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Exploring Sukamade Turtle Conservation: A Hidden Gem in Meru Betiri National Park

Sukamade Turtle Tour Package

The Sukamade Turtle Conservation, located within the Meru Betiri National Park in western Banyuwangi, is one of Indonesia’s most cherished wildlife preservation sites. Spanning across 50,000 hectares, this serene and scenic park has been home to turtle conservation efforts since 1972, with the park officially established in 1982. Over the years, nearly 3,000 turtles have been protected here.

A Sanctuary for Sea Turtles

Sukamade Beach is a vital nesting site where turtles come ashore almost every night of the year to lay their eggs. This location is globally significant, with dedicated park rangers guarding it 24/7. To protect the eggs from predators, both human and animal, rangers collect some of them and incubate them in a safe hatchery. After hatching, the baby turtles are released into the ocean at the very beach where they were laid, ensuring they return to the same spot when it’s time to lay their own eggs.

For a small donation, visitors can participate in this remarkable conservation effort by releasing baby turtles into the water, watching them crawl towards the sea—a process that imprints the beach on their memory.

A Nighttime Turtle Watching Experience

Visitors to Sukamade can witness the fascinating process of turtle egg-laying. Starting around 8 p.m., under the guidance of rangers, tourists are led to the beach where turtles come ashore to dig holes and lay hundreds of eggs. This entire process can take 1-2 hours. No flash photography or artificial lights are allowed, as it can disturb the turtles. Instead, rangers use dim lights to guide visitors, ensuring that the experience remains respectful to the wildlife.

The Journey to Sukamade

Reaching Sukamade is an adventure in itself. Visitors will cross rivers and pass through dense jungle terrain in a 4×4 jeep, making for an exciting ride. Along the way, travelers can stop at the stunning Green Bay Beach, known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water, a hidden gem within the park.

Best Time to Visit Sukamade

The ideal time to visit Sukamade for turtle nesting is between November and March, although turtles lay eggs almost every night throughout the year. Female turtles typically arrive onshore around 7:30 p.m. and return to the sea by midnight.

Accommodations and Facilities

A stay at Sukamade includes lodging at a homestay located just a five-minute walk from the beach. Visitors can enjoy the scenic shoreline during the day and witness the turtle hatching and release process early in the morning, usually around 5 a.m. Additional amenities include a boat dock, parking area, information center, restrooms, prayer rooms, and nearby food and drink stands.

Sukamade Tour Package Information

Pricing for Sukamade Turtle Beach Tour:

  • 2 people: IDR 1,750,000 per person
  • 3 people: IDR 1,600,000 per person
  • 4 people: IDR 1,500,000 per person
  • 5-6 people: IDR 1,300,000 per person

Itinerary:

Day 1:

  • 09:30: Pick-up from hotels, stations, terminals, or ports in Banyuwangi.
  • 09:45: Depart for Meru Betiri National Park.
  • 12:30: Visit Green Bay and Stone Beach for sightseeing and photography.
  • 14:00: Cross the Sarongan River and continue through the Meru Betiri Forest towards Sukamade.
  • 16:30: Arrive at Sukamade Beach and check in to the homestay.
  • 20:00: Observe the egg-laying process of a sea turtle, a unique experience with turtles over a meter long.
  • 23:00: Return to the homestay for the night.

Day 2:

  • 05:00: Participate in the release of baby turtles on the shoreline.
  • 07:00: Breakfast.
  • 08:30: Check out of the guesthouse and begin the journey back to Banyuwangi.
  • 13:00: Arrive back in Banyuwangi City.

What’s Included:

  • Transportation from Banyuwangi
  • One night’s accommodation
  • 4×4 Jeep transportation
  • Experienced driver/guide
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • National Park ranger services
  • Entry tickets to all tourist attractions
  • Parking fees and contributions
  • Insurance for the duration of the tour

Not Included:

  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for drivers/guides

Conclusion: A Unique Wildlife Experience

Visiting the Sukamade Turtle Conservation is more than just a trip to a beautiful beach—it’s an opportunity to witness and participate in vital conservation efforts. Whether you’re watching a turtle lay eggs under the moonlight or releasing baby turtles into the sea, Sukamade offers an unforgettable wildlife adventure in one of Indonesia’s most scenic national parks.

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