Things To Do
in Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi sits on the eastern tip of Java and is the gateway between Java and Bali, combining coastal scenery, active volcanoes and distinctive Osing culture. The regency is best known for Kawah Ijen’s blue fire and sulfur crater, as well as scenic beaches like Pulau Merah and Green Bay. Despite rapid tourism growth, much of Banyuwangi remains unspoiled: national parks, savanna, and traditional villages offer authentic outdoor and cultural experiences.
Travel infrastructure has improved (airport, ferries, roads), making it easier to reach remote natural highlights while still feeling off the beaten path.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day early with a guided trek to Ijen Crater, famous for its stunning turquoise acid lake. As you ascend, enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains illuminated by the dawn light. Witness the mesmerizing blue flames that emerge from the sulfur deposits, a unique phenomenon that draws adventurers from around the world.
After descending, indulge in a local lunch at a nearby warung, savoring traditional Javanese dishes like nasi goreng and tempeh. Spend your afternoon visiting the nearby coffee plantations, where you can learn about the process of coffee production and sample some of the freshest brews in Indonesia. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere of the countryside.
As evening falls, return to Banyuwangi and unwind at a local beach, where you can watch the sunset casting vibrant colors across the sky. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant, listening to the waves while savoring grilled fish and shrimp. Conclude your day with a stroll along the shore, taking in the cool breeze and the sound of the ocean.
Start your day with a drive to Baluran National Park, a hidden gem known for its diverse wildlife and stunning savanna landscapes. As the sun rises, embark on a guided safari to spot animals such as banteng, deer, and various bird species in their natural habitat. The park’s vast scenery, filled with acacia trees and open grasslands, provides a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
After your morning adventure, enjoy a packed lunch amidst the park’s serene environment, surrounded by nature. Spend your afternoon hiking to the top of the Bekol Savanna viewpoint, where panoramic views of the park and the Indian Ocean await. Don’t miss the chance to explore the lush mangrove forest nearby, where you can learn about the coastal ecosystem.
As the sun begins to set, return to your accommodation and freshen up before heading out to explore Banyuwangi's night market. Sample local street food such as soto and bakso while mingling with locals and other travelers. End your evening with a traditional dance performance that showcases the cultural heritage of the region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍜Mid-range restaurant dinner for two | $15-30 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ojek ride | $1-5 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique natural attractions (Kawah Ijen, pristine beaches, national parks)
- Rich local Osing culture and traditional performances
- Less crowded than Bali for many outdoor destinations
- Improved access with local airport and regular ferries
- Limited high-end tourist infrastructure in remote areas
- Wet season can disrupt travel and make roads muddy
- Language barriers outside tourist services (limited English)
- Some attractions require early starts and physical effort (Ijen trek)
- "Halo / Selamat pagi" - Hello / Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much does this cost?
- "Di mana kamar kecil/toilet?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Saya alergi makanan laut" - I am allergic to seafood
- "Tolong jangan pedas" - Please not spicy
- "Permisi / Maaf" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Banyuwangi
Visit one of these nice places.
World-famous for its electric 'blue fire' at night and turquoise acidic crater lake at sunrise; dramatic sulfur miners and crater rim views make iconic shots (guided trek recommended).
A photogenic small island with a tree-covered headland visible from the beach — perfect for golden-hour silhouettes and surf shots.
A remote cove reached by short hike/boat, known for emerald water and a cliff backdrop — excellent for wide coastal landscapes and long exposures.
Open savanna with acacia trees, roaming buffalo and distant volcanic backdrops — ideal for wildlife and dramatic landscape photography.
Wild coastline, mangrove fringes and ancient forest with unique coastal panoramas, plus Turtle nesting beaches for seasonal wildlife shots.
Food in Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Banyuwangi specialty mixing fruit rujak flavors with savory soto broth — sweet, spicy and tangy; found at local warungs and street vendors.
Must-Try!
Rice served with fried or grilled fish, lots of sambal, and fresh vegetables — a spicy, satisfying local plate commonly eaten in small eateries.
Traditional Osing dish of rice with shredded coconut, anchovy, and sambal; available in traditional markets and simple restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning market for fresh produce, snacks, and cheap local meals — try lontong, fried tempe, and kopi tubruk.
