Banyuwangi, Indonesia
Region: East Java
Geographic Coordinates: -8.218600, 114.367000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with rainy and dry seasons.
Population: 172424
Language: Javanese
Banyuwangi is a regency located in the easternmost part of Java Island, Indonesia. It is renowned as the Sunrise of Java due to its location on the eastern tip of Java Island, Which provides an excellent vantage point for watching the sunrise over Bali Strait. Banyuwangi is a city that boasts natural beauty and cultural richness. One of its most famous tourist attractions is Kawah Ijen, An active volcano that stands at 2, 799 meters above sea level.
The volcano has a unique feature – a turquoise crater lake that emits blue flames at night, Making it one of Indonesia’s most beautiful natural wonders. Visitors can hike up to Kawah Ijen and witness this stunning phenomenon up close. Another popular attraction in Banyuwangi is Baluran National Park, Covering an area of around 25 thousand hectares. The national park offers visitors breathtaking views of savannas with herds of wild animals such as deer and bantengs (wild oxen). Visitors can also enjoy hiking through dense forests or kayaking on mangrove swamps.
If you are interested in culture and history, Several places are worth visiting while in Banyuwangi. One such place is Gua Istana (Palace Cave), Which was once used as a hideout by Prince Diponegoro during his rebellion against Dutch colonial rule. Another historical site worth visiting is Blambangan Museum where visitors can learn about prehistoric artifacts found around Banyuwangi regency. The people of Banyuwangi are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards tourists.
They have their own unique culture called Osing Culture which includes traditional dance performances such as Gandrung Dance or Jaran Kepang Dance accompanied by gamelan music played on traditional instruments like kendang drums and saron xylophones. In terms of food, There are many delicious dishes to try in Banyuwangi. One popular dish is Nasi Tempong, Which consists of rice served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, Tempeh, And sambal (chili sauce). Another must-try dish is Soto Ayam Banyuwangi, A traditional chicken soup made with turmeric and lemongrass.
Overall, Banyuwangi is a destination that offers something for everyone – natural beauty, Cultural richness, History, And delicious food. It’s a perfect place to visit if you want to experience the true essence of Indonesia.
- Ijen Crater
- Baluran National Park
- Pulau Merah Beach
- Alas Purwo National Park
- Tabuhan Island
- Plengkung Beach (G-Land)
- Rajegwesi Beach and Green Bay
- Banyuwangi Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Banyuwangi)
- Taman Nasional Meru Betiri (Meru Betiri National Park)
- Sukamade Turtle Conservation Center
- Agriculture: Banyuwangi is known for its fertile land, and agriculture is the main source of income for many people. The major crops grown here include coffee, cocoa, rubber, and vegetables.
- Tourism: Banyuwangi is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, national parks, waterfalls, and cultural heritage sites.
- Fisheries: Fishing is an important industry in Banyuwangi as it has a long coastline with abundant marine resources.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry in Banyuwangi includes textiles, food processing units, furniture making units etc.
- Mining: There are several mining companies operating in the area extracting minerals such as gold and silver.
- Trading: As a port city located on the eastern tip of Java island, Banyuwangi has been an important trading hub for centuries with goods being exported to other parts of Indonesia as well as other countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
- Handicrafts: The people of Banyuwangi are skilled artisans who produce various handicrafts such as batik fabrics and pottery items which are sold locally or exported to other parts of Indonesia or overseas markets.
- The Kingdom of Blambangan was founded in the 16th century by Raden Wirabhumi and Banyuwangi was once a part of it.
- In the 19th century, Banyuwangi became a part of the Dutch East Indies and played an important role in trade and commerce.
- Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president, was exiled to Banyuwangi by Dutch authorities in 1938 for his nationalist activities.
- I Gusti Ngurah Rai led a guerrilla war against the Dutch during Indonesia’s struggle for independence and died near Banyuwangi; he is considered one of Indonesia’s national heroes.
- Mount Merapi erupted in 1994 causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure in Banyuwangi.
- In 2011, over thirty people died when a ferry carrying more than two hundred passengers sank off the coast of Ketapang Harbor in Banyuwangi; this event is known as the Ketapang Harbor tragedy.
- The annual Gandrung dance festival is one of Banyuwangi’s most famous cultural events; it features traditional Javanese dance performances accompanied by gamelan music.
- Didi Kempot, a popular Indonesian singer known as The Godfather of Broken Heart, was born and raised in Banyuwangi before moving to Jakarta to pursue his music career.
- The Mpu Tantular Museum showcases local history and culture through its collection of artifacts related to Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms that once ruled over East Java.
- Menjangan Island National Park located off the coast of Banyuwangi is home to diverse marine life and coral reefs making it an ideal spot for diving enthusiasts or nature lovers alike!
- Ijen Crater
- Baluran National Park
- Alas Purwo National Park
- Tabuhan Island
- Plengkung Beach (G-Land)
- Meru Betiri National Park
- Banyuwangi Ethnographic Museum
- Blambangan Museum of History and Culture
- Jagir Waterfall
- Bangsring Underwater Nature Reserve
- Gandrung Sewu Festival is an annual traditional dance festival held in Banyuwangi. It features thousands of dancers performing the Gandrung dance.
- Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival is a cultural parade and carnival that showcases the diverse cultures and traditions of Banyuwangi.
- Tabuhan Island Festival is a music festival held on Tabuhan Island, featuring traditional music performances, art exhibitions, and workshops.
- Jember Fashion Carnaval, although not directly in Banyuwangi, is an annual event located nearby that features extravagant fashion shows with unique themes.
- Tumpeng Sewu Festival is a culinary festival that celebrates the diversity of Indonesian cuisine through various food competitions and exhibitions.
- Kemiren Cultural Festival is an annual event held in Kemiren village that showcases traditional Javanese culture through music, dance, and art performances.
- Kawitan Festival is a religious festival celebrated by the Hindu community in Banyuwangi to honor their ancestors through various rituals such as offerings and prayers.
- Bangsawan Art Performance is a theatrical performance showcasing traditional Javanese drama with live gamelan music accompaniment.
- Pura Luhur Giri Salaka Temple Anniversary is an annual celebration at one of Bali’s most important temples located just across from Bali Strait on Java Island.
- Arak-Arakan Parade is a parade featuring decorated cars or floats accompanied by gamelan musicians’ performances.
- Sate Blorong Pak Hadi is famous for its spicy and flavorful satay (skewered meat).
- Nasi Tempong Mbok Ndoro serves traditional Javanese rice dishes with various side dishes.
- Warung Bu Kris is popular for its seafood dishes, especially grilled fish and prawns.
- Depot Setiawan offers a wide variety of local cuisine, including soto ayam (chicken soup), nasi goreng (fried rice), and gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce).
- Depot Kepiting Cak Gundul specializes in crab dishes, such as stir-fried crab with chili sauce and steamed crabs served with garlic butter.
- Mie Ayam Tumini is known for its delicious chicken noodle soup.
- Warung Bebek Tugu Pahlawan is famous for its crispy duck dish.
- Bakso Pak Kumis serves savory meatball soup.
- Lontong Balap Pak Gendut offers lontong balap, a traditional dish made of compressed rice cakes served with fried tofu, lentho beansprouts, and peanut sauce.
- Warung Bu Asih is popular among locals for its home-cooked Indonesian food such as nasi campur (rice mixed with various side dishes) and pecel lele (fried catfish served with spicy sauce).
- Alas Purwo National Park is a protected area located in the southeast of Banyuwangi known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and traditional customs.
- Ijen Crater is a popular tourist destination in Banyuwangi where visitors can hike to see the blue flames and sulfur mining activities.
- Plengkung Beach (G-Land) is a famous surfing spot that attracts surfers from around the world due to its challenging waves.
- Baluran National Park is another protected area in Banyuwangi with diverse flora and fauna, including rare animals such as banteng and Javan leopard.
- Pulau Merah Beach is a scenic beach with crystal clear water and white sand that offers various water activities like snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing on the beach.
- Teluk Hijau Beach is a hidden gem located near Meru Betiri National Park with stunning views of green hills surrounding turquoise water.
- Sukamade Turtle Conservation Center allows visitors to witness turtle nesting or releasing baby turtles into the sea at this conservation center located inside Meru Betiri National Park.
- Rafting on Pekalen River offers an exciting adventure activity where visitors can enjoy rafting through rapids surrounded by lush greenery in Pekalen River Gorge.
- Menjangan Island Diving Spot: This small island located off the coast of Bali is a great spot for diving enthusiasts who want to explore its vibrant coral reefs and marine life such as manta rays or turtles.
Note: Some of these places are not directly located in Banyuwangi but are nearby attractions frequently visited by tourists who visit Banyuwangi.
