Alas Purwo National Park, Indonesia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Alas Purwo National Park is believed to be where the earth first emerged from the ocean? This ancient forest, whose name literally translates to “First Forest” in Javanese, is not only steeped in mythology but also serves as a sanctuary for some of Java’s most endangered wildlife. With over 434 square kilometers of pristine ecosystems ranging from mangrove forests to savannah, this hidden gem in East Java offers nature lovers an authentic wilderness experience far from the tourist crowds.

Overview of Alas Purwo National Park

Located at the southeastern tip of Java in Banyuwangi Regency, Alas Purwo National Park covers approximately 43,420 hectares of diverse landscapes. The park features lowland monsoon forests, savannahs, mangrove ecosystems, and pristine beaches that attract both wildlife enthusiasts and surfers from around the world.

The park holds significant cultural importance for Javanese people, who consider it a sacred place. According to local legend, this is where Java first emerged from the sea. This spiritual significance has helped preserve the area, as many locals respect and protect the forest due to its cultural heritage.

Alas Purwo is home to an impressive biodiversity, including endangered species like the Javan banteng (wild cattle), Javan leopard, and various turtle species that nest on its beaches. The park’s relatively remote location and limited development have helped maintain its pristine natural state, making it a true wilderness experience for visitors.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

The gateway to Alas Purwo National Park is Banyuwangi, a city in East Java. Most visitors arrive in Banyuwangi either by flight from major Indonesian cities or by train from Surabaya, which takes approximately 6.5 hours. Banyuwangi is also accessible by ferry from Bali, making it a convenient side trip for those visiting Indonesia’s most popular island.

From Banyuwangi, you’ll need to travel about 60 kilometers to reach Tegaldlimo village, which is the closest settlement to the park. From there, it’s another 10 kilometers to the park entrance at Rowobendo. The journey requires private transportation as public transit options are limited.

When planning your visit, be sure to obtain the necessary permits in advance. The park charges an entrance fee that varies for domestic and international visitors. As of 2024, international visitors pay IDR 150,000 on weekdays and IDR 225,000 on weekends.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

The best time to visit Alas Purwo National Park is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, you’ll experience sunny days with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for trekking, wildlife spotting, and beach activities. The park receives between 40-60 inches of rainfall annually, with January and February being the wettest months.

Temperatures in Alas Purwo remain relatively consistent throughout the year, ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). Even during the dry season, it’s advisable to bring light rain gear as occasional showers can occur, especially in the afternoon.

For specific activities, consider these seasonal highlights:

• Surfing: March to November offers the best waves at Plengkung Beach (G-Land)
• Wildlife viewing: Early morning or late afternoon during the dry season
• Bird watching: September to November for migratory birds from Australia
• Turtle nesting: Year-round, but more common during certain months depending on the species

Getting Around Locally

Navigating Alas Purwo National Park requires some planning due to its size and limited infrastructure. The main sites accessible by regular vehicles include Trianggulasi Beach, Sadengan Savannah, and Pancur Beach. However, to reach more remote areas like G-Land (Plengkung Beach), you’ll need to arrange specialized transportation.

From Pancur Beach, visitors are not permitted to use private vehicles to reach G-Land. Instead, you must either hire a 4WD vehicle with a driver at Pos Pancur or embark on a 9-kilometer hike through the forest. The restriction helps preserve the natural environment and limits traffic in sensitive areas.

For exploring the Segara Anakan lagoon and its rich birdlife, boat rentals are available from Grajagan village. These boat trips offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and birdwatching in the mangrove forests.

Many visitors find that hiring a local guide enhances their experience. Guides can help navigate the park’s trails, identify wildlife, and share insights about the local ecosystem and cultural significance of various sites.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options in Alas Purwo National Park are limited but offer authentic experiences for nature lovers. Inside the park, your main options are camping or basic ranger accommodations. Several designated camping areas exist, with Trianggulasi Beach being one of the most popular spots. If camping, you’ll need to bring all necessary equipment and supplies as there are no rental services within the park.

At Sadengan Savannah, the rangers sometimes allow visitors to share their modest housing facilities. While very basic, this option puts you in prime position for early morning wildlife viewing. A generous tip is appreciated if you take advantage of this hospitality.

For those seeking more comfort, the surf camps at G-Land (Plengkung Beach) offer the most developed accommodation within the park. These camps cater primarily to surfers but welcome all visitors. Facilities typically include basic bungalows, shared bathrooms, and dining areas serving simple meals.

Many visitors choose to stay in Banyuwangi or nearby villages and make day trips to the park. This option provides more comfort and amenities but requires additional travel time each day.

Wildlife Encounters: A Haven for Endangered Species

Alas Purwo National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and one of Java’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. The park’s varied ecosystems support an impressive array of species, including several that are endangered or endemic to Java.

One of the park’s conservation success stories is the Javan banteng (Bos javanicus), an endangered species of wild cattle. The population in Alas Purwo has grown from about 60 individuals in 2004 to over 100 today. These magnificent animals can often be spotted at Sadengan Savannah, especially during early morning or late afternoon when they come to drink at the water holes.

