An Unforgettable 3-Day Adventure: Explore Ijen Crater and Sukamade Turtles Beach
Discover the stunning natural wonders of East Java with this exclusive 3-day, 2-night tour. This itinerary is designed for adventure seekers who want to witness the mesmerizing blue fire of Ijen Crater and participate in the vital conservation efforts at Sukamade Turtles Beach. From volcanic landscapes to pristine coastlines, this journey offers a unique blend of thrilling exploration and meaningful ecotourism.
Day 1: Arrival and Journey to Ijen Crater
Your adventure begins the moment you land at Juanda Surabaya airport. Our team will be there to greet you and immediately set off on the six-hour drive to the base of Mount Ijen, located on the border of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso regencies. As you travel, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes, including the lush coffee plantations that are famous in this region. Upon arrival at your hotel at the foot of Mount Ijen, you’ll check in, have a delicious dinner, and get some well-deserved rest before your early-morning trek.
Day 2: Ijen’s Blue Fire and an Epic Drive to Sukamade Beach
The highlight of your trip begins just after midnight. At 12:00 AM, we’ll depart the hotel and head to Paltuding, the starting point for your trek up Mount Ijen. After a quick administrative check, you’ll begin the two-hour hike. Along the way, you’ll encounter the incredible traditional sulfur miners who work tirelessly, carrying heavy baskets of sulfur from the crater’s rim to the base. Their resilience and hard work are a humbling sight and a testament to the local culture.
As you reach the crater at around 3:00 AM, the magic truly begins. You will witness the world-famous blue fire, a rare natural phenomenon that only occurs in two places on Earth—Ijen and Iceland. The electric-blue flames are a result of sulfuric gases igniting at high temperatures. It’s a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime sight that you absolutely won’t want to miss.
After the sun rises and illuminates the stunning turquoise lake inside the crater, we’ll descend back to Paltuding for a well-earned breakfast at a local restaurant.
Next, we’ll start our journey to Sukamade Turtles Beach. We will travel to Banyuwangi, where we’ll switch to a specialized 4×4 vehicle to navigate the challenging roads within Meru Betiri National Park. The drive to Sukamade takes approximately five hours, offering an off-road adventure through dense forests and rugged terrain. We’ll arrive at the homestay near Sukamade beach in the late afternoon, giving you time to relax and recharge.
After dinner at 7:00 PM, we’ll embark on a thrilling nighttime tour of the beach. This is your chance to see turtles laying their eggs. This incredible activity can last for several hours, as we search for nesting turtles along the coast. Once we have witnessed this amazing natural event, we’ll return to the homestay for the night.
Day 3: Releasing Turtle Hatchlings and Return to Surabaya
The final day begins with a truly memorable experience. At 6:00 AM, you’ll head to the beach with a bucket full of baby turtles, or “tukik,” from the hatchery. You’ll have the honor of releasing the hatchlings into the ocean, an act of conservation that helps these tiny creatures begin their new lives. It’s an unforgettable moment that connects you directly with nature. After this heartwarming activity, you can take a moment to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and explore the long, pristine shoreline of Sukamade beach.
At 8:00 AM, we’ll return to the homestay for breakfast before beginning the long journey back to Surabaya. After the five-hour drive to Banyuwangi, we’ll switch back to our comfortable vehicle for the trip back. We’ll arrive in Surabaya around 11:00 PM, concluding this epic tour.
What’s Included?
- Transportation: All transport during the tour, including a comfortable vehicle and a 4×4 for the Sukamade leg.
- Guide and Driver: An experienced driver and a friendly tour guide who will be your companion throughout the trip.
- Meals: Seven meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Tickets and Fees: All admission fees and necessary permits.
- Accommodation: One night at a hotel at the base of Ijen and one night at a homestay near Sukamade beach.
- Specialized Vehicle: A 4×4 vehicle for exploring Sukamade beach.
This Ijen Crater and Sukamade Turtles Beach tour is more than just a trip; it’s an adventure that combines natural beauty, physical challenge, and a chance to make a positive impact on the environment. Book your unforgettable journey today!
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