Located on the eastern tip of Java, Banyuwangi is one of Indonesia’s most underrated travel destinations. While many travelers pass through on their way to Bali, few realize that Banyuwangi offers spectacular volcanoes, pristine beaches, national parks, vibrant local culture, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.

As the last major town in Java before crossing the Bali Strait, Banyuwangi serves as the main gateway to Bali. Whether you’re planning a road trip across Java or looking to escape Bali’s crowds, Banyuwangi deserves a spot on your itinerary.

The Gateway to Bali

Banyuwangi is the primary departure point for travelers heading to Bali via the Ketapang Ferry Terminal. Ferries operate 24 hours a day, connecting Ketapang in East Java with Gilimanuk in western Bali. The crossing takes approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions, and offers beautiful views of both islands.

Many travelers simply transit through Banyuwangi, but spending a few days here is well worth it.

How to Get to Banyuwangi

By Air

The fastest way to reach Banyuwangi is by flying into Banyuwangi International Airport (BWX). Several domestic airlines operate direct flights from Jakarta and Surabaya. From the airport, taxis, ride-hailing services, and car rentals are readily available.

By Train

Traveling by train is one of the most scenic ways to reach Banyuwangi. Direct services operate daily from Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta, passing through beautiful rice fields, mountains, and rural villages along the way.

The city’s main railway station is Ketapang Station, while Karangasem Station also serves several routes.

By Bus

Long-distance buses connect Banyuwangi with many cities across Java, including Surabaya, Malang, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta. Buses also arrive from Bali after passengers cross the Bali Strait by ferry. Although the journey is economical, it can take considerably longer than traveling by train.

Best Things to Do in Banyuwangi

1. Hike to Ijen Crater

No trip to Banyuwangi is complete without visiting Ijen Crater. Famous for its rare blue fire phenomenon, the volcano attracts visitors from around the world who begin their hike shortly after midnight.

Besides the blue flames, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the world’s largest highly acidic turquoise crater lake. You’ll also witness local sulfur miners carrying heavy loads from the crater—a reminder of the area’s unique volcanic industry.

Entrance Fee: Approximately Rp100,000 for international visitors and Rp5,000–10,000 for Indonesian citizens (subject to change).

2. Explore Alas Purwo National Park

Often referred to as one of Java’s oldest forests, Alas Purwo National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The park features tropical rainforest, mangrove forests, secluded beaches, limestone caves, and abundant wildlife, including banteng, deer, peacocks, monkeys, and over 300 species of birds.

It is also home to Plengkung Beach (G-Land), one of the world’s most famous surfing destinations.

Entrance Fee: Approximately Rp150,000 for international visitors and Rp20,000 for Indonesian citizens (subject to change).

3. Relax at Red Island Beach (Pulau Merah)

Pulau Merah, or Red Island Beach, is one of Banyuwangi’s most popular coastal destinations. The beach is named after the small reddish hill located just offshore, which glows beautifully during sunset.

Its gentle waves make it suitable for beginner surfers, while its wide sandy shoreline is perfect for relaxing, swimming, or simply enjoying the sunset.

Entrance Fee: Around Rp10,000 per person.

4. Experience Osing Culture

The Osing people are the indigenous community of Banyuwangi, known for preserving their unique traditions, language, music, and architecture.

A visit to an Osing cultural village offers the opportunity to explore traditional houses, watch local performances, learn batik-making techniques, and sample authentic Banyuwangi cuisine.

Entrance Fee: Most villages are free to visit, although donations or activity fees may apply.

5. Discover Baluran National Park

Often called the “Little Africa of Java,” Baluran National Park is famous for its vast savanna, acacia trees, and diverse wildlife.

Visitors may encounter wild deer, water buffalo, monkeys, peacocks, and numerous bird species while exploring the park. The iconic Bekol Savannah and Bama Beach are two of its most popular attractions.

Entrance Fee: Approximately Rp150,000 for international visitors and Rp15,000–20,000 for Indonesian citizens (subject to change).

6. Attend the Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival

If you’re visiting during the annual Banyuwangi Festival, don’t miss the spectacular Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival.

The event features elaborate costumes inspired by local folklore, traditional dances, music, and cultural performances. It has become one of Indonesia’s most celebrated cultural festivals.

Entrance Fee: Free.

7. Snorkel Around Tabuhan Island

Located just off Banyuwangi’s northern coast, Tabuhan Island is a small tropical island surrounded by crystal-clear water and colorful coral reefs.

It’s a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and kiteboarding thanks to its calm waters and steady sea breeze.

Most visitors join a boat tour from nearby Bangsring Beach.

Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee, but boat transportation and snorkeling equipment are charged separately.

Banyuwangi is much more than a transit point between Java and Bali. It is a destination filled with volcanic landscapes, untouched beaches, national parks, rich cultural traditions, and exciting outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re hiking the otherworldly Ijen Crater, exploring the ancient forests of Alas Purwo, spotting wildlife in Baluran National Park, or learning about Osing culture, Banyuwangi offers experiences that remain authentic and far less crowded than many of Indonesia’s better-known destinations.

If you’re planning a trip across Java or looking for an alternative to Bali’s busy tourist hubs, Banyuwangi is a destination that truly deserves your time.

RELATED STORIES

Bali’s main landfill at capacity, forcing new plastic bans and threatening tourism

Bali generates an estimated 3,436 tonnes of waste per day — around 1.2 million tonnes annually — and approximately 40% of that waste is still burned or dumped illegally, according to Indonesia's Environment and Forestry Ministry. The island's primary landfill, Suwung, has reached capacity after more than 40 years of operation, forcing tighter restrictions on organic waste and pushing communities toward rivers and roadsides. Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has publicly criticised Bali's cleanliness, warning that the island's reputation as a tourism destination is at stake. Bali has enacted some of Indonesia's toughest plastic regulations, including a ban on single-use plastic bottles under one litre, with full enforcement for malls and hotels planned by January 2026. Whether authorities will actually sanction non-compliant businesses is the question that will determine whether the rules mean anything.

Nyepi: Bali’s Hindu Day of Silence 2023

If previous New Year’s Days have seen you waking up with a crippling hangover and trying to remember what you did the night before, maybe it’s time you headed to Bali in March. Nyepi – the Balinese Day of Silence, and the start of the Hindu Saka New Year – is a day, a night and a day you’ll never forget.

Indonesian Volcanos: A Journey to the Land of Erupting Giants and Dormant Beauties

You’d be forgiven for not knowing where Indonesia is. It’s not a stick-a-pin-in-the-map thing, like the upside-down diamond of India or the fat postage-stamp of France. Indonesia is spread out. A lot. To nail it on a map of the world, you’d need 17,000 pins – this geographically-sprawling republic is scattered over more than 17,000 islands that equate roughly to the size of the United States. It’s big. And its backbone is volcanic.

Jalak Bali: Bali’s Endemic Bird

The Jalak Bali bird, also known as the Bali starling is a medium-sized bird with predominantly white plumage, black wingtips, and a beautiful blue patch color around its eyes

Top 10 Volcanoes to Climb in Indonesia [Prices & Trekking Experience]

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is home to more than 130 active volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. This provides thrilling adventures for climbers and nature enthusiasts alike.

5 Top Things To Do During Nyepi

Once every year - one of the busiest airports in Asia “Ngurah Rai International Airport” close for 24 hours. Beginning at 6.00 am on Nyepi day and ending at 06:00 the following day.