Bandung - My day began bright and early with an 8am pickup. This is the start of a much-anticipated tour to Kawah Putih and the Rengganis Suspension Bridge. I had booked the driver through Klook, and to my pleasant surprise, he arrived right on time. Friendly and fluent in English, he proved to be not just a driver but also an excellent guide who shared stories about the region, offered travel tips, and pointed out interesting sights along the way.
A Scenic Stop for Coffee in the Mountains
Our first stop was a mountainside coffee shop perched along the winding road. The moment I stepped out of the car, the crisp, cool air filled my lungs. I ordered a cappuccino, and as I sipped the warm, fragrant cup, I found myself mesmerised by the panoramic view of the countryside.
Vegetable plantations stretched endlessly across the slopes, their lush green rows creating a soothing landscape. Morning mist hovered over the fields, giving the scene a dreamy, almost surreal quality. It was a peaceful moment. One that set the tone perfectly for the rest of the journey.
Journey to Kawah Putih
The drive from my hotel to Kawah Putih took roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. Nestled in the highlands of Ciwidey, Kawah Putih meaning “White Crater” and is one of West Java’s most famous natural attractions. This surreal crater lake was formed after Mount Patuha erupted many years ago, leaving behind a caldera filled with striking turquoise water. But what makes Kawah Putih truly unique is the milky, almost ethereal white colour of its soil and surrounding cliffs, caused by the lake’s high sulfur content.
Kawah Putih is still part of an active volcanic system, constantly releasing toxic gases. As soon as you arrive, you can smell the sharp, pungent scent of sulfur carried by the wind. It’s no wonder visitors are advised not to linger too long at the lake’s edge. Yet despite the harsh conditions, people continue to flock here for one reason being the mesmerising beauty of the crater. The contrast of white sand, turquoise water, and misty air creates an otherworldly view that feels almost like stepping into a painting.
The Iconic Orange Shuttle Bus
Private cars have to pay quite expensive to be allowed to drive all the way up to Kawah Putih’s crater. For most tourist the final 5 km was covered using the iconic orange shuttle buses provided as part of the entrance ticket. These buses are an experience in themselves. It was old, rattling, a little rusty, and full of character. I was told to sit in front, and I soon understood why: the bus jolted and shook its way up the narrow mountain road, bouncing over potholes and swerving around bends. The bus only sets off once there are 10 passengers, so after a short wait, we were on our way.
When we finally reached the crater, the air was noticeably colder, and the sulfur smell much stronger.
There was a jetty out into the center of the crater, only to discover there was a small fee of Rp10,000 to walk to the end. I decided to go for it—and just as I reached the far side, rain started pouring down suddenly and heavily. In seconds, everything was drenched.
Just as quickly, an umbrella man appeared, offering shelter for Rp20,000. I rented an umbrella, grateful for the unexpected rescue. Despite the rain, I managed to take a series of beautiful photos; the mist made the crater look even more magical, adding a layer of mystery to the surreal landscape.
But the rain also created chaos. The shuttle buses coming down from the crater were disorganised, and crowds formed as everyone tried to find the correct bus. Thankfully, after asking the right people and following their directions, I managed to hop onto one of the buses. I ended up sitting next to a Singaporean family of four, and we shared a good laugh over the experience.
Crossing the Rengganis Suspension Bridge
After leaving Kawah Putih, my next destination was the Rengganis Suspension Bridge. This is one of the longest suspension bridges in Indonesia and an adventure in its own right. My ticket included access to the bridge, the hot spring, a zip-line chair ride to the other side, and a return walk across the bridge to meet the driver.
As I approached the entrance, the sheer height and length of the bridge became apparent. It stretched across a deep valley, swaying gently in the wind. If you have vertigo, this is definitely not the place for you. When I took my first step onto the bridge, fear immediately crept in.
The entire walkway swayed side to side, and my peripheral vision picked up the movement of the valley below. To keep my balance, I forced myself to look forward instead of down. With every step, my confidence grew, and soon the fear turned into exhilaration.
A Surreal Ride on the Zip-Line Chair
The zip-line chair was unlike any ride I had ever taken—imagine a simple chair suspended from a cable, secured only with a car seat belt. As I sat down, I couldn’t help laughing at how bizarre and thrilling it felt. The ride was smooth, and I glided effortlessly across the valley, enjoying the sweeping view of forests and hills below.
Upon reaching the landing area, the staff quickly rolled a wheeled platform under my feet so I could safely get off. All I had to do was lift my legs slightly to avoid bumping into it. The entire process felt natural and surprisingly safe despite the minimalistic setup.
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