Explore Lord of The Rings Like Forest in Banyuwangi: De Djawatan Forest

Banyuwangi is one of the exotic districts in East Java, and it’s located on the easternmost edge of Java. As a city with many tourist attractions, Banyuwangi offers many exciting places. One of them is De Djawatan Forest.

Are you a fan of the fantasy movie “Lords of the Rings”? Or any adventure movies which have forests with mystical-looking trees? If your answer is yes, you must have often fantasized about visiting such a place and going on an adventure to find magical objects.

Well, now you should be happy because it looks like it’s not just your fantasy. However, you can make it happen by coming to the De Djawatan Forest. A tourist attraction in Benculuk Village, Cluring District, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java.

Characteristics of The De Djawatan Forest

Photo by Widya Desiyanti on Unsplash

De Djawatan Forest was an old building for the management of railway transportation. However, the government has converted the De Djawatan Forest intointo an attractive tourist spot with exotic views. The forest which has a land area of about 3.8 hectares, is owned by Perhutani. Here, you can find many trees that grow lush and create natural green umbrellas that protect you from the sun's scorching heat when you visit this place.

The trees here also look deliberately planted and neatly arranged which adds to its own beauty. These trees are Trembesi tree species. Trembesi trees in this area create an atmosphere like you are in a fantasy movie because the trees are strange and unique. This is what makes the magical feel of De Djawatan Forest like in the movie “Lords of the Rings”. In addition to the Trembesi tree, several other trees adorn this forest are the old Teak tree, the Wesah plant believed to cure stomach ailments, and the longan tree used as an antidote to flooding.

Apparently, the grass grown here is of high quality, so you don’t have to worry about sitting on it or lying down while enjoying the cool breeze around you. Because of this natural but comfortable place, many people come to De Djawatan Forest to just take a walk to unwind or have a picnic with their family under a shady tree. Even during Ramadan, this tourist attraction is increasingly crowded with visitors who want to “Ngabuburit” before breaking the fast.

Facilities in the De Djawatan Forest

This forest which offers views of these exotic trees has become one of the favourite places for photography enthusiasts. There are many exciting spots that you can explore freely, such as the unique view of the Trembesi trees, the road on the right and left are decorated with trees. you can also take self-portrait with friends or a partner here. Moreover, many couples select the De Djawatan Forest as the location for their pre-wedding pictures because of the landscape's charm.

In addition to taking pictures and enjoying the forest, tourists can also enjoy other tourist facilities offered. Among them is riding a tourist wagon with prices ranging from Rp. 30,000 to Rp. 50,000 to go around the forest. ATV and motocross rentals are also available for children. Sometimes, the manager also holds small music concerts to entertain the visitors.

Visitors can also take a culinary tour in this forest by visiting several culinary stalls typical of Banyuwangi. Where residents own these stalls. In addition, there is a modern cafe, but visitors are prohibited from bringing food from outside into the cafe.

There is also a prayer room, canteens selling various foods and drinks, and public bathrooms.

Route to De Djawatan Forest

It is not difficult to go to the area from De Djawatan Forest because it is centrally located in the city and is accessible by both private automobile and public transit. If you are from Banyuwangi, you can head towards Srono and continue towards Benculuk. You will arrive at the Benculuk market and find a red light at the T-junction. Before the red light, on the right, you will see the gate to the De Djawatan Forest. If you are from Genteng you can head towards Jajag and go straight to Benculuk. From the Benculuk red light T-junction. From the main gate, Hutan De Djawatan is about 50 meters from the Jember-Banyuwangi highway.

If you are from Banyuwangi City, the distance to De Djawatan Forest is about 31 kilometres to the south. The distance that you can travel is approximately one hour by private vehicle. The route to De Djawatan Forest from Banyuwangi City is relatively easy. The way you must take is the main Banyuwangi-Jember road to the south. However, when you arrive at Rogojampi, the Banyuwangi-Jember main road will fork at a T-junction. If you want to go to De Djawatan Forest, then take the straight road to the south. Next, just follow the main road to the south. After that, the journey will pass through Srono District and finally arrive at the market and T-junction in Benculuk Village, Cluring District.

Opening Hours and Entrance Tickets to De Djawatan Forest

Before entering the De Djawatan area, visitors must pay an entrance ticket for about IDR 5,000 per person. For motorbike parking tickets, Rp. 2,000 and Rp. 5,000 for cars. As for the opening hours, tourists can visit De Djawatan Banyuwangi from 7 am to 6 pm.

Tips for Visiting De Djawatan Forest

Visit during weekdays

If you want to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the De Djawatan Forest, the best time to visit is during weekdays. That’s because the atmosphere in this tourist attraction will be quieter. On the other hand, if you come on weekends, De Djawatan Forest will be crowded by many tourists. Also, it’s hard to get perfect photos when it's crowded. Your photos will most likely be leaked with other visitors.

Visit in the morning or afternoon

Opening hours at the De Djawatan Forest are 7 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit there is in the morning when it opens or in the afternoon at 4 pm. This is because the sun's position is leaning towards the east or west so the light will look charming between the gaps in the stems and leaves of the Trembesi trees. Good lighting makes the panorama in De Djawatan Forest even more beautiful and suitable for your best photos.

No vandalism

The huge Trembesi tree in the De Djawatan Forest is Instagramable. However, the uniqueness is only to be enjoyed. Therefore, you must not damage or vandalize these trees. Uncommendable actions such as carving names on tree trunks or crossing tree trunks will reduce the beauty of this De Djawatan Forest. In addition, visitors should not carelessly pick plants or break tree branches to take home. The De Djawatan Forest's preservation is all visitors' shared responsibility.

Final Thoughts

Well, what are you waiting for? If you are visiting Banyuwangi, just visit this forest that looks like the Fangorn Forest in New Zealand. Guaranteed, you will feel like you are in the world of “Lord of The Rings”!