The Gem On The Tip of Java: 10 Things To Do In Banyuwangi, Indonesia

1. Be mesmerized by the electric-blue fire of Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater)

If you have an avid interest in nature discovery, hiking mount Ijen is highly recommended. In addition, you’ll have the rare chance to witness the amazing natural phenomenon called “blue fire”. The emerging electric blue fire can be enjoyed only in the early morning (1am to 3am). Kawah Ijen is the largest crater in East Java comprising of a green sulfuric lake. You will be captivated with the local miners, going up and down the crater while hauling heavy yellow stones.

Kawah Ijen

Address: Banyuwangi, East Java

Price: from 7 USD to 11 USD

Opening Hours: 2am - 2pm

2. Make a escape to Green Bay Beach

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wisata Banyuwangi (@banyuwangi.trip)

Green Bay Beach is your perfect off the beaten track beach. This paradise, with sandy beach and turquoise water is a hidden gem of the southern region. To reach it, you need a little effort to tackle the bumpy road and the thick jungle. The curving white sand beach facing the Indian ocean waves is a highlight which needs to be explored.

Kawah Ijen

Address: Banyuwangi, East Java

Opening Hours: 7am - 4.30pm

3. Try out surfing at G-Land Beach

Plengkung Beach known as G-land Beach is one of the best surfing spots in the world. It’s a real paradise for surfers visiting from around the world since the pristine beach offers huge waves. It’s called G-Land as it’s situated on Grajagan bay. There is some nice accommodation on the site which is home to several surf camps, and feature small cottages. To reach this spot, you can go by motorboat from Bali.

G-Land Beach

Address: Banyuwangi, East Java

Opening Hours: 24 hours

4. Build a red sand castle at Pulau Merah Beach

Including Pulau Merah Beach on your beach hopping itinerary is a great idea. This super clean beach is called “Pulau Merah” (or red island) as it has beautiful reddish sand only in the dry season. The small lush hill facing the beach is another attraction which is good for candid photography. You can enjoy numerous activities here such as sunbathing, swimming, or building a red sand castle.

Pulau Merah Beach

Address: Banyuwangi, East Java

Price: from 0.2 USD to 0.4 USD

Opening Hours: 24 hours

5. Observe Javanese bulls in Alas Purwo National Park

Banyuwangi also offers wildlife adventure in Alas Purwo Nationa Park. This natural conservation area is home to some endangered species such as the Javanese bull, deer peacocks and other endemic birds. The highlight here is observing the natural environment of the Javanese bulls. Time your visit in the dry season (the middle of the year) when the bulls love to wander around in search of springs.

Alas Purwo National Park

Address: Blambangan Peninsula

Price: from 0.4 USD

6. Bathe in Selendang Arum Waterfall

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yunita Dewi Agustina (@yunita_augustine)

If you are in search of alternative sights other than beaches, Selendang Arum Waterfall situated in the north of Banyuwangi is a wise choice. The 20 meter (over 65 feet) waterfall hidden in the thick jungle is the right place to gain refreshing adventure experience. The feature of the waterfall is its rocky surface with the large, strong drops of water cascading down over it. Bathing in the fresh water and enjoying the wet breeze are both highly recommended.

Selendang Arum Waterfall

Address: Songgon, Banyuwangi

Opening Hours: 24 hours

7. Taste the unique dish - Rujak Soto

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by yeny indriyati (@yenyindriyati)

Trying Rujak Soto, the tasty local cuisine is a must thing to do. Rujak soto is a type of fusion dish where rujak cingur (a kind of salad from Surabaya made with slices of cooked cow’s mouth) and Soto (a kind of beef soup) are mixed together. It sounds strange but the combination of green veggies, beef, the cow’s mouth, and the broth create an amazing taste. There are several restaurants serving Rujak Soto along the main street of the city.

Pondok Rujak Soto

Address: Jl. Basuki Rahmat, Singotrunan, Kec. Banyuwangi

Price: from 1.9 USD

Opening Hours: 9am - 9pm (every day)

Contact: +62 812-5911-4927

8. Participate in a captivating Banyuwangi festival

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by .Tegar Dio Ananda. (@dio_haww)

For those who are festival enthusiasts, don’t miss an opportunity to participate in a Banyuwangi festival, held each month. There are numerous vibrant festivals and events ranging in themes from fashion, traditional dance, surfing competitions, contemporary arts and many others. Mark your calendar and put them on your bucket list.

Kebaya Festival

Address: Banyuwangi, East Java

Date: April 22nd 2017.

9. Enjoy the elegance of Gandrung dance

Gandrung, depicting the beauty of Dewi Sri, the Goddess of the rice paddy, is native to Banyuwangi. The local government uses Gandrung as the region’s tourism mascot, to attract visitors. The dance is performed by ladies wearing graceful traditional attire and accessories and features elegant movement. You can enjoy this lovely dance during certain major events such as weddings, anniversaries, circumcisions, and public events.

Festival Gandrung Sewu (Annual Event)

Address: Pantai Boom, Banyuwangi

Opening Hours: 2pm

10. Witness sea turtles laying eggs in Sukamade

Sukamade Beach located in the southwest of Banyuwangi offers serenity and peace during your adventure. The highlight of Sukamade is seeing female turtles lay their eggs along the shore, at night. You can witness this rare moment from November to March (the peak season). The best time to do this night trip is from 7.30pm, when the turtles begin arriving on the shore, until midnight. You will be accompanied by a local guide.

Pantai Sukamade

Address: Sukamade, Banyuwangi,

Price: from 1.5 USD

Opening Hours: 7.30pm - midnight

Banyuwangi is a great alternative to free yourself from the crowds of Bali

When crowded Bali has no space to chill out, Banyuwangi is a great alternative. The easternmost region of Java provides everything that a traveler needs. Blue fire, the best surfing spot, lovely beaches, amazing culture, and the local hospitality are the diamonds of Banyuwangi. Make a visit and discover the region soon!