Dive Site: Krakatau

Indonesia belongs to one of the most volcanic and seismically active region in the world. There are 128 active volcanoes of which 76 had eruption in historic time. In the early time Krakatau estimated was a volcano with 2000 m in height. The catastrophic eruption destroyed the volcano and remained 3 islands, Rakata, Sertung, and Panjang. The renewed activity was started at Rakata, and an island of strato volcano was built up with diameter of approximately 5 km and 800 m high.



After its dormancy, next activity was shifted come into existence with the height approximately 456 and 120 m above sea level. In  1883, the 3 summits (Rakata, Danan, and Perbuatan) was erupted and leaving a piece of small Rakata. the boom explosion causing tremors and was heard as far as Singapore and Australia. The wave washed everything away around volcano. The volcanic ash was blown in to the atmosphere, as much as 4 cubic miles. In 1927 the new activity was occured and then Anak Krakatau existed to being.

Now Anak Krakatau has reached 250 m above sea level. Anak Krakatau still active with its gush of steam and smoke, make it spectacular view. Krakatau is reachable in three hours by boat from Canti, a fishing village near Kalianda, South Lampung. Krakatau festival annual event is held at the end of August. the festival is held to commemorate Krakatau's eruption.

Karang Serang Rocks

These rocks, painted white by the sea birds, mark the site of a dive off Anak Krakatau. The underwater scenery consists of large blocks of volcanic rock, seemingly sheered off by the blast. The cracked and sharp-edged rocks make a west-facing submarine cliff look like the ruin of an ancient greek temple. In the crevices of the rock, coral growth is beginning. School of moorish idols and other reef fish inhabit the area, and one occasionally sees reef white tip sharks. The bright colors of emperor angelfish stand out starkly against the background of dark rock. On the south end of the site, the slab scenery is interrupted by growth of staghorn and table Acropora, some with blue-tinted tips. Around the rocks to the east grow an astonishing number of orange fan coral gorgonians.

Rakata

This site off the southeast end of Rakata, offers a nice drift dive. The steep spides of the island prevent access. The depths here are modest, to just 25 m, and the gentle current carries you east. The underwater scenery is again slabs of volcanic rock. A decent variety of small reefs fish populates the shallower depths where some of the crevices have been claimed by moray eels. Green turtles are numerous at this site. In the 19th century, before it exploded, Karakatau Island was a common stop for sailors, who loaded up on turtles. An unusual feature of this dive is many underwater trees, which have been cast from the island cliffs by landslides. These attact a large schools of fusiliers and jacks.

*Reference: Indonesia Diving by Ministry of Culture and Tourism The Republic of Indonesia