Sukamade Turtle Beach Tour (2D1N)
Sukamade turtle beach tour is an adventurous trip through Meru Betiri National Park which is concerning on turtle captivity. Sukamade beach is well known as home of giant turtle in East Java. The primary turtle species in Sukamade is Green turtle (Chelonia Mydas).
The green turtle lays eggs average more than 100 eggs in one nest. Therefore, the other turtle species in Sukamade beach are Hawksbill, Leatherback and Olive Ridley.
Turtle tour at Meru Betiri National Park
Overview
Sukamade turtle beach is located 78 km in the southern part of Banyuwangi regency or 6-7hr from Banyuwangi city centre inside of Meru Betiri National Park. Sukamade beach hold main treasure in National Park because its hold the most majority object and reason tourist to come. Sukamade tour is concerning on turtle tour. Witnessing one of the greatest prehistoric reptile in surviving their species by laying eggs on the sukamade beach sand at night and on the next morning releasing the turtle baby on the beach program.
The faunas that might possible meet along the trip are; Black-long tail monkey, Grey monkey, Wild Hog/Boar, Javanese Bull, Green Peafowls, Jungle Rooster, etc. Meanwhile the Floras are Giant Palm, Teak, Banyan, Kepel, Jungle Jackfruit, Rubber and many more. Not only about flora and fauna but also the scenic view of the Green bay is exposed on the spot we get through. This tour takes about 2D1N for the regular tour activity. Overall, the trip to sukamade is adventureous. You will get throught to the low land rain forest of Meru Betiri National Park with kind of animal and vegetation around.
Meru Betiri National Park at glance
The Meru Betiri National Park as biodiversity was a protected forest area governed by Dutch East Indies rules from 1931 to 1938. The Ministry of Agriculture recognized the 50,000 ha area as a wildlife sanctuary for the Javan tiger in 1972. This wildlife reserve now covers 58,000 hectares after the addition of former plantation land, protected forests, and Java Island’s southern shore.
After removing a portion of the forest, the Ministry of Forestry later declared the area a national park in 1997. In Meru Betiri National Park, there are five different types of ecosystems: coastal forest, saltwater forest, tropical rain forest, vulnerable forest, and reophyte.
On both sides of Meru Betiri National Park, there are many types of landscapes. This national park’s northern border is shared by PT. Treblasala Plantation and Perum Perhutani RPH Curahtakir’s plantation property. Sarongan Village and Sumberjambe’s plantation area form its eastern border. The Indonesian Ocean is right across from the southern region. Several communities, including Curahnongko Village, Andongrejo Village, and Sanenrejo Village, border it in the western half.
What makes tour to Sukamade interesting?
Sukamade tour offers sense of adventure. Explore the low land of rain forest and close to wildlife is giving a good experience to do. You can learn and observe of how the National Park ranger doing their job in caring the turtle at conservation and meet locals to share their experience of life. Sukamade is not only about adventure, the place is also good for family trip and adventure. Children can learn about wildlife (turtle) and meet any other animal inside the National Park along the way to Sukamade.
See the iconic vegetations
Benda tree (Artocapus Elasticus) Local people named this “Jungle Jackfruit” is one of the iconic tree in Meru Betiri National Park. You will find this tree while you visiting Sukamade.
Benda tree is a type of fruit tree that is in the same genus as jackfruit (Artocarpus). The fruit is similar to an embossed fruit or kulur, with protrusions similar to long and short soft spines, slightly sticky.
The ripe fruit is eaten fresh, the seeds can be eaten after being boiled or fried. However, if the fruit is not yet ripe, it can still be eaten cooked first. The young fruit from the tree, also known as teureup, can be boiled like jackfruit, and the old fruit can be eaten directly.
Any kinds of mammals are like to eat this fruits such as; Macaca Nigra or Black long tail Macaca, Grey Macaca, Luwak and Wild boar.
The flowering season for tree trees generally occurs in June-August and bears fruit in October-December, sometimes until January. The fruit is round, yellowish brown in color. The surface has soft pointed spines that are not the same.
