Discovering The Underwater View in The Eastern Part of Java Island

SURYA.co.id | BANYUWANGI - Kabupaten Banyuwangi is well-known for being The Sunrise of Java that also has beautiful and breath-taking underwater view. You could visit Bangsring Beach that is located 20 kilometers from downtown Banyuwangi while enjoying incredible reefs with Bangsring Underwater that is managed by local fishermen.

There are some spots that could satisfy the hunger of underwater adventure with panorama full of reefs and cliffs. The soft coral in the reeds also could make you forget everything behind once you do snorkeling and diving in this place.

“The artificial reefs are the transplantations from the donors, including the ‘fish’s apartment that was put in Bangsring to be fish’s home, such as ornamented and consumption-purposed fish.” Ikhwan Arief, the manager of Bangsring Underwater.

Arief said that other than enjoying the underwater view, the visitors could do conservation activity, such as mangrove planting and reefs transplantation.

“Many people come here not only to do snorkeling and diving but also to do transplantation. In a month, there are a thousand visitors. So, they do not only do recreation but also do preservation of the underwater environment.” Arief said.

According to Arief, Bangsring fishermen have started the preservation since 2008. The damaged at first was fatal because the fishing process was using bombs.

“Now, the reefs are 80% recovered. The fishermen also do not use bomb anymore because they have already known the importance of reefs’ existence for sea in Banyuwangi,” he said.

For them who want to do snorkeling and diving will be accompanied by a professional guide from the trained fishermen.

“The safety is guaranteed. It is no problem if you are not a good swimmer because you could use the life jacket. The reefs also could be seen in the 1-3 meters depth for the beginner. ”

Meanwhile, the advanced divers could dive 15-20 meters depth.

“Do not forget to use sunscreen to prevent damaged skin.” Arief joked.

Tabuhan Island, “The Hidden Paradise”

After seeing the beautiful underwater view in Bangsring Beach, you should continue the adventure with across using fishermen boats to Tabuhan Island. Rp 500.000 for 10 persons could take you to “The Hidden Paradise”.

After passing through 30 minutes of Bali Strait, you could arrive the southern coastal of Tabuhan Island that has 5 hectares width. The white sand beach and clear greenish blue water welcome you in this island. For you who like water, you could not be patient to not dip yourself in the tranquil sea with white sand beach, including seeing ornamental fish.

If you are lucky, you could see some fishermen catch some ornamental fish with ordinary equipment.

“The waves in this place are not so strong. This place also often use a snorkeling and diving spots. The panorama is also incredible. This island is called Tabuhan Island because the wind is quite strong especially on the southern side and sounds like percussion (tabuhan in Indonesian),” Surip, a local fisherman that also a travel guide, said.

Because this island is uninhabited and there are no freshwater spring, Surip recommended all the visitors of Tabuhan Island to bring provision from Bangsring Beach.

“People after swimming and playing usually feel thirsty and hungry, so you should bring provision from the land. Later, the garbage should be taken back to the land to preserve the cleanliness in this island,” Surip said.

To go around all of Tabuhan Island, it could take 20 minutes. You also could see remains of a building that was a lighthouse during Holland colonialism era.

The white sand beach, clear yet clean water, and flying bird could make you feel on a private island. You also could feel to stay on this island more.

“The panorama is really beautiful. The white-sands and all naturalness. It is perfect for you who like to travel to the beach. You could swim all the way you want just like on a private island. ” Sumarsono, a visitor from Banyuwangi who came with his friends, said.

He added: “The best way to come here is within a group. It will be more exciting.”

Curious? Come to Banyuwangi and put Tabuhan Island and Bangsring Beach as part of your vacation’s list. It is guaranteed that you will be back again and again.

Translated by Vicensa Naomi