Tourists Flood Banyuwangi During Long Weekend, De Djawatan Emerges as Top Attraction
The long weekend for the Ascension of Jesus Christ has brought a significant boost to the tourism sector in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java. During the long weekend period from 14-17 May 2026, the region, known as Bumi Blambangan, was crowded with tens of thousands of tourists from various domestic and international locations.
According to preliminary data from the Banyuwangi Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar), a total of 52,478 tourists were recorded visiting various flagship tourist destinations in the easternmost tip of Java. Amidst the high mobility of travellers, the De Djawatan forest emerged as the most hunted destination during the long holiday. The tourist site, renowned for its rows of giant rain trees (Samanea saman) and a fantasy-like atmosphere, recorded 7,26_6 visits, even surpassing several of Banyuwangi’s premier beach destinations.
There are clear reasons why this destination is so popular during long holidays. Beneath the lush canopy of decades-old rain trees, De Djawatan offers an atmosphere distinct from most other tourist spots in Banyuwangi. The rows of massive tree trunks with hanging roots and branches create a magical green landscape, making visitors feel as though they have entered a fantasy world. The cool air combined with a tranquil atmosphere makes De Djawatan not only a prime spot for photography but also a favourite location for tourists to unwind and enjoy the shaded natural scenery.
Many tourists have noted that De Djawatan possesses a vibe reminiscent of a fantasy film due to its unique and exotic forest character. The pedestrian paths cutting through the forest area, open spaces for relaxing, and selfie spots amongst the large trees serve as unique attractions that encourage visitors to stay longer in the Cluring District area.
The Acting Head of the Banyuwangi Culture and Tourism Office, Hartono, stated that the high number of visits serves as a motivation for the local government to continue improving the tourism sector. “This massive influx of tourists is a great responsibility for us,” said Hartono on Sunday (17/5/2026). He added that improvements in service, cleanliness, and the readiness of public facilities will continue to be strengthened to ensure that the tourist experience in Banyuwangi remains comfortable. This surge in visitors during the long weekend further reinforces Banyuwangi’s position as one of Indonesia’s favourite destinations, particularly during national holiday seasons.