Like the nearby Krakatoa, it too is volcanic in origin, although there are no known historic eruptions.

Panaitan did not suffer as badly from the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa as many of the other islands in the area did, only the north and eastern parts of the island were hit by the tsunamis, and only about 55 bodies were found later.

These included a hajji with royal permission to cut wood and about 50 squatters.

The island is the location of multiple world class surfing waves.

[1] Panaitan island is a part of Ujung Kulon National Park.