I count my lucky stars, having the opportunity to explore Banyuwangi in East Java, a trip sponsored by the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (@kbrikualalumpur) and Citilink Indonesia. Banyuwangi is the perfect start for an authentic adventure to branch off the beaten path in East Java. The thrill of trekking smoking volcano, exploring and tasting the sour waters of sulphuric and taking time absorbing the stunning beauty of its nature and culture will fulfil the crave for adventure. Every little part of this region is fuelled with a healthy dose of surprises.
IJEN CRATER
Ijen Crater is one of the iconic attractions is East Java. Mount Ijen hosts some of the last active sulfur mining in the world has captivated travellers interests for a few decades. It is ultimately famous for its unusual occurrence on earth; The electric blue flame and turquoise blue lake. The glow of the intense blue flame is ignited by combustion of sulfuric gasses at high pressure illuminates the landscape at night. The impressive turquoise blue lake is the largest highly acidic lake in the world.
The trek isn’t a hardship if you are fit. It is about 2 hours ascend and a slightly shorter descend. It’s the intense smell of sulfur which hurts my throat that I find challenging that I had to occasionally I close my eyes and hold my breath. Masks are available for rent buy I feel that they don’t make any difference. Warm clothing is essential as it is chilly at night.
There are ‘trolleys’ used to wheel those who do not have the strength to trek the mountain. It costs about IDR800,000 return to be wheeled up and down the mountain on trolley manoeuvred by the local villagers. The trek often starts between midnight to 3am for higher chances of witnessing one of the rare occurrences on earth.
I stopped and ponder at times wishing “Selamat Pagi” (Good Morning in Bahasa Indonesia) to the hardworking local miners, carrying load on their shoulders weighing between 70-80kg of sulfur in woven basket up and down the mountain. I stopped to have a chat with Sudir who took a break while ascending the steep rocky section. He placed the load on his shoulders. On the ground. I offered him a packet of biscuits and some bread and he was so grateful he thanked me profusely. Sudir told me that the local miners earn approximately USD$20 a day, doing 4 trips up the mountain daily (climbing steep 3km mountains with heavy load on their shoulders) working between 1am to 10am. That’s only USD$5 per trip for these brave souls. Hard work, barely earning anything, risking their lives breathing toxic sulfur to support their beloved family. Offer them a packet of biscuits, or some bread. I promise you that it will mean the world to them.
I took a break on my way down the mountain, admiring the beauty of Mt Merapi from a distance and feeling a strong sense of gratitude for the life I have.
DE DJAWATAN
This sprawling green area has a distinct mythical atmosphere that could make it the next Lord of The Ring movie setting. This park is filled with 100 years old Trembesi trees with vegetation covering their branches creating a mystifying feel.
The park located about 45 minutes from the centre of Banyuwangi is now a popular Instagram spots for the new millennial and pre-wedding photo shoots for its uniqueness.
KAWAH WURUNG BONDOWOSO
A stunning landscape with green expanse of savannah surrounded by giant hole like caldera and beautiful rolling hills on the backdrop. This area, close to Ijen Crater is worth a visit even after a strenuous climb up the crater. It certainly is an area completely away from the tourist tumult. Sitting down on a bed of grass staring at the contrast of the blissful blue skies and the lush green savannah totally blew my mind totally! It didn’t feel like I was in Indonesia!
ALAS PURWO NATIONAL PARK
Covering an area of over 43,000 hectares, Alas Purwo National Park offers wild-life spotting in its savannah, mangrove forests and home to G-Land, a surfer’s paradise which is famous for its best left-hand waves in the world. It is the dwelling for Javanese bull, Asiatic wild dog, macaques and various birdlife.
Pura Kawitan located in the national is not to be missed. This sacred temple stood proudly in the middle of forests of yesteryears his has a very mythical feel like no other temples around Java.
Pancur Beach
I shall never forget this charming stretch of golden sands spread across for miles. The warm blue water is so inviting that even my faithful mobile phone decided to go for a swim in the ocean! This quiet piece of haven is my favourite spot in the Alas Purwo National Park. Sit on the shoreline, stay away from Instagram for that very moment and enjoy watching the massive waves crashing down the shoreline. It is indeed totally blissful…
MANJANGAN ISLAND
No words can describe the depth of my contentment as my toes touched the soft glittering sand of the volcanic beach and floating peacefully on the turquoise blue water of Menjangan Island.
Uninhabited and protected, this little piece of paradise even though is part of Bali, is also easily accessible from Banyuwangi. It is a 45 minutes boat ride from the unique black pebbled volcanic beach of Watudodol. The translucent blue waters boast a rich underwater kingdom making it a great spot for snorkelling and diving.
East Java is a land full of surprises. It is however not always on the tourist radar for visits. A road trip across the region will leave you in awe. Beautiful villages… Rice fields spread for miles…. Topless women chatting away while washing their clothes by the canal accompanied by little ducklings, their friendly floaties. Children running around aimlessly waving hello to passers-by…. It is very picturesque. It will take you travelling back in time. Stop for coffee or nasi pisang goreng (fried banana) if you can. You’ll make the locals smile. They hardly ever see foreigners in this part of Indonesia.
One of the greatest things I love about Indonesia is its people. Its wonderful people. Just sitting down, even having the simplest conversation with the locals makes me smile. They regularly reminded me of gratitude.
Travel with your heart and it’ll take you to places you’ve never been before ❤❤❤
NOTE : The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, better known as KBRI Kuala Lumpur and Citilink have kindly invited me and several other from the Malaysian media and tourism to explore more of Banyuwangi. Citilink flies direct to Banyuwangi from Kuala Lumpur once a week. An alternative way to travel there is to fly to Surabaya followed by an overland transfer to Banyuwangi.
