Krakatoa, also transcribed Krakatau, is a caldera in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in the Indonesian province of Lampung.

What does the name Krakatoa mean?

Theories as to the origin of the Indonesian name Krakatau include: Onomatopoeia, imitating the noise made by white parrots that used to inhabit the island. From Sanskrit karka or karkata or karkataka, meaning " lobster" or " crab". From Malay kelakatu, meaning "white-winged ant".

How did Krakatoa get its name?

The actual Indonesian name for the volcano is "Krakatau". ... Theories about origins of the name "Krakatau" include the idea that it is derived from the noise made by the white parrots living on the island. Another theory says it comes from the Sanskrit word "karkata" meaning "lobster" or "crab".