One Of The World's Most Dangerous Islands Boasts Incredibly Beautiful Hiking & Snorkeling

Indonesia is home to over 17,500 islands — including these underrated gems that are among the world's prettiest diving destinations — making it the largest archipelago nation on the globe. This means that the country has no shortage of turquoise waters, idyllic beaches, and emerald mountains made even more alluring by its tropical location. From the sands and rice terraces of Bali to this hidden island known for its breathtaking beauty, Indonesia draws visitors keen to soak up its plentiful sun-kissed, jungle-flavored magic.

For all of its laid-back, breeze-in-the-palm-trees charms, Indonesia is also a place of extreme seismic and geological tumult. Situated firmly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, its islands host at least 130 active volcanoes, including Anak Krakatau (also spelled "Krakatoa"), which translates to "Child of Krakatau." Famous for the massive eruption in 1883 that caused tsunamis, ash rains that reached Europe, and over 35,000 deaths, Anak Krakatau emerged from the sea some 45 years after its "mother," the original Krakatau, was obliterated in what was one of the most cataclysmic volcanic events ever recorded.

Today Anak Krakatau and the island surrounding it is a place of pristine nature, with stunning underwater sea life along with opportunities to hike on the flank of an active volcano. This brings in visitors keen to experience some of Indonesia's unique outdoor splendors, but with the trip comes risk. In December of 2018, Anak Krakatau erupted, and the ensuing landslide caused a tsunami that left at least 437 dead and thousands injured. It's still very much an active volcano and as such should be approached with caution and respect.

Situated in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra, Anak Kratatau is a place of breathtaking natural scenery. The Sunda Strait itself was formed by a large eruption in 535 A.D., and over the years there have been subsequent geological events, including the eruption in 1883 that helped form the four islands rising from the sea today.

Anak Krakatau island lies in the middle of this cluster and is home to a nature reserve. A hiking trail takes you through lush jungle forests to the top of a rocky hill affording incredible views of the volcano itself, along with the other islands and idyllic ocean waters surrounding it. While you're there, you can also stroll along its white sand beaches, tuck into some freshly-caught fish, and behold the vivid pink and tangerine glory of an Indonesian sunset. 

The ocean waters surrounding Anak Krakatau are also flush with colorful sea life, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling and diving. Slip on a mask and some fins and take in the gorgeous world underneath the surface of the sea, where you'll spot sea anemones, turtles, and multi-chromatic fish cruising along the coral reefs.

Anak Krakatau rumbles, spews lava, and shoots steam and ash into the atmosphere to this day. It hasn't had an eruption that has harmed humans since the deadly collapse and subsequent tsunami in 2018, though another large-scale volcanic event is not so much a matter of if, but when.

This means visiting the island carries with it a certain amount of risk. That said, the volcano is closely monitored, which means access is prohibited when conditions are deemed hazardous. You'll only be allowed to go when the mountain is relatively quiet, which should help reduce the likelihood of being caught in an eruption.

Visiting Anak Krakatau makes a great side trip from Jakarta, and is best done as part of an organized tour that can last anywhere from one to three days. You'll take a private vehicle to Anjer Harbor in Carita and then board a boat which gets you to the island in around 90 minutes. It's also possible to charter a boat directly if you want to travel independently. Whichever you choose, the seas can sometimes be rough which means seasickness is common, so plan accordingly. For more Indonesian adventure travel, add this island to your bucket list.