The Ijen Plateau lies in the centre of the Ijen - Merapi - Maelang Reserve, which extends over much of the mountainous region to the west of Banyuwangi, bordering or, the Baluran National Park. A luminous blue/green crater lake which surface is streaked in wind-blown patterns of yellow sulphur lies at the far eastern end of the plateau and is without doubt one of the most impressive of East Java's natural wonders.

Banyuwangi, East Java is close from Bali Island. Just a i hours with Ferry from Gilimanuk, Bali to Ketapang, Banyuwangi or about 4 hours from Denpasar on Bali Island. Banyuwangi region on the eastern end of lava Island is set to become a new tourist destination. Dominated by a number of secluded wildlife reserves, national parks, sprawling plantations and volcanic craters, this is an area nature lovers would do well to consider exploring for some time. 

As part of Bali Barat National Park, Menjangan Island is well known for its magnificent underwater world, beautiful coral reefs found nearby and best site for fishing. Another attraction of the island is the protected deer. Menjangan, an inhibited island about 10 km offshore, offers deep coral reef walls and is one of Bali's best diving sites. There are a few diving sites with good conditions and excellent visibility to choose from at Menjangan. It's also an interesting site for snorkelling. Menjangan also has a wreck, known as the 'Anker' because of its heavily encrusted anchor at the top of the reef. Fixed moorings have been built to prevent damage, and the island is reachable within less than 30-minute boat-ride from Ketapang Indah Hotel. 

by Inez Mahony

On Java, across a short stretch of water from Bali, is one of the most remote and fascinating national parks in Indonesia. Alas Purwo could be an enchanting travel destination for tourists and a treasure trove for those in the logging business.

The park, in the far southeast corner of Banyuwangi, covers 43,000 hectares of land consisting of savanna, mangrove forest, beach forest and lowland tropical forest. Indeed, the jungle embracing its beaches appears to have materialised straight from the sea. Alas Purwo is also home to rare and endangered mammals, including the Asiatic wild dog, wild oxen and leopards. Thousands of migrating birds visit its pristine forests each year and turtles come to lay their eggs on its secluded beaches. And for surfers, the park’s coastline boasts one of the best and most consistent reef-breaks in the world.

Banyuwang have very much jungle or conservation with amazing wild life. One of them is Baluran National Park. This park is a forest preservation area that extends about 25.000 ha on the north coast of East Java. The location is in Sumberwaru village, Banyuwangi sub district, Situbondo (on the east border of Java Island). You can enjoy the panorama of savannah and Baluran Volcano (inactive volcano) in the center of area that becomes habitat of many exotic animals such as wild pigs, deer, peacocks, wild chicken, some species of monkeys and also bulls as the protected animals in the area. 

Geographical Location Lies on the extreme north-eastern tip of mainland Java, close to the island of Bali. The boundary follows the coast in the north and east, and the Banyuwangi-Situbondo road in the south, south-west and west.

The extreme north-western boundary follows the Gatal River while the extreme southern section follows the forestry concession perimeter, and the Bajulmati River. Access to the park entrances at Karangteko or Wonorejo is by road from Banyuwangi, some 32km to the south, or from Surabaya to the west, via Probolinggo and Situbondo. 

Kaliklatak “Irdjen” Agrotourism in Banyuwangi Regency : Smart Adventurers Take a turn through Banana Plantations and Rubber trees

After thrashing through the wild jungles of eastern Java, smart adventurers take a turn through banana plantations and rubber trees, to an aromatic oasis that serves home-grown feasts and pots of coffee that are fit for paradise.

From kitchen comes the rich aroma of exotic spices like nutmeg and clove. On the table, a feast awaits: soup filled with wild mushrooms, platters of banana fritters and fried ferns, and a fresh vegetable casserole. Besides sweets of cinnamon and chocolate, there’s also sinful agar, a vanilla pudding with coffee Jell-O.

Early Independence Day morning August 17 humanitarian ocean swimmer Monte Monfore conquered the dangerous four-kilometer Bali Strait between Java and Bali.  The Satu Hati Education Swim was part of a nation-wide campaign promoting children’s education in Indonesia.

In a pre-swim announcement the 46-year-old swimmer from California, USA spoke to more than 20 members of the media.  When asked about the high winds and rough seas he explained the Pocari Sweat and ANTV Peduli-sponsored swim would be difficult because of the unfavorable conditions.  “This is one of the interesting aspects of ocean swimming as one can never accurately predict Mother Nature,” he commented.  The marathon swimmer then spoke about the Satu Hati Campaign and the importance of education.  He dedicated his swim to “the children of Indonesia”.

Indonesia is managing the Sukamade Turtle Beach, where eggs of sea turtles are collected for incubation and rearing in a hatchery, before the young turtles are released into the wild. Protecting Sukamade Turtle Beach also means safeguarding the sea turtles‘ reproductive cycle. The first job is to secure a safe, quiet and appealing environment where the turtles feel comfortable laying their eggs. 

The beauty of nature is spread across Banyuwangi from the west to the east. Mountains, forests and beaches mark the landscape of the regency. For instance, Ijen Crater, in the western part of Banyuwangi is famous for its beautiful crater lake, the traditional sulfur miners who amazingly climb up and down the slope of Mount Merapi, and the plantations that cover the Crater’s slope.  The National Park of Meru Betiri is famous for its Java Tiger and turtles.  These locations form the center of the Tourism Developed area which is called the Diamond Triangle, which connects one Tourism Object to another.