When it comes to East Java’s tourist destinations, Meru Betiri National Park stands out as a captivating spot worth visiting. Spanning two regencies, Jember and Banyuwangi, this national park is not only a natural habitat for hundreds of flora and fauna species but also a home to pristine beaches waiting to be explored.
The Meru Betiri forest was initially designated as a protected forest in 1931 and later became a wildlife reserve in 1972 to protect the Javan tiger. The reserve, covering 50,000 hectares, was expanded to 58,000 hectares in 1982 and proposed as a national park. Finally, in 1997, Meru Betiri National Park was officially established, named after the highest mountain in the park, Mount Betiri.
Natural Wonders of Meru Betiri National Park
In addition to its conservation efforts, Meru Betiri National Park is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. One of the highlights is Green Bay, or Teluk Hijau, a beach with thick, fine sand, a clean shoreline, and clear green water due to the algae clusters. This beach also features a massive coral rock and an eight-meter waterfall.
Another gem is Bandealit Beach, known for its cool breeze and calm waves, making it perfect for swimming, jet skiing, and windsurfing. Camping is a popular activity here, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. Rajegwesi Beach offers stunning natural scenery and a glimpse into the local lifestyle, where visitors can observe fishermen at work and traditional sugar-making processes.
Sukomade Beach, discovered in 1927, is a unique spot where visitors can witness sea turtles nesting and hatching. This beach is a critical breeding ground for green, hawksbill, olive ridley, and leatherback turtles. During the rainy season, female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, which later hatch and are released into the ocean as baby turtles. This conservation activity is conducted under strict regulations to ensure the turtles’ safety and is guided by national park officials.
Flora and Fauna in Meru Betiri National Park
Meru Betiri National Park hosts five types of ecosystems: coastal forest, mangrove forest, tropical rainforest, swamp forest, and reophytic forest. Visitors can observe and learn about the diverse plant species thriving in their natural habitats. Some of the notable plants include mangroves, hibiscus, sea almond, and various medicinal plants like Javanese chili, kedawung, kepayang, and pule pandak.
The park is also home to hundreds of other plants such as durian, langsat, various species of bamboo, and the rare Rafflesia zollingeriana, an endemic and protected flower.
The park’s fauna is equally diverse, with 336 species of wildlife, including 25 mammals, 7 reptiles, 168 birds, 36 insects, 71 soil arthropods, and 6 bivalves. Among these are protected species like the Javan leopard, banteng, long-tailed macaque, flying squirrel, peacock, Javan eagle, slow loris, Javan lutung, civet, deer, and various sea turtles.
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