Other mammals you might encounter include:

• Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) – extremely rare and elusive
• Javan deer (Rusa timorensis)
• Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
• Ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus)
• Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
• Asian wild dog or dhole (Cuon alpinus) – endangered

The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 300 species recorded. Highlights include the endangered green peafowl (Pavo muticus), hornbills, and various kingfisher species. From September to December, the Segara Anak estuary becomes a temporary home for migratory birds from Australia.

Four species of sea turtles return to the park’s beaches to lay their eggs: green, leatherback, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles. Conservation efforts at Ngagelan Beach aim to protect these endangered marine reptiles.

Top Activities and Experiences

Trekking Through Ancient Forests

Exploring Alas Purwo’s ancient forests on foot offers an immersive wilderness experience. Several well-maintained trails cater to different fitness levels, from easy walks to challenging hikes. The Meru Betiri Trail takes you through dense rainforest to a stunning beach, while the Sadengan Savannah Trail offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

For the more adventurous, a trek to one of the park’s 44 caves provides a glimpse into both the geological and cultural significance of the area. Goa Istana, located just two kilometers inland from the main road, is the most accessible cave and features a natural water source.

World-Class Surfing at G-Land

Plengkung Beach, better known as G-Land in the surfing community, is one of the world’s premier surfing destinations. Discovered by professional surfers in 1972, this beach offers consistent left-hand reef breaks with waves reaching up to 15 feet high during peak season (March to November).

The surf break at G-Land is best suited for experienced surfers due to its power and the presence of a coral reef. Several surf camps operate in the area, offering packages that typically include accommodation, meals, and boat transfers from Bali.

Wildlife Viewing at Sadengan Savannah

Sadengan Savannah is the premier wildlife viewing spot in Alas Purwo National Park. This 200-acre grassland features a well-positioned observation tower that allows visitors to safely watch animals in their natural habitat. Early morning (5:00-7:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) offer the best chances to see banteng, deer, and wild boar coming to drink at the water holes.

The savannah is also home to the endangered green peafowl, whose distinctive calls often echo across the grassland. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to make the most of this experience.

Birdwatching in Mangrove Forests

The Segara Anakan lagoon and surrounding mangrove forests offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities. This estuary becomes particularly active between September and November when migratory birds from Australia arrive. Species you might spot include the sacred kingfisher, blue-tailed bee-eater, and various sandpipers.

Boat tours through the mangroves provide the best access to this unique ecosystem. Besides birds, keep an eye out for mudskippers – amphibious fish that can use their pectoral fins to “walk” on land and breathe through their skin.

Cultural Significance and Sacred Sites

Alas Purwo National Park holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Javanese people. The name “Alas Purwo” translates to “First Forest” or “Original Forest,” reflecting the belief that this area was where the earth first emerged from the primeval ocean.

Throughout the year, particularly during the Javanese month of Suro (the first month of the Javanese calendar), hundreds of pilgrims from various religious backgrounds visit the park to meditate and connect with its spiritual energy. Many come to make offerings to Nyai Loro Kidul, the goddess of the South Sea in Javanese mythology.

Several important cultural sites within the park include:

• Pura Agung Giri Salaka – A Hindu temple built near the ruins of an ancient Majapahit kingdom temple discovered in 1967. Every 210 days, Hindus gather here for the Pagerwesi ceremony.
• Candi Purwo – A small Hindu temple located in the mangrove marshes south of Pangpang Bay, visited by traditional believers from Java and Bali.
• Meditation caves – Many of the 44 caves within the park are used for meditation and spiritual practices.

When visiting these sacred sites, it’s important to dress modestly and behave respectfully. If you encounter people engaged in meditation or ceremonies, maintain a respectful distance and ask permission before taking photographs.

Practical Travel Tips

To make the most of your visit to Alas Purwo National Park, consider these practical tips:

What to Pack

• Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes for trekking
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothing (long sleeves and pants recommended for protection)
• Rain gear, even during the dry season
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Sufficient water and snacks (food options are limited within the park)
• Camping equipment if planning to stay overnight
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries

Safety Considerations

• Inform someone of your itinerary if exploring remote areas
• Consider hiring a local guide for unfamiliar trails
• Maintain a safe distance from wildlife
• Be aware of tide schedules if visiting beaches
• Carry a basic first aid kit
• Check your body for ticks after hiking

Permits and Regulations

All visitors must obtain a permit and pay an entrance fee at the park entrance gate. As of 2024, international visitors pay IDR 150,000 on weekdays and IDR 225,000 on weekends. Keep your permit with you throughout your visit as rangers may check it.

The park has strict regulations against littering, collecting plants or animals, and disturbing wildlife. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.

Learn More

Conclusion: Embracing the Wild Spirit of Alas Purwo

Alas Purwo National Park offers a rare glimpse into Java’s pristine wilderness, where ancient forests meet spiritual traditions and endangered wildlife finds sanctuary. Unlike more developed tourist destinations in Indonesia, this park rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path with authentic experiences and natural wonders.

Whether you’re surfing world-class waves at G-Land, tracking banteng across Sadengan Savannah, or simply absorbing the mystical energy that has drawn pilgrims for centuries, Alas Purwo provides a connection to nature that’s increasingly hard to find in our modern world. By visiting responsibly and respecting both the natural environment and cultural heritage, you help ensure this “First Forest” remains protected for generations to come.

Ready to explore one of Java’s most remarkable natural treasures? Start planning your journey to Alas Purwo National Park today.