Banyuwangi is located in the eastern part of Java, in the regency of Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia. It’s often called the Gateway to the Historic Site of Bedulu, which happens to be one of the heritage sites in Indonesia because it’s known as the Javanese Hindu Civilization in 900 CE. Other than that, Banyuwangi serves as one of the main gateways to Mount Bromo in Tengger Desert, a popular tourist destination.
This trip is 2 years in the making
This 2-year-old plan of mine has finally come to fruition. After six months of hiatus, I am finally going back to my homeland of Indonesia for a short one-day trip to explore the area of Banyuwangi. It will be less than twenty-four hours but I’m ready and excited for my solo trip through an area in East Java I’ve never been to before. There are two major reasons why this place is on my bucket list:
1) it’s home to Ujung Kulon National Park, which is said to have some of the best trekking routes in all of Indonesia, and
2) it’s right next door to Pacitan, which is a great town known for its handmade weavings.
Map of Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi is a small town in East Java that boasts a wealth of Buddhist temples and other fascinating sites. I visited for a day, so this post will only detail my exploration from morning to night. I began at the Watampone Temple, one of the most famous attractions in Banyuwangi. It was built around 1745 by King Tegowanu as a place of worship during his exile. The temple is famous for its intricate architecture and contains many sacred statues of Buddha on display inside. After visiting the temple, I walked through a beautiful maze-like street market before hopping on a bus to another nearby site: Tanjung Pandan Beach.
Where to Stay
The Kota Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, with connections to airlines around the world, is not far from the town of Banyuwangi. From there you can fly, taxi, or drive to Pekalongan (1 hour) and then take a taxi or public bus another hour on to Merak (1 hour), where a ferry crosses over to Ketapang. Alternatively, there is a port at Surabaya from which ferries go over to Ketapang. Then it’s another 3 hours by car to Gunung Kawi. You can also fly into Ketapang airport, but it’s much smaller than the one in Banyuwangi so I don’t recommend it if possible.
What to do in Banyuwangi
Bungarus is one of the most important symbols in Islam, with a history dating back over 1000 years. It is said that over 100 sultans are buried here and that while they were alive they could hear the muezzin calling people to prayer. Be sure to also check out Cangkringan Hill, which has beautiful views at all times of the day. Check out Basuki Cottage for some delicious Indonesian food, then head over to Jimbaran Beach for a swim. There’s plenty more to see in this amazing city, so enjoy your time there!
Other activities you may want to try include snorkeling or taking a boat trip around Kepulauan Seribu (the Thousand Islands). You can even take an excursion to Ujung Kulon National Park, which offers great scenery and opportunities for bird watching. Just make sure you have enough money in your budget—some places charge an entrance fee of Rp 20 000 or Rp 5000 per person.
How To Get There
Banyuwangi is not too far from the mountain town of Malang, meaning that it’s possible to visit this famous heritage site in one day, taking in a variety of sights. The most popular way to get there is to fly into Bali or Surabaya and then take a domestic flight to Kediri. From there, you can book a package tour or rent a vehicle and driver who knows the way. It will take approximately four hours by car to arrive at your destination. Arrive early for an evening climb up Mount Singgalang for spectacular views across East Java. You can also explore some of the city’s colonial buildings on foot before indulging in a delicious dinner of Nasi Campur (rice with side dishes) and going to bed early so you’re ready for an early start. When you wake up, head out to the village of Banjarejo where you’ll find traditional houses and temples, as well as beautiful waterfalls and rivers. Climb down paths lined with centuries-old stone bridges while trying to spot monkeys swinging through the trees overhead. And don’t forget: when visiting Banyuwangi make sure to try their local specialty called jambul Goreng—it tastes great!
Conclusion
Banyuwangi has a lot to offer with various activities and must-see locations. Whether you want to explore the natural beauty, visit historical sites, or enjoy local food in colorful markets, there is something for everyone. All that is left to do now is pack your bags and head to Banyuwangi for the adventure of a lifetime! Many people come to Banyuwangi just because they have heard about how wonderful it is here and they are not disappointed. There are many sights to see and plenty of adventures to be had in this amazing place. For example, if you want to explore natural beauty then go kayaking on the Semeru River or take a hike up Gunung Puntang for an amazing view of the valley below. If you want to see some history then visit one of Banyuwangi’s many temples such as Benteng Vredeburg which was built by Dutch colonists during their occupation from 1828-1859. The fort has been restored so visitors can tour the grounds, enter the original structure and get a glimpse into what life might have been like at that time. Of course, no trip to Banyuwangi would be complete without exploring the bustling marketplaces where locals sell everything from fruits and vegetables to handmade arts and crafts. Or try some delicious local cuisine at one of these unique restaurants where all sorts of dishes await those hungry travelers looking for great food.
