Sukamade

Sukamade is turtle conservation area in East Java, Indonesia.

Sukamade Halal Travel Guide

Sukamade beach is about 97 kilometers to southwest of Banyuwangi. It is a natural, quiet, stunning location and part of the 50,000-hectare Meru Betiri National Park.

Almost every night of the year, turtles appear on Sukamade beach to lay eggs. It is clearly a globally important site and one which is protected 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the over-worked park rangers. Some eggs are taken by the rangers to protect them from predators, both human and other animals. These are incubated in the safety of the park hatchery and the youngsters are released to the ocean on the very beach from where the eggs were laid. There are similar beaches within the park boundary but it seems to be Sukamade that the turtles prefer.

The stability of the turtle population has been helped by a careful system of tagging and monitoring, as well as the use of the special hatcheries. Watching these giant creatures emerge from the surf and struggle-up the beach to lay their eggs on a moonlit night is a unique and unforgettable experience, and one which is certain to ensure Sukamade's ever-growing profile. This is certainly off the beaten track and requires some effort to reach but it is very worthwhile indeed.

History of Sukamade

The Meru Betiri National Park came into being in 1982 but Sukamade has had a turtle conservation facility since 1972. Since then, nearly 3,000 turtles have been tagged here. Records show that the Dutch first found this beach as recently as the 1920s.

How is the Landscape of Sukamade

Lush coastal tropical forest including fringing mangroves with some more open savannah-like areas. The beaches are stunning with white sand and big waves.

Flora and fauna

At Sukamade Beach itself: green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle and the occasional leatherback.

The wilderness jungle of the surrounding Meru Betiri National Park is probably the last hope for a surviving Java tiger. The only recent evidence though has been footprints and faeces and your chance of seeing one is as close to nil as to be irrelevant. Some of the rangers believe the tiger is already extinct while even the most optimistic estimates put the population in low single figures.

Other mammals present in the park include banteng, leopard cat, wild pig, muntjac and Java rusa deer. There is also a diverse and varied birdlife.

How is the Climate in Sukamade

Tropical and not noticeably different from elsewhere in Java. It rains a lot from December through March when the rivers (which are always difficult to cross) may prove to be impassable and the way in difficult to negotiate.

National Park Office

Meru Betiri National Park Office: Jl Sriwijaya 53, Jember 68121, East Java, Tel/Fax: +62 331 321530, E-mail:

Travel to Sukamade

Sukamade can be approached from Banyuwangi to the northwest or from Jember to the north-east.

This journey requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle or large truck for the last 50 km. Hiring a driver and guide guided in Banyuwangi with a suitable 4 x 4 is certainly the most comfortable way. The roads are very rough and several rivers need crossing via fords (there are no bridges) - a regular road vehicle will not make this.

You should aim to stay at least one night at Sukamade, take in the beauty of the beach and understand the place. That being said, visitors do day trip from Banyuwangi (returning very late at night as you need to be on the beach in the hours of darkness for the full turtle experience). Expect to pay a driver about Rp 600,000 per day for his services and the car. Petrol will be extra.

An alternative is to approach from the village of Kalibaru, 60 kilometers east of Jember. From here, stay at the splendid Margo Utomo Homestay (see lodging below) and they will organise to get you to Sukamade by truck.

Travellers on a tight budget can try the following:

• Take a bus from Jember to Glenmore (about 30 kilometers).
• Bus from Glenmore to Jajag (about 25 kilometers).
• Bemo from Jajag to Pesanggaran (about 20 kilometers).
• Take the daily truck from Pesanggaran market at 13:00 to Sarongan and finally Sukamade. There is only one truck each day and if you are going to miss it, stay at Jajag and continue the following day as there is absolutely nowhere to lodge in Pasanggaran.

Fees and permits

Rp 85,000 per group plus a Rp 25,000 surcharge per non-Indonesian in the group. This charge includes parking and the services of a ranger to point you in the right direction. It is also feasible to negotiate a little extra and have the ranger as your guide (recommended).

How to get around in Sukamade

Once you have reached Sukamade, walk.

What to see in Sukamade

• Four different species of sea turtle lay eggs on the beach here and every night of the year there are turtles to see. If there is a preferred time to visit it would be at a full moon and the attendant high tide. To watch a turtle laying her eggs here is a once in a lifetime experience.
• The hatchery facility. Young turtles of all four species are incubate here and released back to the ocean safe from predators. See the youngsters at the hatchery and learn about the process.
• Coffee and Cacao plantations which are close to the beach.
• Teluk Hijau is a fabulously attractive bay nearby with cliffs abutting a white sand beach.

What to do in Sukamade

• Make a generous donation. The park rangers are very dedicated and work extremely hard to protect the turtles. They are up against it as poaching still occurs and turtle eggs are still for sale illegally in East Java. A key issue is that there are just not enough rangers to cover to such a large area. This is a really worthy effort and one which any visitor should support generously.
• Stay at least one day and explore the park. There is diverse range of birds and animals to be seen and the beaches are just stunning.

Halal Restaurants in Sukamade

If you are staying at Wisma Sukamade, basic meals are available. Not such a bad thing to bring some food in with you.

• Kopi Luwak (literally: civet coffee) is made from Coffee berries which have been ingested by civets and then passed undigested in their faeces. It is said to have a distinctive and smooth taste. The rangers at Sukamade should be able to find you some.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sukamade

Sukamade - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sukamade, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sukamade. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sukamade and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sukamade. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sukamade. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSukamade: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sukamade.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sukamade: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sukamade, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sukamade.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sukamade, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sukamade, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sukamade and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sukamade, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sukamade, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sukamade without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sukamade is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sukamade.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sukamade is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sukamade, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sukamade Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Sukamade

• Wisma Sukamade | This is only place to stay at Sukamade. A big wide terrace, and the 12 rooms are clean with cold water and Indonesian-style bathrooms. Electricity from 18:00 until 22:00 after which it is kerosene lamps only.

• Margo Utomo Agro Resort | This started as a tiny homestay which was a huge success and the owners have expanded to 51 rooms. Big swimming swimmingpool and gorgeous grounds. They can arrange transport to Sukamade (no mean feat) and also offer lots of other rural activities in the area.

Muslim Friendly Camping Places in Sukamade

Camping is very feasible at Sukamade. Ask at Wisma Sukamade for the best sites and sources of fresh water.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Sukamade

• Banyuwangi for the Ijen Plateau and onward to Baluran National Park.
• The Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park.

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