Journey from Ijen to Sukamade

After conquering the climb to Ijen Crater, our East Java adventure continued on the second day. Breakfast was simple yet special: vegetable lodeh and fried wader fish, followed by fresh bananas packed for the road. In Banyuwangi, we met Ika, a college friend who helped us arrange a 4WD Trooper to reach Sukamade Beach. The journey took 5–6 hours, passing through forests and rocky mountain paths only accessible by off‑road vehicles. By mid‑afternoon, we arrived at a homestay inside Meru Betiri National Park, tired but excited for the evening’s turtle‑watching activity.

Sukamade Beach in Meru Betiri

Sukamade Beach lies deep within Meru Betiri National Park, a protected forest spanning Banyuwangi and Jember districts. Its 3 km coastline is framed by cliffs and dense forest, keeping it safe from development. This pristine environment is one of the few places in Indonesia where turtles lay eggs year‑round. The National Park conserves the beach to ensure the survival of green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and even rare leatherbacks.

Turtle Nesting Experience

At 8 pm, guided by park officers, we walked 500 meters from the homestay to the beach. Silence and darkness were required, though the full moon provided natural light. Within 45 minutes, we spotted a 50‑year‑old green turtle laying eggs. The process lasted nearly three hours: digging a hole, laying around 200 eggs, covering them, and camouflaging the site to protect against predators. That night, we witnessed two turtles nesting — a rare and unforgettable sight.

Releasing Baby Turtles

The next morning, we woke early to release hatchlings into the sea. Carrying a bucket of about 50 baby turtles, we lined them up on the sand and watched as they crawled toward the waves. Though many will not survive due to predators, a few will return years later to lay eggs at Sukamade, continuing the cycle of life. This conservation activity, supported by visitor fees and donations, gives hope for the species’ future.

Return to Banyuwangi

After breakfast and settling payments, we left Sukamade around 10 am. A buffet lunch stop refreshed us before arriving back in Banyuwangi by mid‑afternoon. From there, our journey would continue toward Mount Bromo in Probolinggo, a 6–7 hour drive, marking the next chapter of our East Java adventure with friends from Singapore.

Continue: 

#1: The Trip to Ijen Crater – Enjoy amazing Blue Fire from Singapore – part 1
#2: Sukamade Trip – Finding turtles and The Best Activity In Sukamade – part 2
#3: From Sukamade beach to Mt Bromo – part 3
#4: Rafting Adventure at Pekalen River – Last part of 4