It’s a well known fact that Indonesia has a vast diversity of natural beauty from Sabang to Merauke. These vastness have such wonderful potential for tourism if managed well and will give impact to the country’s economic growth. Some essential factors that needed to be underlined are transportation, accommodation, and entertainment facilities.
The so called hidden gems is a very popular and commonly known phrase used to describe an anti mainstream and non-publicly-exposed fantastic tourism spot, hence they usually are “better to explore” and “more enjoyable” for the sparsity of people. Hidden gems itself generally is beautiful, authentic and offers a pleasing experience. To find and explore such hidden gems would give a new perspective, a deeper appreciation and fondness to local culture and nature.
Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia is one of the places with a very high potential and well-diversed tourism spot (Dias Satria, et. al., 2021). The diversities consist of cultural heritages, mountains, beaches, and forests. There are many hidden gems and one of which can be found in the Regency of Kendalrejo, Tegaldlimo District, called Erpacht by the local people.
Erpacht offers you a mangrove forest exploration. The forest is blessed with beautiful river banks and untouched ecosystem, truly a wonderful sight. It is called Jonggrang Indah. You can go down the river with a motor powered fishing boat and immerse in the authenticity and beauty of the forest. The tall mangrove trees create a green canopy that shades you throughout your journey, underneath, the tangled roots and calm water give out a unique yet satisfying feel.
At the end of the Jonggrang Indah exploration, you have an option to go to the Sea Turtle Enclosure in Ngagelan. You can access the enclosure by walking through the national Park of Alas Purwo that in itself is an experience to be had. The flora and fauna alongside the arduous journey is truly inexplicable.
At the enclosure, you can take some pictures with many types of sea turtles, see the incubation process and the collection process of the eggs. Beside that, there’ll be a guide and expert that will explain you through the process. Finally, as the cherry on top, you can have the rest of the afternoon enjoying the Ngagelan beach with its high blue waves and snow white sands.
