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Banyuwangi's must-visit tourist attractions
Below are five must-visit tourist attractions in Banyuwangi.
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Mount Ijen is a sight to behold, what with plumes of smoke rising from its crater. Mount Ijen is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Banyuwangi, East Java. (The Star/Asia News Network/-)
B
anyuwangi regency in East Java is set to attract 2 million tourists next year, as a direct flight from Jakarta to Banyuwangi will be operating soon.
Those looking for adventure may consult the list below.
(Read also: More tourists expected as Jakarta-Banyuwangi direct flight set to open in 2017)
Mount Ijen
The Ijen volcano complex is known for its blue fire and turquoise-green sulfur lake.
The former is a natural phenomenon, which can only be found in Ijen and Iceland. The blue fire comes from the crater's sulfuric gas, which ignites as it emerges and comes in contact with the air. To see the blue fire, visitors need to hike for around two hours to reach the crater. Kompas.com reported that the blue fire only appears at night, before 5 a.m. The trekking area opens at 1 a.m. and closes at 12 p.m. after sunrise.
As for the latter, tourists can see the beautiful lake from the caldera wall in the morning.
How to get there: From Banyuwangi's city center, drive or rent a car to the last stop before climbing Paltuding. In Paltuding, tourists can park their vehicles or set up a tent. Those who do not fancy camping may drive from Banyuwangi's city center in the middle of the night.
Bangsring Underwater
Situated 50 kilometers away from Banyunwangi's city center, Bangsring underwater is a conservation area managed by Samudra Bakti fishermen group. Over the past eight years, the group managed to restore the coral reefs and educate the fishermen about the marine life dwelling among beautiful coral colonies in a clean sea.
Similar to other islands, snorkeling and diving are the most common activities in Brangsing Underwater. However, in Bangsring tourists can also participate in coral reef restoration activities along with the fishermen.
Bangsring Underwater also offers a baby shark-feeding activity on floating houses as well as an opportunity to go swimming with the sharks.
After a trip to Bangsring Underwater, visitors are suggested to drop by to uninhabited Tabuhan island. Located along the Bali Strait, the white sandy beach and mangrove forest are managed independently by local fishermen, making it a must-see beach to see while visiting Banyuwangi.
How to get there: From Banyuwangi train station, rent a car or ojek (motorbike taxi) to Brangsing village. From Ketapang Banyuwangi bus terminal, rent a car to the village. Brangsing underwater also provides shuttle car.
(Read also: Here’s why Banyuwangi is perfect for nature and culture lovers)
Pulau Merah Beach
Nestled in Sumberagung village, Pesanggaran district, Pulau Merah Beach is located 67 kilometers away from Banyuwangi's city center.
The beach is a popular surfing spot, which is a courtesy of its open sand and waves that can grow in size up to three meters.
In addition to surfing, Pulau Merah Beach is also suitable for landscape photographers, as they can take photographs of the breathtaking sunset.
How to get there: The beach is a three-hour drive away from Banyuwangi. It can be reached by car or motorcycle. Those looking for public transportation can take a bus to Ujang Jaya in the direction of Pesanggaran village from the city center. Stop at the Pesanggaran market then continue by ojek to Pulau Merah.
Teluk Ijo
Teluk Ijo's crystal clear green water and white sandy beach makes it Banyuwangi's best-kept secret. Situated in Sarongan village, the green bay is part of Meru Betiri National Park.
Tourists can swim or relax around the bay. Those who want to camp in Teluk Ijo may need a permit from Meru Betiri National Park.
How to get there: Drive to the fishermen village in Rajekwesi beach. If the weather is good, tourists can hop on a fishermen's boat to go to Teluk Ijo. However, if the weather is bad, visitors may hike through the hills and forest to reach Teluk Ijo.
Pine forest area
Banyuwangi's pine forest is located in Sumberbulu village, Songgon district. A newly opened tourist spot, its hanging lanterns and red umbrellas have become instantly iconic, managing to steal the attention of local tourists.
The activities on offer include tree house climbing, trekking, cycling, safari jeep rides, outbound activities and camping.
How to get there: Pine forest can be reached by private car or motorbike. (asw)
