Bandung: Kawah Putih White Crater & Suspension Bridge Tour

Summary

Kawah Putih’s pale lake, forest air and a lakeside Pinisi lunch

You’ll feel the cool crater mist on your skin at Kawah Putih before crossing South Bandung’s suspension bridge (or riding the quirky Sultan Basket). Relax with a hot spring foot soak and finish with lunch aboard a Pinisi ship overlooking Situ Patenggang lake — all with easy hotel pickup and a local guide who keeps things relaxed.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — that sharp, eggy tang of sulfur that hits you before you even see Kawah Putih. Our guide, Rina, grinned when she saw my face scrunch up. “That means it’s real,” she said. The crater itself looked almost unreal — milky turquoise water under a sky that kept shifting between grey and blue. There were a few local families taking selfies and laughing at how the mist made everyone’s hair stand on end. I tried to get a photo but my camera lens kept fogging up. Gave up after a while and just watched the steam curl over the rocks.

We’d come from Bandung early — not too much traffic, which surprised me. The drive south was green and quiet, with tea plantations rolling past outside the window. After the White Crater, we headed for this suspension bridge I’d seen on Instagram (it’s longer than it looks in photos). Crossing it felt wobbly in a way that made us all giggle nervously. There was this “Sultan Basket” thing — basically a little cable car basket you can ride across if you don’t want to walk. Rina said kids love it but I think adults do too; one guy in our group yelled “I’m flying!” and everyone cracked up.

Afterward my legs felt a bit jelly-ish so soaking our feet in the hot spring pools was perfect. The water smelled faintly of minerals but mostly just felt warm and soft on tired skin. We ended up at this restaurant shaped like an old Pinisi ship right by Situ Patenggang lake — honestly, I didn’t expect much from touristy places but their fried tempeh was so crispy I still think about it sometimes. Mist drifted over the water while we ate and people waved from paddle boats below.

I liked that everything was easy — private car, friendly driver (he played dangdut music quietly), no rushing anywhere. If you’re looking for something wild or super remote, this isn’t it. But if you want to see some weirdly beautiful landscapes near Bandung without any hassle… well, I’d do this day trip again just for that first glimpse of Kawah Putih alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore White Crater and Surroundings

• Visit White Crater viewpoint
• Explore south Bandung area
• Cross suspension bridge and Sultan Basket
• Soak feet in hot spring
• Lunch at Pinisi ship-themed resto

Top questions

How far is Kawah Putih from Bandung city?

It’s about 50 kilometers south of Bandung; usually takes 1-2 hours by car depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included; you can choose your meeting point by contacting them via WhatsApp.

What should I wear to visit Kawah Putih?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes; bring a jacket since it can be cool and damp near the crater.

Are meals included on this day trip?

The tour includes lunch at a lakeside restaurant themed after an Indonesian Pinisi ship.

Can small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Is there public transport nearby if I don’t want hotel pickup?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting points in Bandung.

Are there any health restrictions for visiting Kawah Putih?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to altitude and walking distances.

What else is included besides transportation?

You’ll have driver and guide services, an air-conditioned vehicle, fuel surcharge covered, plus entry to attractions like the suspension bridge and hot springs foot soak.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in Bandung (or wherever you prefer), all entry fees for Kawah Putih White Crater, access to the suspension bridge (and optional Sultan Basket ride), time to soak your feet in local hot springs, plus lunch at a lakeside Pinisi ship restaurant before heading back comfortably with your guide and driver.