Kawah Putih is a sizeable highly acid lake (pH 0.5-1.3) that changes colour from bluish to whitish green, or brown, depending on the concentration of sulfur and the temperature or the oxidation state.

The lake is said to have been first documented in the Western world in 1837 by Dr Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn, a German botanist who carried out a considerable amount of research in Indonesia until his death in Lembang, just north of Bandung, in 1864.

A sulfur plant known as the Zwavel Ontgining Kawah Putih was first established near the lake during the period of Dutch rule in Java.

The plant was later taken over during World War II by the Japanese military and operated under the name Kawah Putih Kenzanka Yokoya Ciwidey.

Local plants not widely found in lower altitudes in Java include Javanese Edelweiss and Cantigy (Vaccinium varingifolium).

Local farmers often take the opportunity to sell strawberries (widely grown in the area), steamed corn, and various other items such as pumpkin seeds (pepita).

Kawah Putih and the surrounding area (where there are resort facilities such as hot spas) is a popular spot for people from Bandung.

Minibuses ply the route southwards from Bandung and, depending on traffic, can take up to two hours to reach the entrance to the Kawah Putih area.