Inflorescences in tubercles in axils, on leafy twigs. Male head similar to a stubby finger, 6-20 × 2.5-3.8 cm; yellow, then brown. False fruit (syncarp) yellow-brown, then brown; cylindrical, lk. 11.5 x 5.5 cm, densely covered by short spine-like projections in two sizes; stem 6.5–12 cm; the fruit smells bad when ripe. Ellipsoid seeds, 10 × 6 mm, encased in white flesh
Ride on the rooftop of 4×4 WD
One of the best sensation of trip to Sukamade riding on the rooftop and cross the river while riding the 4WD car. These activities are common things to do when you take a tour to Sukamade. The water is pretty clean because its situated in the middle of the jungle and far from the village. You can even stop and if you prefer to take a walk enjoy the water before continue the trip.
You can also make a good picture while cross the river and your guide will help you to make it better. When its in dry season, the river is able to be accessed. Meanwhile on rainy season the water increases sometimes.
See the traditionaly process of brown sugar made
Look closer the process of how to make brown sugar traditionally with locals is one of good way to learn something new. Brown sugar is originally from the nectar-water of coconut bloom which is done the process in the afternoon and collecting it in the morning. The water taste is sweet. So this is the raw sugar taste before it becomes sweeter.
The water needs to be boiled for about 4 hours until it change into caramelized and then pour it on the mold and wait for about 1 hour to make it as solid brown sugar. Come to see more details about it 🙂
Meet the endemic fauna black-long tail primates
Coffee break on the riverside
You still have time to have a cup of coffee or tea on the way back from Sukamade. The best spot to do this is on the riverside while take a short break before continue.
If you are lucky there will be a group of deers and Java bull cross the river or they look for the grass field.
See how the raw rubber collecting before store it to the factory
Locals who live inside the National Park are also working at rubber plantation. Starting early morning they go to the field to scratch the rubber tree and attach a cup to collect the rubber liquid on the next morning. The rubber tree which is ready to scratch is 4-6 year old because its produce more latex than older or younger.
This rubber which has been collected will be stored to the factory in East Java such as in Surabaya and Jakarta. Meru Betiri National Park has been recorded contribute more than 20 tons per year in producing rubber with export quality.
Welcoming by the Hornbill
Hornbills are birds found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and Melanesia of the family Bucerotidae. They are characterized by a long, down-curved bill which is frequently brightly coloured and sometimes has a horny casque on the upper mandible. Hornbills have a two-lobed kidney. Source (Wikipedia)
While visiting Meru Betiri, they are easy to find and meet along the trip to reach the turtle sanctuary or even when reaching on the homestay. Their favorite’s fruits is Kepel inside the National Park and Papaya which is spreading at near the village.
Meets the “Giant”
The main attraction visit Sukamade is to witness the giant turtle and meet them. Sukamade as well known as Java turtle tour a home of giant tuelte in East Java. Becomes one of the biggest turtle conservation, Sukamade contribute a lot in protecting endangered species such as; mamals and vegetation inside.
Green turtle is the most frequently pecies which come ashore on the Sukamade beach at night. It caused more than thousands turtle babies has been released every year by the ranger. National Park Turtle Expertise said that from this activities the turtle babies memorize the place where they come from and return again (laying eggs) after long journey in the ocean to keep their generation exist.
See the turtle laying their eggs in their nest.
A touching and unforgetable experience is this moment. Witness how the mother with love strugle to reach the sea shore just to keep their generation existance.
The green turtle are able to deposit more than 100 eggs in one chamber. Turtle in Sukamade is 85% come to the beach to lay their eggs. Some of them are not coming caused natural factors such as rain intensity, they see some predators on the beach or the environment is too bright (full moon) etc.
Please take a note: Need a little luck to meet them 🙂
National Park Ranger deposit the turtle eggs in the sanctuary
Turtle babies which are ready to be free to the ocean
One of the most happy moment at Sukamade if we can see the turtle babies are ready to be released.
After waiting for about 65 days from the eggs until hatch, this turtle babies are ready and strong enough to be free to the sea. From here, their journey begins. Sadly, they must face so many predators to be survived in the ocean.
