Tips for a trip to Anak Krakatau

Getting there: There are several alternative ways of getting there. However, we chose to go first to Carita Beach by bus before sailing to the island by motorboat.

It's about two hours' drive from Jakarta to Carita, and three hours more on the boat.

With Adventure Indonesia, the cost starts at Rp 700,000 per person for the three-day trip. It covers accommodation, food and transportation. If you want to go there by yourself, you can rent the boat at a fee of around Rp 1 million per day.

What to bring: If you cannot stand being dashed about by waves, don't forget your seasickness medication. For clothing, beach wear, of course: Shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, swimwear, bikinis. Cotton is best in the dry heat, and don't forget a hat too.

If you want to dive or snorkel, you have to bring your own equipment.

Bring both sandals and shoes. Sandals are useful since you will be going back and forth from boat to the beach on the rubber boat. For hiking, use thick-soled hiking shoes, or sneakers. Better to wear them with socks because the hot and dry soil at the volcano will get inside your shoes.

Sunscreen is a must! Otherwise, you'll end up like me with sunburn. Insect repellent is also essential.

You might want to bring a sleeping bag, or an extra blanket for your bed because there are a lot of rocks on the ground.

Do not forget to zip up your tent. My tent-mate and I got carried away and opened the tent. Rather than feeling the sea breeze on our skin while we were sleeping, we had an intruder: a big black rat! Yikes!

-- Hera Diani