Gunungapi Wetar, volcanic island in Indonesia
Gunungapi Wetar is a stratovolcano on a small island in the Banda Sea. The island rises only 282 meters (925 feet) above sea level, but the volcano beneath is massive, extending about 5000 meters (16,400 feet) below the surface. At the summit sits a small crater with an inner cone, and the slopes bear three large landslide scars, with one forming a bay on the northeast side. An ancient lava flow descended the southwest flank all the way to the coast.
Gunungapi Wetar experienced its last recorded eruption in 1512 with an explosive blast. A possible but unconfirmed eruption may have occurred in 1699, with activity separated by centuries. Since then the volcano has remained dormant with no recent eruptions recorded.
Visitors must reach the island by boat as it is completely isolated in the sea with no regular connections. The terrain is rough with steep slopes and loose soil, so waterproof gear and a local guide are strongly recommended.
The name literally means 'Fire Mountain' in Indonesian, a title reflecting the volcano's explosive character. Despite its quiet phase over recent centuries, the mountain retains the power of its fiery history beneath the surface.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