After 25 years, this tiny wonder which is survive will return to the same beach as they released on the first time. They have a good memory while processing in releasing. That’s why Sukamade is still become the favorite place for the turtle come ashore to lay their eggs.
Releasing turtle babies back to the sea in the morning
This activity is done in the morning. At 06.00 am, all tourist have to join this program as one of attraction in Sukamade. The national park will prepare the turtle babies and each of group visitors have them in the bucket.
Bring them to the beach together and release them early morning before sunrise is good choice. It cause this little creatures is fully sensitive with the light (sun) and potentially messed up their insting to follow the smell (direction) of the ocean.
Furthermore, Early morning is to prevent the predators come closer as we remaind them as an endangered creatures. According to the ranger, the number of turtle babies which have been released in the sea from 1000 turtles is potentially survive only 1 turtle. It caused many factors such as underwater predators, food availability and water pollution.
Tour Itinerary
- Day 1 | Banyuwangi - Sukamade
- Departure time : 09.00 am
- Pick up from hotel / meeting point using minibus, Jeep
- Explore Green Bay
- Temperature : Dry season will be at 21 degrees Celcius (July - August)
The driver and guide will pick the traveler up at the hotel/meeting point in Banyuwangi at 09.00 am. Afterwards, continue driving for about 2 hours to reach Pesanggaran regency and then stop at simply restaurant and lunch time with the menu of Indonesian cuisine.
Furthermore, the trip continue to Sukamade and it takes about 3 hours driving 4WD jeep to get through the low-land tropical forest. Along the trip is possible to enjoy the view around and relaxing with the sound of tropical forest. Arrive at Sukamade homestay around 04.00 pm and free program.
Dinner will be served at 18.00 pm and afterwards all travelers should joint the night tour to seek the turtle laying eggs on the beach. This tour will end up around 23.00 pm. Relax and free program
Time Table
- 09.00 am : Pick up from Banyuwangi area with private car and direct to the Sukamade transport ( Jeep 4WD) meeting point.
- 12.00 pm : Lunch at the Sarongan Village or other areas which is close to the National Park
- 02.00 pm : Start to adventure at Sukamade
- 04.00 pm : Arrive at the accommodation inside the National Park.
- Day 2 | Sukamade - Banyuwangi / Ferry port
- Departure time : 06.00 am
- Pick up from hotel / meeting point using minibus, Jeep
- Explore Sukamade
- Temperature : Dry season will be at 21 degrees Celcius (July - August)
Early morning all travelers are may joining the program releasing turtle babies on the beach. This excursion will be leaded by the rNational Park Ranger. After joining this program, all travelers returns to the homestay for having breakfast. Meanwhile, leaving Sukamade at 07.00 am and continue driving to the last drop destination.
Time Table
- 05.30 am : Leaving the accommodation and joining the Natinoal Park Ranger in releasing turtle babies on the beach
- 07.00 am : Leaving Sukamade area and reaching to Pesanggaran village
- 12.00 pm : Shift the car and direct transfer to Banyuwangi / Ferry port
- 02.00 pm : Arrive Banyuwangi or Ketapang Ferry Port
Add on trekking to Rafflesia site is $17 per person
Please note: Rafflesia flower trekking is depending on the blooming season for visiting.
Trekking to the site is taking about 2 hours go and return.
Best things will remember..
- Experiance witnessing turtle come ashore and laying the eggs naturally on the Sukamade beach.
- Collecting the turtle eggs from the beach to the captivity.
- Releasing turtle baby on the beach in the morning.
- Visit home industry of Java Brown Sugar with traditionally (seeing and taste).
- Closed to wildlife.
