IDNTIMES.COM – Banyuwangi with its natural beauty is one of the tourist destinations in East Java. Its location adjacent to the island of Bali makes Banyuwangi has an amazing sea beauty. Banyuwangi is also part of three national parks, namely Alas Purwo, Meru Betiri, and Baluran.
If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of Banyuwangi, don't just explore Baluran, which is known as Indonesia's Africa. You can also relax on the beach, while enjoying the beauty of the sea.
Likewise with the underwater charm, do not miss. Here are a number of snorkeling spots that you can choose to enjoy underwater charms in Banyuwangi.
1. Blue Bay
Blue Bay is located in the Alas Purwo National Park area, precisely in Muncar District. Blue Bay or Blue Bay has clear water and is still awake. The waters are calm and the white sand makes tourists feel at home for longer.
There are lots of fun activities to do here, like swimming, fishing, jet ski, and of course snorkelling. For those who want to enjoy the charm of the Blue Bay, You can take a boat or boat from Selayar Muncar Pier. If you are in a crowd, better to book Blue Bay tour package.
Snorkeling at Teluk Biru is one part of the package. You will be invited to several other spots, like enjoying the sunrise, Lowo Cave, Mutiara Disti, and mangrove trails. If lucky, you can find whale sharks.
2. Mustika Beach
Mustika Beach is not as popular as other beaches in Banyuwangi, but its beauty is certainly no less stunning. This beach should be juxtaposed with Pulau Merah Beach, the location is also close. Because it's not popular yet, This beach is somewhat quieter than other beaches in Banyuwangi.
The characteristics of the waves here are friendly enough to play on the beach. Besides that, it can also be a place for snorkeling and diving. sadly, You need to bring your own equipment to anticipate the absence of supporting facilities.
Apart from the view, the myth about Mustika Beach that is inherent in the local community also attracts attention. That said, This beach is closely related to the Queen of the South who accidentally left her gems. Residents found this gem and threw it into the sea in the hope that it would reach Ratu Kidul.
3. Pantsi Have Ireng
Wedi Ireng Beach is located behind the hill on the west side of Mustika Beach, precisely in Pancer Hamlet, Sumberagung Village, Pesanggrahan District. You can get to this beach by sea or land.
If by land, vehicles can be parked in the area of the Fish Auction Place (TPI) Pancer, then you need to walk to get to Wedi Ireng Beach. In contrast to sea routes, visitors need to pay a boat rental starting from Rp 25 thousand per person.
Traveling by land can be an exciting or tiring trip for those of you who are not used to it. Because, u have to cross the hill and walk around 3 kilometer. However, the panorama will not make you regret.
When the waves are calm enough, visitors can snorkel and dive. There are already supporting facilities in the form of public bathrooms and places to rent snorkeling and diving equipment. Visitors don't have to bother bringing it from home.
4. Bangsring Underwater
Different from the three previous snorkeling spots, Bangsring Underwater (Circular) is tourism based on coral reef conservation. Visitors who want to enjoy the underwater beauty are not located on the beach, but around a floating house that serves as a fish clinic and shark sanctuary.
Visitors need to take a boat to get to the Bangsring Floating House. Apart from the boat, visitors can also ride a canoe or banana boat which is no less exciting. Arriving at the floating house, You can swim with various types of fish and sharks.
5. Grand Watu Dodol (GWD)
Not far from Bunder, You can visit Grand Watu Dodol which won the title of Asean Clean Tourism City 2018. This beach is a sunrise spot facing directly to the Bali Strait. The sand is not white, but black and decorated with coconut trees.
Visitors can snorkel and dive here. For snorkeling at GWD Tourism, priced at IDR 100 thousand per person. The facilities obtained are:, entrance ticket, lifebuoy, snorkel set, camera underwater, guide snorkeling, and insurance.
As for diving, you need to spend from IDR 800 thousand for two dives with a minimum of two people. Another activity you can do is fishing, lobster education, coral reef transplantation education, culinary lobsters, camping, ride ATVs, and traditional boat rides. Wah, there were lots of fun activities!
Another tour package that you can get at GWD is a trip as well as snorkeling or diving on Menjangan Island. This island is part of the West Bali National Park, but can be reached from Banyuwangi.
6. Tabuan Island
Another snorkeling spot in Banyuwangi, namely Tabuhan Island. Visitors can go to this island by boat via Grand Watu Dodol or Bangsring Underwater. Both provide travel packages, snorkeling, and diving to Tabuhan Island and Menjangan Island in West Bali National Park.
This uninhabited island has a stunning natural panorama. It's perfect for summer vacations or those of you who want island hopping. Besides the underwater beauty, the view at sunrise and sunset is no less stunning.
If you belong to the public or a beginner who wants to snorkel, it is better to order a tour package that has been provided. You can also do this exciting activity with friends or family. Besides that, there is already a guide ready to help you, the price is also more affordable.
For those of you who want to try exploring with a few people, try snorkeling at Mustika Beach or Wedi Ireng. You will feel a different experience that is more challenging. How, already decided where to snorkel?
Fatma Roisatin Nadhiroh
