hot springs after a morning of walking
- Ciwidey Strawberry Farm (10 km) — pick fresh strawberries directly from the plant, Rp 35,000/kg
- Rancabali Tea Plantation (6 km) — endless rows of green tea as far as the eye can see
- Kawah Rengganis (3 km) — another volcanic crater with a completely different landscape
Want to explore all of these in one trip? Check out our Bandung 3D2N Tour Package that covers both Lembang and Ciwidey over three incredible days.
What to Pack for Kawah Putih
Essential Items:
- A thick jacket — temperatures at the crater can drop to 15–18°C, feeling colder in the wind
- A face mask — protect yourself from the pungent sulphur smell
- Comfortable walking shoes — the paths are rocky and can be slippery
- Sunscreen — despite the cold, UV radiation is strong at high altitude
- Sufficient cash — not all facilities accept card payments
Prohibited:
- Bringing food into the crater area (food stalls are available in the resort)
- Swimming or dipping hands into the crater water (dangerous due to high acidity)
- Throwing rocks or any objects into the crater
- Damaging plants around the crater
Ciwidey + Kawah Putih Tour Package from Shasha Tour
No need to worry about transport! Shasha Tour offers a Bandung tour package including Ciwidey that covers:
- Pick-up and drop-off from Bandung (agreed location)
- Kawah Putih + Situ Patenggang + Hot Springs
- Experienced drivers who know every Ciwidey route
- Lunch (selected packages)
Available for:
- Family tours (all ages welcome)
- School & office group trips
- Couples (honeymoon package)
- Malaysian visitors (Malay-speaking drivers available)
View Bandung 2D1N Tour Package (Lembang + Ciwidey)
WhatsApp: +62 813-2079-6510
FAQ — Kawah Putih Ciwidey
Is Kawah Putih safe for children?
Yes, it’s safe as long as children stay on the designated paths and don’t approach the crater edge. Children must always be accompanied by adults.
How long does it take to explore Kawah Putih?
On average, a relaxed visit including photos takes about 1.5–2 hours.
Is Kawah Putih open in the rain?
Yes, but a visit during heavy rain is not recommended as paths become slippery and thick fog can obscure the view.
Can I visit Kawah Putih without a private vehicle from Bandung?
It’s possible, but not practical. We strongly recommend hiring a car with a driver for maximum comfort and flexibility.
Is there food available at Kawah Putih?
Yes, there are food stalls and a food court in the parking area with a good range of food and drinks.
Kawah Putih is one of Indonesia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders — don’t miss it. Plan your visit now with Shasha Tour — Bandung’s trusted travel agency!