- Visit Red Island Beach
Essential Packing List
- Torch light / Headlamp
- Camera with extra memory card & battery
- Moneybelt
- Outlet Adapter
- Sun Glasses
- Mosquito repellent
- Long pants
- Comfort shoes
Health & Safety
- First Aid
- Hands Sanitizer
Warm weather
- Sandals / flipflop
- Short skirt / pants
- Sun hat
- Sun block
2 Days
Sukamade Turtle Beach Tour – Finish Ketapang
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD
- 2 Travelers : $140
- 3-4 Travelers : $120
- 5-10 Travelers : contact us
Max Group: 10 travelers
Solo Traveler: Contact us
Inclusions
- Private Local Guide
- Pick up Service from Banyuwangi area
- Jeep 4 WD Sukamade
- 1x Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Mineral water
- Unlimited mineral water
- Refreshment
- 1 Night accommodation at Sukamade
- All entrance ticket, Ranger fee, Turtle Night Tour
- Turtle Night Tour Observation ticket
- Private drop off to Banyuwangi or Ferry port
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tip to guide/driver for good service
Accommodation
- Sukamade Wisma with a private room
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Have any question ?
Please don’t be hesitate to contact us, we will help you out from your question.
1. When is the best season to visit Sukamade?
The best time to visit Sukamade is during the dry season from April to October. Rain intensity is higher during the wet season from November to March, but the National Park is still opened during this period if tourist wants to come.
2. Where is Sukamade located and how long will it take to reach Sukamade area?
Sukamade is located in the south east from the central city of Banyuwangi. It takes about 6 hrs driving from Banyuwangi to reach the area through the National Park Forest, local village and river. If tourist come from Bromo tour then have to drive to Genteng regency in Banyuwangi and change the vehicle into 4 WD car/jeep to reach Sukamade, it takes about 12 hrs driving in total. The best way to organize Sukamade tour is taking the program of Bromo – Ijen – Sukamade tour. It would be easy take sukamade after ijen to skimp time on the journey schedule.
3. How does the landscape look like?
Sukamade is a beach with white-sand on it where the sea turtle like to come ashore to lay their egg. Sukamade is being covered by Meru Betiri National Park, the terrain to reach there will be like and adventure. Tourist will through the river, plantation i.e cocoa, coffee, rubber before pass through rocky road along the way there.
4. How much is the entrance ticket cost in Meru Betiri National Park?
Weekdays : IDR 125.000
Weekend : IDR 225.000
The tourist must pay an extra cost to the National Park guide to take a program night-forage turtle on the beach. It would be better to hand over this program with travel agency to organize it.
5. What is the temperature at Sukamade?
Temperature in Sukamade tends to be warmer then in the mountain. Sukamade consists of beach and forest that cover all around this area. Commonly Sukamade temperature would reach around 25-28 at night and 28-31 at day.
6. What should I wear to Sukamade?
Wearing t-shirt and comfort slippers/shoes, short pants at day and comfort jacket at night will be pleasurable.
7. Are the toilets available along the way?
No toilet available along the way to Sukamade unless “natural toilet”. But tourist can stop by at the public toilet i.e fuel station before get through in into the jungle. Prepare enough water and toilet paper as for just in case. You shouldn’t worry, our travel agency has already prepared it.
8. Can I camp at Sukamade?
Sure you can do. We arrange and customize camping program. When it is on the high season of tourist, some of them do not get any accommodation or the homestay have already fully booked, the alternative one to join this tour is taking a camping program. Therefore the tourist who want to visit Sukamade, they have to book this tour 60 days before to ensure the accommodation will be ready for the participants. Asking first the possibilities and available date is much better.
9. What about the animal that live inside the National Park?
Monkeys are the most dominant animal here. Sometimes they get noisy and bit naughty to tourist luggage. Just be aware with all your belongings to keep safe from them.
10. Can I swim at Sukamade Beach?
All tourist are being forbidden to swim in the beach.
Additional Information
- Visitors with back problem should not join this trip.
- Visitors with vertigo is not recommended join this trip
- Electricity in Sukamade is only on at 05.00 p.m – 10.00 p.m
- No internet access, cellular signal and tv
- Stay at the simply basic homestay and away from crowd
- Visitors allowed to stay one night only, except for making documentary, research, photography and film maker (Extra charge involved)
- Dinner and breakfast at the simply jungle restaurant
- Be aware monkeys everywhere
Keep in touch with us
- PRIMARY OFFICE
- Address: Buluagung Village No 54, Siliragung. Banyuwangi
- Phone: +62 851 4718 0805
- Email : javaparadisetravel@gmail.com
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