Meru Betiri National Park in Indonesia

Meru Betiri National Park covers 580 square kilometers in the southeastern part of the Indonesian province of East Java. The Dutch colonial government recognized its importance in 1931, declaring the area a protected forest, and in 1982, Meru Betiri National Park was established. Today, the park is closely monitored by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry, ensuring the well-being of its ecosystems and inhabitants.

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What is Meru Betiri famous for?

The park's topography varies greatly, including rugged mountains, dense tropical forests, mangroves, rivers, and stunning coastal areas, including Rajegwesi and Sukamade beaches.

Meru Betiri is particularly significant among conservationists as it is known as the last remaining habitat of the Javan tiger. Today, 29 mammal and 180 bird species have been recorded within the park, many of which are endangered. Notable inhabitants of the park include the Javan leopard and Sumatran wolf, long-tailed macaques and Javan flying squirrels, leopard cats, and banteng.

The park's coastline boasts pristine beaches. These idyllic shores, particularly Sukamade Beach, are a nesting site for endangered turtles.

Trekking through dense tropical forests offers travelers the opportunity to see endemic flora and fauna, and trails lead to picturesque viewpoints. The beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck with local fishermen.

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How to visit Meru Betiri Park

Due to the park's remote location, planning your trip in advance is essential. Hiring a local guide is also highly recommended to help navigate the trails and ensure the safest possible experience. The park can be reached via three overland routes from Jember and Banyuwangi, namely:

• Jember - Ambulu - Kurahnongko - Bandealit (Western Gate), distance about 60 kilometers.
• Jember - Genteng - Jajag - Pesanggaran - Sarongan - Rajegwesi (Eastern Gate) - Sukamade, distance about 145 kilometers.
• Banyuwangi - Jajag - Pesanggaran - Sarongan Rajegwesi (Eastern Gate) - Sukamade, distance 126 kilometers.

The most convenient way to explore Meru Betiri National Park is to hire a driver and guide in Banyuwangi, or to purchase a pre-packaged two-day 4x4 tour, which typically picks travelers up in the morning from their Banyuwangi hotel or the airport. The tour includes travel, a visit to Sukamade Beach and turtle watching, a walk through the park, a visit to a palm sugar factory, meals, and basic accommodation (overnight with a homestay).

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