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5 Facts About Alas Purwo National Park, The Oldest Forest On Java Island

Alas Purwo National Park is a conservation area located at the eastern tip of Java Island.

Administratively, Alas Purwo falls within the Tegaldlimo and Purwoharjo districts of Banyuwangi Regency, East Java.

Alas Purwo is often associated with mystical and eerie elements by some members of the community.

However, aside from its mystical reputation, Alas Purwo possesses numerous natural attractions.

Additionally, there are various interesting facts about the Alas Purwo tourist destination that are worth knowing.

Kompas.com summarizes the facts about Alas Purwo as follows.

1. Area of 44,037 hectares

As cited

This national park is divided into several zones, including the core zone, jungle zone, rehabilitation zone, traditional zone, utilization zone, special zone, as well as religious, cultural, and historical zones.

2. The oldest forest on Java

Alas Purwo is recognized as the oldest forest on the island of Java, according to information from Indonesia.go.id. Prior to its designation as a national park, Alas Purwo was first established as a nature reserve in 1920, as stated on its official website. The Alas Purwo National Park serves as a habitat for approximately 700 species of flora, 50 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 15 species of amphibians, and 48 species of reptiles.

3. A complete tourist attraction

Alas Purwo in Banyuwangi is a forest area that possesses a complete ecosystem on the island of Java. The ecosystem of Alas Purwo includes forests, beaches, mangroves, bamboo forests, savannas, and caves. In addition to its natural ecosystems, Alas Purwo is home to cultural, historical, and religious sites. These diverse ecosystems make it an attractive tourist destination. Beaches: Plengkung Beach (G-Land), Trianggulasi Beach, Ngagelan Beach, Cungur Beach, Teluk Biru Beach, and Pancur Beach. Caves: Istana Cave, Mayangkoro Cave, Padepokan Cave, Basori Cave, Songgo Langit Cave, and Japanese Cave. These caves serve as meditation spots and habitats for bats and snakes. Savanna: Sadengan Savanna, which is an artificial grazing area spanning approximately 80 hectares. Visitors can encounter various large mammals, such as banteng, deer, and antelope in the wild. Cultural, historical, and religious tourism: Kawitan Site, Pura Luhur Giri Salaka, and Gandrung Cemetery. Mangrove: Bedul Mangrove, which is the largest mangrove forest on the island of Java. Tourists can explore the mangrove forest area by renting a fishing boat.

4. The Majapahit Kingdom Site  

Visitors can also encounter the remnants of the Majapahit Kingdom at Alas Purwo, specifically at Pura Luhur Giri Salaka and the Kawitan Site, according to information from Indonesia.go.id. The Kawitan Site is located on the road leading to Trianggulasi Beach. In the Kawi language, 'kawitan' means origin. This name is associated with Alas Purwo, which is believed to be the first land that emerged during the creation of Java Island. Local Hindus regularly conduct religious ceremonies at the temple and the site.  

5. A surfing paradise

Not many people are aware that within Alas Purwo lies a paradise for surfers, known as Plengkung Beach or G-Land, as cited from Kompas.com (2/8/2020).

In fact, this beach, renowned for its fierce waves, is recognized as the best surfing spot in Southeast Asia and ranks among the top seven waves globally, directly facing the Indian Ocean. The waves at this beach are characterized by their length, height, and size, presenting a challenge for surfers to conquer. The length of the waves can reach up to 2 kilometers, with heights soaring to 8 meters. It is no surprise that the waves at Plengkung Beach are referred to as the second-best waves after those in Hawaii, United States. Interestingly, Plengkung Beach offers a variety of wave types, catering to both professional surfers and beginners.

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Tag: Alas Purwo National Park Banyuwangi Regency East Java Java Island