Banyuwangi is a regency on the eastern tip of Java Island, known as “The Sunrise of Java” for its location as the earliest sunrise on Java. This city is no longer just a stopover on the way to Bali, but rather a world-class tourist destination with rare natural phenomena, rich culture, and iconic annual festivals.
Top Tourist Destinations (2026)
This regency offers a unique combination of mountains, national parks, and beaches:
- Ijen Crater: Famous for its Blue Fire phenomenon, which only occurs in two places in the world.
- Baluran National Park: Nicknamed “Africa van Java” for its expansive savannahs that resemble those in Africa.
- Pulau Merah Beach: A popular sunset destination with a small hill in the middle of the sea.
- De Djawatan: A giant rain tree forest that creates a magical atmosphere reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings films.
- Bangsring Underwater: A coral reef conservation center where visitors can swim with gentle sharks.
Event & Festival 2026
- Banyuwangi has a regular event calendar called the Banyuwangi Festival. In 2026, two major events will return to the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program:
- Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC): Scheduled for July 11, 2026.
- Gandrung Sewu Festival: A colossal dance performance by thousands of dancers on the beach, scheduled for October 24, 2026.
Must-Try Culinary Specialties
Banyuwangi’s local cuisine is dominated by a blend of spicy and fresh flavors:
- Rujak Soto: A unique blend of vegetable salad with a topping of tripe or beef soto sauce.
- Sego Tempong: Rice with a full complement of side dishes served with a very spicy fresh tomato sauce.
- Nasi Cawuk: A breakfast dish featuring rice with a sweet and savory pindang sauce and grated coconut.
- Pecel Pitik: Shredded grilled free-range chicken mixed with spicy coconut sauce, usually served at traditional ceremonies.
Transportation & Access
Access to Banyuwangi is now very easy from various points:
- Air: Direct flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Banyuwangi Airport (BWX) are now available daily, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour.
- Land: The Mutiara Timur train or travel services (such as Bali Java Trans) serve the Surabaya–Banyuwangi route, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours.
- Sea: Direct connection to Bali via the Ketapang–Gilimanuk Port crossing, which operates 24 hours a day.
Further information regarding activity schedules and public services can be accessed through the official Banyuwangi Regency Government portal.
