Complete Sukamade Exploration: Diving into Turtle Conservation, Jeep Adventure, and Banyuwangi's Natural Beauty

Introduction

Banyuwangi, East Java, always holds surprises for nature and adventure lovers. One of its hidden gems is Meru Betiri National Park, home to Sukamade Beach—a turtle conservation area that offers unforgettable experiences.
From the adrenaline rush of river crossing, to the touching moments of releasing baby turtles to the open sea, Sukamade promises a complete travel package. Prepare yourself, because here is a complete guide to exciting activities you must try in and around Sukamade!

1. Adrenaline Rush: Jeep Attraction (River Crossing Jeep Adventure)

The opening activity that will immediately pump up your spirit. Visitors will be invited to join a river crossing jeep attraction, where you have the opportunity to ride on the rooftop of the jeep while enjoying the atmosphere of dense forest and crossing several river streams. This truly provides a unique sensation, trains your adrenaline, and gives an unforgettable experience before arriving at the heart of conservation.

2. Heart of Conservation: Sukamade Turtles

This is the main reason many tourists come here, activities focused on the conservation efforts of rare marine animals:

Turtle Nesting Observation

The main activity at night is observing the process of turtles laying eggs on the beach. Of course, this magical moment highly depends on natural conditions and the condition of the turtles themselves. Luck is the key factor in witnessing this amazing natural process.

Turtle Egg Planting at the Hatchery

After the eggs are taken from the beach for safety, visitors are given the opportunity to participate in planting turtle eggs at the hatchery. This can be an educational experience that brings you closer to conservation efforts.

Baby Turtle Release

The most popular main activity is releasing baby turtles (hatchlings) to the sea in the morning. This experience is very rare and highly recommended, especially for children. Besides making them happy, this activity also provides real education about the importance of preserving animals and nature.

3. Enjoying the Atmosphere and Local Agrotourism

After adventuring, it's time to enjoy the typical atmosphere of Sukamade and its surroundings:

Riverside Coffee Break

Enjoy the twilight in the afternoon while listening to the gurgling of clear river water. This peaceful atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee with your loved ones, creating new unforgettable memories.

Visiting the Brown Sugar Making Process

After the activities at Sukamade are finished, tourists can stop by to see directly the making of brown sugar from coconut trees. Visitors can see the process, taste the finished brown sugar, or just want to feel the freshness of coconut sap.

Dragon Fruit Plantation

Another part of the journey is visiting a dragon fruit plantation. Here, visitors can directly pick dragon fruit themselves, just like farmers who are harvesting, and can immediately enjoy fresh dragon fruit.

4. Natural Wealth and Nearby Destinations

Sukamade Forest is home to various unique flora and fauna:

Some Flora and Fauna in Sukamade Forest:

- Sea Eagle
- Hornbill
- Rafflesia
If you still want to continue relaxation, here are two tourist destinations around Sukamade:

Green Bay Beach

If you just want to relax, sunbathe on the white sand beach, and swim, this is a beautiful place you can visit. With clear green water, this beach adds freshness to the eyes.

Red Island Beach

Red Island is a famous beach tourism destination in Pesanggaran District. On this beach there is a small green hill with unique red soil, which can be visited on foot when the sea water recedes. This beach is also a paradise for surf enthusiasts, with quite good waves, making domestic and foreign tourists crowded surfing here.

Conclusion

Sukamade is a perfect combination of adventure, conservation education, and pristine natural beauty in Banyuwangi. Make sure this destination is on your next travel list!