TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Banyuwangi is known for its Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) but it is not the only tourist destination in the city in East Java. Banyuwangi has a lot to offer for travelers, such as nature and culinary tourism.
Banyuwangi Regent Azwar Anas when met with Tempo on February 1 at the Tourism Ministry, recommended several new tourist attractions. The following are three destinations worth to explore:
1. Glenmore, the cacao-producing sub-district
Anas said that Glenmore subdistrict is known as one of the largest cacao producing regions in the world. “It's been famous since the Dutch era,” he said. Thus, the Glenmore's best offer is the chocolate tour.
The chocolate tour is located in Dusun Kakao (Cacao Village). The four of 1,500 hectares of plantation in the location is used as a tourist area. Visitors can taste a variety of processed cacao as well as learning about the plantation and production processes. A cacao festival will be held on May 12. Visitors can learn about chocolate processing at the festival.
Read: Banyuwangi Sets 77 Tourism Agendas Throughout 2018
2. Brangsing Underwater
Banyuwangi has the well-preserved coral reefs near the waters of Tabuhan Island where people can snorkeling and see the beautiful under the sea view.
Brangsing opened for public in 2014. For almost four years, it became one of the most favorites in the list of Banyuwangi flagship destinations. A Brangsing Underwater festival will be held on April 4, as an effort to conserve the marine ecosystem.
3. Songgon Pines
Travel in a pine forest has become a trending activities in some regions in Indonesia, including in Banyuwangi. Tourists love to take pictures at the pine forest located in Songgon Village.
A festival dubbed ‘A Week in Songgon’ will be held on April 21-29. A series of events, such as archery festivals, fruit festivals, and art performances, will be held for a whole week.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA
