Almost all tourists know that Banyuwangi is a stopover when traveling to the paradise of the Gods Island, Bali. If you’re in East Java, then Banyuwangi is the gateway to Bali. This area is very popular for its stunning beaches, the fantastic Ijen crater, tourist villages and wildlife tours.
Maybe Banyuwangi is not as famous as Bali even though these two areas are next to each other. But if you go on a road trip to Banyuwangi, you will bring unforgettable experiences
Ijen Crater
Also known as Kawah Ijen, is truly spectacular, featuring the world’s largest acidic lake and the only natural ‘blue fire’ on earth. This is an active volcano that looms over the city. This volcano is known for its sulfur miners, striking yellow landscapes and blue flames at night. It takes 30-40 minutes to drive from Banyuwangi city to Ijen. If you visit this place, you must prepare your stamina and wear a mask.
To reach the Ijen crater, you don’t need a professional climber; even those of you who have never climbed can do it as long as you have good energy. Then for the best time to go to Ijen crater is in the April-October dry season. This may be the best time of year but it is also the busiest time so you might consider going outside these months. Honestly, it’s fine to visit all year round, just there’s a chance you’ll get rained on and the hiking trails are slippery.
Explore the Beaches
Banyuwangi is directly adjacent to the Indian Ocean, then it makes almost all beaches in Banyuwangi face this Ocean. This lucky fact has brought Banyuwangi famous for the beauty of its beaches. There are at least 10 beaches in Banyuwangi which are famous for their natural beauty: Watu Dodol Beach, Plengkung, Green Bay, Red Island, Trianggulasi, Sukamade, Boom and Wedi Ireng. All of these beaches have the best reviews from all tourists who have visited. Green Bay Beach for example, a beach which also has the title “Green Bay” has turquoise sea water. If you love surfing then you must add Plengkung Beach, often referred to G-Land, in your ‘to do list’ of trips to Banyuwangi.
It is a paradise for experienced surfers with shallow reef breaks and long waves. Plengkung beach is famous for its 7 rolls of waves that can reach up to 6 meters high, a true challenge for surfers in the world. There are a number of surf camps along the coast that you can stay at while visiting G-Land.
Diving, surfing and sunbathing are just some of the activities at one of Banyuwangi’s beaches
Mount Raung
Since Banyuwangi is the home of some volcanoes and craters, then if you dream of doing the most extreme mountain climbing in Indonesia, then try climbing Mount Raung from the hiking trail in Banyuwangi. Mount Raung consider as the most massive volcanoes in Banyuwangi. The climb will require good energy because you will pass through the forest on the mountain with extreme paths. However, the struggles of the trip are of course, well worth it once you reach the top.
Baluran National Park
For your information, Baluran National Park can be accessed from Banyuwangi and Situbondo. The location of Baluran is settled in those 2 districts in East Java. Almost all tourists already know all the beauty of Baluran which is often referred to as ‘little Africa’. If you are curious about real wildlife, visit here. Baluran National Park is a unique landscape consisting of grasslands that cover most of its area (about 25,000 hectares).
The best view of the park is Watchtower at Bekol, where you can see endless savannahs, acacia scrub and lowland forests and see as far as Bali. The park is bordered by a stunning coral reef and just 15 kilometers (one hour) along a rugged road that leads from the main entrance you can access Bama Beach, a beautiful stretch of white sand. It is very safe for swimming and snorkeling.
Baluran is located in the driest corner of the Java Island. The best time to visit is during the dry season: around May to October, when the animals run around the fields. It can rain heavily in January and February, and the park can be closed if it becomes impassable due to flooding.
Exploring Alas Purwo, the oldest forest on the island of Java
Alas Purwo is dense forest in Banyuwangi region. Alas Purwo is in a lowland rainforest ecosystem. the oldest forest on Java. Biodiversity in Alas Purwo is so abundant. This forest is the last line of defense for the Javan Bull. At least 700 species of plants exist in Alas Purwo. Everything develops and grows on 43,420 hectares area. If you like the free life of nature, researching various kinds of wild plants and animals, enjoying the beauty of pure forests, then Alas Purwo is the answer.