Evening street-food cluster offering grilled fish, satay, martabak and local desserts; good for casual seafood dinners and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Banyuwangi is predominantly Muslim; dress modestly in towns and when visiting religious sites. Swimwear is fine on beaches but wear cover-ups when away from the sand.
Remove shoes before entering homes and some traditional sites, avoid public displays of affection, and ask before photographing people, especially during ceremonies.
Use your right hand for giving or receiving items and when eating from shared plates; using the left hand can be considered impolite.
A handshake with a slight nod is common; more conservative locals may place a hand over the heart instead. Learning a few Bahasa phrases is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Banyuwangi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips (a few thousand rupiah or rounding up) for porters, guides and taxi drivers are common; in restaurants a 5–10% tip is fine if service charge isn’t included.
Cash (Indonesian rupiah, IDR) is king in markets, warungs and remote areas. ATMs are available in Banyuwangi town; credit/debit cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants and some tour operators. Mobile e-wallets (GoPay, OVO, Dana) are widely used locally—install the apps if you plan to use them.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time for outdoor activities: clearer skies, lower rainfall, good visibility at Kawah Ijen and for beach days; evenings can be breezy. Peak trekking and surf conditions often fall in this window so expect more tourists at key spots.
Frequent heavy showers and occasional storms; lowland trails and some roads can be muddy or flooded, and sea conditions may be rough — many tours still operate but check weather and ferry schedules.
Unpredictable weather but often good for fewer crowds and greener landscapes; some facilities may be quieter between peak and wet-season schedules.
Banyuwangi at Night
Hiking in Banyuwangi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A steep pre-dawn trek to the crater rim to see sulfur mining activity, blue fire (at night) and sunrise views — moderate-to-strenuous with cold conditions at altitude and sulfur gases; guided tours recommended.
A remote and more challenging volcano trek for experienced hikers offering rugged terrain and panoramic volcanic landscapes; access and permits may be required.
Gentler walks across savanna, coastal forest and mangrove edges with opportunities to spot wildlife and birds in varied habitats.
Hikes through ancient forest and along wild coastline with chances to see endemic wildlife and visit turtle-nesting beaches (seasonal).
Short coastal trek or boat approach to a secluded bay with clear water and scenic cliffs — best combined with a day trip and picnic.
Airports
How to reach Banyuwangi by plane.
Local airport serving Banyuwangi with flights to/from Jakarta, Surabaya and Denpasar at times; convenient for quick access to Ijen and nearby attractions, with taxis and shuttle services into town.
Major international airport (~5–6 hours drive) with many domestic and international connections; common entry point if combining East Java travel before heading to Banyuwangi by car or train.
Bali’s main airport; reachable by a short flight or ferry across the Bali Strait and drive—popular for travelers combining Bali and Banyuwangi, with ferries from Gilimanuk to Ketapang (Banyuwangi).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous Javanese ethnic group unique to Banyuwangi with their own dialect, cultural practices and ceremonies; central to the area’s cultural identity.
Major ethnic group in East Java, present in urban and rural communities across the regency.
Smaller communities contribute to local cultural diversity, with Balinese influence stronger in areas close to the Bali Strait and Madurese migrants present in trade and fishing.
Majority Muslim population with Hindu and Christian minorities; religious festivals and customs shape the local calendar and community life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Most popular spectator and community sport; local clubs and youth leagues are active across the regency.
Surfing is popular around Pulau Merah and other coastal breaks, attracting both local surfers and visiting beginners/intermediates.
A common recreational sport played in schools and community centers, reflecting national popularity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Banyuwangi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in traditional menus (many dishes use fish or shrimp paste). Choose vegetable-based dishes, tempeh, tofu and nasi goreng without fish sauce; in tourist areas and cafés you’ll find clearer vegetarian options.
More challenging — ask about coconut-based soups and vegetable dishes, and be explicit about avoiding shrimp paste (terasi) and fish sauce; larger cafés can usually accommodate.
Rice-based meals are naturally gluten-free but check soy sauces and processed items for wheat; communicate needs clearly or bring snacks if sensitive.