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Banyuwangi Beaches for All Kinds of Surfers

Did you know that surfing comes in many different types? Surfing has become a culture expanding beyond the sport itself. Gear and fashion apparel are flourishing worldwide for the love of surfing. Besides getting ecstatic for having skills to maneuver a board, surfing can be done in various locations other than by the beach. Stand-up surfing on beach waves is the most famous and has become one of the most challenging extreme sports to try, but there are also other types that are worth trying, namely kite surfing, windsurfing, and sidewalk surfing, also known as skateboarding.

Located at the eastern end of Java just across the island of Bali, the district of Banyuwangi is blessed with many natural wonders. One among which is its spectacular beaches. The beaches here are situated either close to the city, secluded beyond the rainforests, or lie hidden on a remote island. The most famous beaches that have brought the name of Banyuwangi to the world’s attention are the Red Island Beach, The Tabuhan Island Beach, and The G-Land Beach (or known by the locals as Plengkung Beach). Each has its own special character favored by the visitors, especially those who seek to play among the waves.

 

1. The Red Island Beach

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Locally known as the Pulau Merah Beach, Red Island Beach is  located reasonably close to the city of  Banyuwangi. It’s about 60 km away, a good 2-2.5 hours’ drive. It’s called Red Island, because the white beach sand  is mixed with the red soil beneath it. You can see it at low tide. Some people also say that it’s called Red Island because of the reddish sky that is created when the sunset light touches the crimson sand.

On weekends, Red Island is crowded with local visitors because of  its proximity to the city and easy accessibility from the road. Year after year, it has  grown into a hot tourist destination. In 2015, the 4th International Surfing Competition was held here in September. Surfers gathered from 20 different countries from around the world to compete in 7 categories: the open international, the national, expat, longboard, paddle race, grommet for 14 years old, and pushing division for 10 years old.

Red Island is the perfect place for surfing competitions because of its consistent waves and sandy seabed. Waves are long and have an approximate height of 2 to 5 meters, which makes it perfect for practicing as well as showcasing your surfing skills. Surf camps are flourishing around the area, offering gear for rent and basic lessons on how to ride the waves. Accomodation is available for visitors to choose from, and while you are here, do try the delicious food. Local children are also starting to get more interested in surfing, and can be seen joining training lessons.

 

2. The Tabuhan Island Beach 

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Located in the Bali Strait between Java and Bali, this 5 hectare uninhabited island has the perfect winds for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Kitesurfing is a sport that uses a board that is safely strapped to your feet, a kite manufactured with special durable fabric, and a handle to assist your grip. The wind will fly the kite and carry you around the sea surface, allowing you to make tricks and moves such as jumping and twirling.

Windsurfing, on the other hand, is a combination of stand up surfing and sailing. The board has a sail attached to it, with handles to grip onto. The perfect strong wind will sweep you fast across the ocean, giving an exhilarating sensation of maneuvering around the ocean through the force of nature.

Both types of wind powered surfing are so much fun to try for beginners. However, visitors need to bring their own equipment to try this here, since there are no places to rent them.

Tabuhan Island is indeed a slice of paradise, with unspoilt beauty and crystal clear blue water. This pearly beach is also loved by locals. You can easily get here by continuing your journey from Banyuwangi City to the Kampe Beach at Bangsring, then take a boat to the island.

Playing in the sand, swimming, and snorkeling are some of the activities that visitors do during their stay here. It should be noted that you must bring your own food and supplies. Moreover, please do not forget to also bring rubbish container bags to help keep this pretty beach neat and clean.

 

3. The G-Land Beach 

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Beware: this one is not for the faint of heart. Discovered by the surfers from the United States named Mike and Bill Boyum in 1972, this beach–which is situated in the Alas Purwo National Park in the South Java Coast–is directly facing  the Indian Ocean. Therefore, visitors must prepare for the elongated, humongous, and high velocity tides. It is said that this beach has legendary 7 rolls of waves that can reach up to 6 meters high. No wonder The G-Land Beach is given the name “The Seven Giant Waves of Wonder” by the worldwide surfers.

The enormous popularity makes The G-Land Beach as one of the beaches that are chosen to be the venues for World Surf League, which will be held on 28 May - 6 June 2022.

Aside from its popularity as one of the most challenging beaches to surf, The G-Land beach is a perfect place to escape from the “modern city” ambience because the location enables you to fully detach from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Enjoy what nature has so generously provided in the G-Land Beach: a vast area surrounded by the lush tropical forest with white sandy beach and rolling waves entertaining you with love and comfort. 

This city is a gem that has a lot to enthrall you. Visit beyond the beaches to find abundant memorable epic adventures. Feel how nature cradles and soothes you in the serenity that spells Banyuwangi. If you are planning to visit Banyuwangi in the future, we need to kindly remind you to be updated with the latest international travel regulations and health protocol along the journey. Be a responsible traveler and keep practicing healthy habits such as wearing a mask in public places, washing hands frequently, and implementing social distancing. Last but not least, follow our social media channels in Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok for updated information regarding travel and creative economy in Indonesia.