Complete Exploration of Sukamade: Diving into Turtle Conservation, Jeep Adrenaline, and the Natural Beauty of Banyuwangi

Introduction

Banyuwangi, East Java, always holds surprises for nature lovers and adventurers. One of its hidden gems is Meru Betiri National Park, home to Sukamade Beach—a turtle conservation area that offers an unforgettable experience.
From the thrill of an adrenaline-pumping river crossing, to the touching moment of releasing baby turtles into the open sea, Sukamade promises a complete tourism package. Prepare yourself, because here is a complete guide to the exciting activities you must try in Sukamade and its surroundings!

1. Pumping Adrenaline: Jeep Attraction (River Crossing Jeep Attraction)

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

2. Coffee Break Riverside

Enjoying the twilight in the late afternoon while listening to the clear, gentle sounds of the river in a serene atmosphere, and sipping a cup of coffee with a very special person, is a new, unforgettable experience.

3. The Heart of Conservation: Sukamade Turtle

This is the main reason many tourists come here, an activity focused on the preservation of rare marine animals:

Observing Nesting Turtles

The main activity in the evening is observing the process of turtles laying eggs on the beach. Of course, this magical moment is highly dependent on natural conditions and the condition of the turtle itself. The luck factor is the key to witnessing this amazing natural process.

Planting Turtle Eggs in the Hatchery

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

Release Baby Turtle

The most popular main activity is releasing baby turtles (hatchlings) into 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 on the importance of preserving animals and nature.

4. Enjoying the Atmosphere and Local Agrotourism

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

Visiting the Palm Sugar Making Process

After the activities in Sukamade are finished, tourists can stop by to directly observe the making of palm sugar from coconut trees. Visitors can see the process, taste the finished palm sugar, or simply want to feel the freshness of coconut nectar (nira).

Dragon Fruit Plantation

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

5. Natural Riches and Surrounding Destinations

Sukamade forest is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna:

Some Flora and Fauna in Sukamade Forest:

- Rafflesia

- Sea Eagle

- Hornbill

If you still want to continue relaxing, here are two tourist destinations around Sukamade:

Teluk Hijau Beach (Green Bay)

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

Pulau Merah Beach (Red Island)

Pulau Merah is a famous beach tourist spot in Pesanggaran District. On this beach, there is a small green hill with unique red-colored soil, which can be visited by walking when the tide is low. This beach is also a paradise for surfers, with quite good waves, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists to surf here.

Conclusion

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