The Undiscovered Treasure in The Border of Bali and Java Island
Such a place has a lot of myths and unique beauty that need to be discovered. Banyuwangi is a place where mystery and myth have come together to form a place with so much undiscovered cultural beauty. Ancient stories told the world that the myths of this place are limitless. The reason why this place is called "Banyuwangi" has its own history. There are too many interesting ancient histories to tell in this short travel blog, so let's just go to places I've visited when I spent my free days looking for undiscovered treasure on the border of Bali and Java island.
Famous for its hauntedness, Alas Purwo turns out to be my favorite place compared to the other places in Banyuwangi. For me, it feels like there are no other substances than oxygen in this place, since the tall trees are covering up the heat of the sun. The ancient haunted stories of this place is a unique beauty that become the north pole for the tourist's south pole. Its existence in the Tegaldimo district makes Alas Purwo a national park located at the easternmost tip of the island of Java. If you go through this National park that has more than 50 kinds of animals, you will see the eyeful of Sandengan Savannah in the tip of Java Island.
"Lord of the Ring's forest in Java" people said. The big trees that covering up all the sun's heat successfully attracting tourists to step their feet in this place that growing those big Trembesi tree. The entrance fee that is under 10k, makes it suited for the students who are willing to spend the rest of the day here for doing their works or just hang out and talking with their friends. Inside this place, tourist could see how big the Trembesi tree and feel the vibes like inside the Lord of The Ring's setting forest.
Chosen to be one of the cleanest beaches in the world, Grand Watu Dodol gives an authentic view with blue water and white sand. The location near the city makes it easier for anyone, even a tourist, to reach this place. There is more undiscovered beauty inside the sea on this GWD beach. The tourist could go snorkeling and be amazed by the goddess of the underwater ecosystem and the variety of gorgeous fish by boarding the wooden ship for 15 minutes to the red island.
Banyuwangi, located in the easternmost part of Java island, has a distinct attractiveness as well as the haunting of its own ancient history. It needed an 8-hour road trip to reach this place from Boyolali, Central Java, where I live and grew up. Spending 3 days and 2 nights in this place is such an amazing way to let go of all the cloudy thoughts after school. Staying at Didu's homestay gives you all the traditional vibes that Banyuwangi, Indonesia, has. Since people here still stick to the ancient tradition, it is better for us, the tourists, to show respect for anything that has become a requirement or a prohibition that a place like Alas Purwo has.
Banyuwangi has more to offer aside from Alas Purwo, D'Jawatan, and GWD, but I am lucky enough that I came to see these three. For a few days, I was in a different world than I was used to. I realized that’s how magical natural wonders can be, and that’s why they deserve to be on Earth.