Osing traditions and cultural performances
At Desa Wisata Osing Kemiren, the Osing community preserves its customs, language and traditional arts. The Gedhogan tradition is associated with the harvest season: women pound with mortars and pestles, accompanied by angklung and drums. If you would like to see a performance, confirm the timing locally.
In Kemiren, visitors can also learn how to prepare traditional coffee. The beans are pounded, roasted and sifted, then the coffee is served. Traditionally, the beans are roasted in a pan over a clay stove. Ask local hosts whether this experience is available during your visit.
The Gandrung Sewu Festival has been held in Banyuwangi Regency since 2012 and has been part of the Kharisma Event Nusantara program since 2023. While Gedhogan is tied to the harvest season, Gandrung Sewu is a separate event to consider when planning a trip. Be sure to check the dates of future editions.
Cultural performances take place every evening at Taman Blambangan as part of “Banyuwangi Culture Everyday,” a program organized by the Banyuwangi Tourism Office; the schedule may change. The Hindu temple Pura Giri Selokah is also located in Alas Purwo National Park and attracts many pilgrims, especially during the sacred Pagerwesi ritual. Kampoeng Batara is a creative educational destination where children learn about culture and literacy. Details of the visitor program may change.
At Ijen: volcanic landscapes and trails
The Ijen Plateau, also known as Kawah Ijen, was once a large active crater covering an area of 134 km². Today, Ijen is a quiet but active volcano. Its landscape is dominated by the volcanic peaks of Ijen (2,368 m), Merapi (2,800 m) and Raung (3,332 m).
A 3 km route leads from Paltuding Post to the rim of the Ijen Caldera. Visitors can walk along the crater rim for about one to one and a half hours. The distance refers to the route from the post to the rim; the time refers to walking along the crater rim. Check the local access rules in advance, as they may change.
Forests, coastlines and marine life
Alas Purwo National Park encompasses mangroves, savannas, tropical lowland monsoon forests and coral-fringed beaches. Thousands of migratory birds visit its forests every year, while sea turtles come to the remote beaches to lay their eggs. Pantai Plengkung, also known as G-Land, is located in the national park and offers big waves for experienced surfers. Sea conditions vary.
Teluk Hijau, also known as Green Bay, is located in Taman Nasional Meru Betiri, near Sarongan, Kecamatan Pesanggaran, Kabupaten Banyuwangi. Clear, greenish seawater, rocky cliffs and well-preserved tropical forests define the bay. At Pantai Pulau Merah in Desa Sumberagung, Kecamatan Pesanggaran, a small red-sand hill lies close to the shoreline—a very different coastal feature from the bay surrounded by cliffs and forest.
Djawatan Benculuk is a protected forest in Dusun Purwosari, Benculuk, Kecamatan Cluring. Its landscape is dominated by enormous trembesi trees that are several centuries old. Visitors will find a different natural attraction at Bangsring Underwater in Desa Bangsring, Kecamatan Wongsorejo: the destination is a snorkeling area and coral reef conservation center. Sea conditions there also vary. If you are looking for hotels in Banyuwangi, first base your choice on the experiences you want to shape your trip.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Banyuwangi, Gradjagan, Bangorejo, Bondowoso, Sumenep, Ponorogo, Sumenep, Jombang.
For the main travel overview: East Java.
