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Banyuwangi highlights alternative destinations after Ijen Crater closure
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The rare blue fire at Ijen crater, Banyuwangi, East Java. (Shutterstock/File)
T
ourism to Banyuwangi has not been heavily affected since last week's temporary closure of its top spot Ijen Crater, an official has said, as the region offers various other destinations to visitors.
MY Bramuda, Banyuwangi's Culture and Tourism Agency head, told kompas.com that the regency boasts up to 10 other top tourist attractions that can be visited throughout the day, emphasizing that Ijen Crater only takes up a small amount of time during tourist visits.
Ijen Crater is best seen in the evening, as it is known for its natural phenomenon called the blue fire that streams down the mountain at night. The blue glow comes from the combustion of sulfuric gases.
"Hiking Mount Ijen must be done at night from around midnight until 7 a.m., outside of that tourists can visit other destinations," Bramuda said.
Since March 22 the crater has been temporarily closed to tourists, climbers and miners because of the presence of toxic gases.
Bramuda pointed out that other destinations continue to welcome tourists. Among others in the southern parts of Banyuwangi include Ijo Bay, Red Island, Sukamade, Alas Purwo National Park and Jawatan.
Meanwhile to the north, he said, there is Grand Watu Dodol, Bangsring Beach, Tabuhan Island and the crossover to Manganan Island in Bali. To explore coffee plantations, visitors could head to Tlemung, Gombeng and Kaliklatak.
"We have communicated the issue with travel agents and asked them to recommend destinations other than Ijen," Bramuda said.
Read also: Ten must-visit places in Banyuwangi
He added that officials are closely monitoring any developments related to the mountain, noting that the presence of toxic gas is part of an annual cycle.
On average, every day 1,000 tourists climb Mount Ijen, and the number increases to 2,000 during the weekend.
Maya Subagio, the owner of Didus Homestay, noted that there are still many tourists who come and stay at the accommodation located in Glagah district, despite the closure of Ijen Crater.
"Almost all the tourists understand and accept our explanation that the Mount Ijen climb is closed because of toxic gas. No complaints," Maya said.
Imam, the owner of Omah Kopi Tlemung Kalipuro, said over the past week the number of tourists that visited his place to learn about coffee grew slightly. "There was an increase in the numbers coming, even though it's not that much," Imam said, adding that they were mostly foreign tourists who visited with travel agents. (liz/kes)
