BANYUWANGI – Banyuwangi not only has Ijen Crater. There is one more location that is not less beautiful, National Parks (TN) Alas Purwo's name is. Exploring this area is like exploring the wild in Indonesia, which is said to be the oldest land on the island of Java.
Alas natural attractions (forest-red) Purwo is located at the southeastern tip of Java Island, precisely located in the District Tegaldlimo and District Purwoharjo, Banyuwangi Regency.
The vast national park 44.037 this hectare has a lot of beauty that can be enjoyed. Understandably, the area that has been designated as a National Geopark is home to hundreds of types of flora and fauna.
It was said Muhamad Wahyudi, Head of Sub-Division of TU Balai TN Alas Purwo, the number of tourists visiting Alas Purwo National Park has increased.. Registered in 2016 as much 134.130 person, 137.430 (2017), and soared 211.049 on 2018.
“This increase is in line with the development of the tourism sector in Banyuwangi, especially now there are direct flights from Jakarta and Surabaya as well as direct flights from Kuala Lumpur. Supported by improving access and adding facilities and infrastructure that add to the comfort of visitors, including the main road access in this area to Pancur Beach,” Wahyudi said.
Go there, tourists can go through the city of Banyuwangi continues to Kalipait with a distance of approx 1 over hour. Entrance fee Rp 7.500 per person.
Entering the Rowobendo gate, visitors will be greeted by a grove of mahogany trees along the main road. It's fun to walk around too, because now the road is paved smooth.
Not far from the gate, tourists will see a Hindu temple called Site Kawitan, which in Jawi Kawi means old. This is associated with Alas Purwo which is believed to be the land that first existed during the creation of the land of Java.
after, journey continues to Sadengan, a vast savanna! In the savanna you can see peacocks, Russian, and Javanese bull. There is provided a viewing tower for tourists. If you want to see a peacock, have to come early in the morning around 06.00 WIB.
Alas Purwo National Park itself is inhabited 700 flora, 50 type of mammal, 320 bird, 15 type of amphibian, and 48 type of reptile.
Alas Purwo National Park is also blessed with a row of exotic beaches. Just understand, Alas Purwo is directly adjacent to the Indonesian Ocean. Some of the beaches are Parang Ireng Beach, Ngagelan Beach, Pancur Beach and Plengkung Beach.
In Ngagelan, the beach where the turtles lay their eggs is also found a hatchling breeding place (baby turtle) four types of turtles. Then there is Pancur Beach, where the facilities on this beach are more complete like there is a prayer room, parking and food stalls.
Final, Plengkung Beach or known as G-Land Beach is a surfing spot for professional surfers. This beach has high waves 6 meters and is one of the best surf spots in the world! In Alas Purwo there is also Gua Istana, which is said to have eternal darkness.
Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas said he really appreciated the central government for completing the infrastructure in the area. district government, continued Anas, has designed a sporttourism event, namely Alas Purwo Geopark Green Run on 17 November 2019 coming.
“The event that is included in the Banyuwangi Festival agenda is to introduce Alas Purwo more broadly. It's been proven that events are an effective way to promote a location, whose impact triggers tourist visits. Will be a new challenging experience, running in the middle of the thick forest full of oxygen,” said Anas.
Alas Purwo National Park is now being prepared to be submitted to be part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, the United Nations body that deals with education, science, culture.
“By becoming part of the world's geopark, We hope that the concept of sustainable tourism development can be maintained while at the same time improving the welfare of the community,"Hope Anas.
