Beyond Beaches: Forests and Cities in Banyuwangi Crowded with Tourists During Long Weekend
BANYUWANGI — The surge in tourist visits during the Ascension of Jesus Christ long weekend brought crowds not only to coastal areas but also to various other destinations in Banyuwangi, East Java. Current trends indicate that tourist movement has begun to spread across diverse types of attractions, ranging from forests and coastal regions to urban areas and family recreation parks, which were crowded with visitors from Thursday (14/05/2026) to Sunday (17/05/2026).
A total of 52,399 visitors were domestic tourists, while 856 international tourists were recorded. Interestingly, the tourist sites with the highest number of visits were not beaches. De Djawatan in Cluring District became the most crowded location, hosting 7,26ng6 visitors. This rain tree forest, known for its lush atmosphere, outperformed several popular beach destinations in Banyuwangi.
Following this, Pulau Merah Beach recorded 5,636 visits, followed by Boom Marina Beach with 4,956 tourists. Meanwhile, Banyuwangi Park, a man-made recreational site, successfully attracted 4,050 visitors.
This condition is viewed as a positive signal for the development of the regional tourism sector. As more destinations become active, the resulting economic impact has the potential to expand more broadly. Not only will businesses in coastal areas benefit, but also those in forest tourism areas, urban centres, and family recreation sites.
“The Banyuwangi Regency Government is dedicated to continuously improving the quality and regulation of tourism so that every traveller gains a protected, peaceful, and unforgettable impression during their visit,” said Hartono on Sunday (17/05/2026).
He added that the surge in tourist visits is also projected to act as a driver for more comprehensive regional economic development. Through solid inter-sectoral synergy, Banyuwangi is confident that this positive trend can be maintained throughout the year, while strengthening the region’s position as one of Indonesia’s leading tourism pillars.