40 km from the West Java coast. Blown to pieces in the 19th Century in the most violent explosion the world has ever known. Tidal waves 30 m high. Debris landed in Madagascar on the other side of the Indian Ocean. The boom was heard in Brisbane over 4000 km away. Special masses were held in Spain. Tennyson wrote a poem. It rumbles still occasionally and Anak Krakatoa (Son of Krakatoa) has already risen 500 m above the sea since its first appearance in 1928. Seventeen years after the explosion, which took place in 1883, the isle of Krakatoa was again astonishingly covered in plant life though virtually bereft of fauna except for snakes, lizards, spiders, rats, bats and birds. Scientists estimate that it will take 2-3 million years before animal life returns in numbers. getting there: The Rp30,000 boat trip from Labuhan takes only 4 hours; 5-6 people to a boat. To circle the island by boat takes 3 hours. Each time you go, the volcano is in a different mood. Water could be 60 degrees C. (hot). Hot ash blackens your face, boulders the size of basket-balls are tossed out, the roar is deafening, while black smoke clouds the sky. Can also hire a boat from Pasauran. No regular services in monsoon season, Nov.-March.