The sun had just crept up when I set foot in Baluran National Park, a wild paradise often dubbed as 'Little Africa van Java'. At that moment, a cool breeze greeted me, bringing the distinctive scent of dry land and yellowing leaves. Truly, this trip took me to the African continent without having to leave my homeland.
Location of Baluran National Park
Baluran National Park is located on the border of Situbondo and Banyuwangi Regencies, East Java. With an area of about 25,000 hectares, this park offers a very diverse ecosystem, ranging from vast savannas, mangrove forests, seasonal forests, to exotic beaches.
Route to Baluran National Park
The journey to Baluran National Park can be reached in several ways:
- From Surabaya: You can travel by road for about 6-7 hours by private car or bus to Banyuwangi and get off at the entrance of Baluran.
- From Banyuwangi: The distance is about 1.5 hours driving. If you use public transportation, you can take a bus to Situbondo and get off at the entrance of the national park.
- From Situbondo: The distance is only about 35 km or about an hour away.
Fees and Admission
To enjoy the beauty of Baluran National Park, visitors are charged an entrance ticket with the following rates:
- Weekdays: IDR 16,000 for domestic tourists, IDR 165,000 for foreign tourists.
- Weekends/national holidays: IDR 18,500 for domestic tourists, IDR 240,000 for foreign tourists.
- If you bring your own vehicle, there is an additional charge for the car/motorcycle.
Facilities and Interesting Destinations in Baluran National Park
A variety of interesting spots are ready to be explored in Baluran, including:
1. Savana Bekol
The main icon of Baluran, this vast expanse of savanna is inhabited by wild animals such as deer, bulls, and peacocks that roam freely. As the sun begins to rise, you can see herds of bulls seeking shelter under large trees, while deer roam nimbly among the weeds. Peacocks are often seen developing their beautiful tails, adding to the exotic feel of this savanna. This view gives you the experience of being in Africa, with a backdrop of towering mountains and expanses of grass that change color according to the seasons.
2. Bama Beach
The exotic beach with soft white sand and crystal clear sea water, makes it the perfect place to snorkel and enjoy the sunrise. In the morning, you can watch the sun rise slowly from behind the horizon, creating a charming gradation of orange and pink in the sky. The underwater life is also quite interesting, with well-preserved coral reefs and small fish swimming freely in the shallow waters. The calm atmosphere and gentle breeze make Bama Beach an ideal place to relax after exploring the savanna.
3. Evergreen Forest
The green forests remain shady year-round, providing a cool atmosphere that contrasts with the dry, open savannas. The Evergreen Forest in Baluran is filled with various types of lush trees, such as trembesi and teak trees, which form a natural canopy that makes it difficult for sunlight to penetrate into them. Upon entering this area, the air feels more humid and fresh, with the sound of birds chirping and the rustling of leaves blowing in the wind. If you're lucky, you can see Javanese langurs hanging among the trees or a flock of long-tailed macaques foraging in the shade of the forest.
4. Japanese Caves
The Japanese Cave in Baluran National Park is one of the historical relics from the World War II era. This cave was built by the Japanese army as a shelter and reconnaissance during their occupation of Indonesia. Tourists who visit Baluran can explore this cave and see firsthand the building structure made in the cliff. Although not too large, the cave still holds interesting historical value for visitors who want to know more about the traces of the past in this area.
5. Bekol Observation Tower
Bekol Observation Tower is the best place to enjoy the panorama of Baluran from a height. From the top of this tower, you can see the vast expanse of the Bekol Savanna, combined with the majestic background of Mount Baluran. If the weather is clear, the scenery is even more spectacular with the coastline visible from a distance. The tower is also an ideal spot for observing wildlife roaming the savannah, such as herds of deer and bulls. As the sun sets, the atmosphere becomes even more magical with orange gradations that envelop the sky, creating an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Tips & Tricks for Visitors
- Come early or late in the evening to avoid the hot sun and get the best moment of seeing wildlife.
- Bring drinking water and food supplies because the facilities in the park are still limited.
- Use a private vehicle to explore various spots more freely.
- Wear comfortable clothes such as long-sleeved t-shirts, outdoor pants, and closed shoes.
- Do not litter, maintain cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
Unforgettable Travel Stories
One of the most memorable moments during my trip to Baluran was when I walked through the Bekol Savanna. The vast expanse of dry grass, combined with the bright blue sky, creates a mesmerizing panorama. In the distance, I saw a group of wild bulls grazing, occasionally raising their heads vigilantly.
Not far from there, several deer gallop across the savannah, while peacocks gracefully develop their beautiful tails, as if showing off their beauty to nature.
As I walked further, an eagle suddenly flew low overhead, adding to the wild impression of this place. I decided to sit for a moment under the only large tree that stood firmly in the middle of the savannah, enjoying the gusts of wind that brought the distinctive aroma of dry land. For a moment I felt like I was really in Africa, it's just that this is my own homeland, Indonesia.
After being satisfied exploring the savanna, I continued my journey to Bama Beach. As soon as I arrived, the sound of the waves crashing and the breeze of the sea greeted my arrival. The crystal clear waters reveal a small coral reef on the seabed, where colorful fish swim freely. I took off my footwear and let the warm white sand touch my skin.
Sitting on the beach, I enjoyed the young coconuts sold at a small stall, while staring at the sun that was slowly starting to set at the end of the horizon. Truly, this experience was one of the most rewarding moments of my trip, reminding me how rich Indonesia's nature is with its incredible beauty.
Baluran National Park is a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers. The beauty of the savanna, beaches, and biodiversity in it make it a unique and different place from other destinations in Indonesia. So, if you are looking for a different vacation experience, Baluran can be the right choice!
Are you ready to explore Java's 'Africa'?
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