The Regency of Banyuwangi is located at the easternmost end of the Indonesian island of Java, and it is a very strategic area for one who wants to go to Bali. It is surrounded by mountainous and woody areas to the west; by sea to the east and south. Banyuwangi is only separated by Strait of Bali from Bali. The regency had a population of 1,488,791 at the Census held on 30 June 2000; by 2005 it was estimated to have risen to 1,514,605. The city of Banyuwangi is the administrative capital.
Contents |
The Regency of Banyuwangi consists of 19 subdistricts:
Banyuwangi is — as are other Indonesian areas — a heterogeneous area where many ethnic groups are mingled and live together under the same roof. One of the native groups is the Osing community which has a distinctly Hindu culture although they can be considered as a Javanese sub-ethnic group. They live mainly in the central part of Banyuwangi and they sometimes consider themselves as Majapahit descendants. Other groups are Javanese (living mostly in the south and west), Madurese (mainly in the north and coastal area) and Balinese (scattered but more concentrated in the east). Other smaller groups are Chinese, Buginese, Arabs, etc.
This heterogeneity reflects history of this region. Once known as Blambangan (or its variation: Balambangan and Balumbungan), it was a vazal of the Majapahit Kingdom and a regional trade center. After Majapahit Kingdom ceased to exit, it became an independent kingdom and, as such, the last Hindu kingdom of Java. In order to defend itself from the troops of the Sultanate of Demak, which tried to occupy it, Blambangan asked for help from Balinese kings, which caused it to lose its independence to Balinese kingdoms. During this time Blambangan was deeply influenced by Balinese culture. After around 150 years of Balinese occupation, the Sultanate of Mataram gained control of the territory and renamed it Banyuwangi. Later, it was part of the Mataram territory controlled by the VOC (1770). During the expansion of plantations in 19th century, many parts of Banyuwangi were planted with coffee and sugarcane, which feature its landscape even now. The Chinese and Arabs came mostly during this period.
Banyuwangi people are known for their deep Islamic belief but combined with pre-Islamic practices.
Because of its location along Java–Bali road, Banyuwangi is rich in culture, where Javanese, Madurese, Balinese and other cultures had met. This area has got unique arts, traditions and natures. In addition, Banyuwangi has its own trademark arts.
This is a Banyuwangi-typical dance which performed by a woman and along with simple music like violin, triangle (called kluncing), gong (or kempul), kendhang and sometimes with keyboard as result of modern influence. It is performed during night until dawn particularly in parties.
This is a traditional theatre art which has been developed since the 19th century in Banyuwangi. This theatre is a combination between Balinese, Javanese and local cultures. Balinese influences can be seen in its performers' costumes (which remind one of Arja costumes) and instruments, meanwhile Javanese influences is in its "lakon" or stories as well as language in dialogues. It is distinct from the Balinese Janger.
Banyuwangi travel guide from Wikitravel
Coordinates: 8°13′07″S 114°22′01″E / 8.21861°S 114.36694°E
|
||||||||||||||||||
Banyuwangi is a city in East Java.
Banyuwangi is at the easternmost tip of Java and is best known for its ferry connection at Ketapang to Gilimanuk in Bali. This area has a lot more to offer though and it is becoming better known as a visitor destination in its own right. Banyuwangi is also the gateway to some stunning volcanic scenery on the Ijen Plateau as well as the main access point for the Baluran National Park and world renowned surfing at G-Land (Grajagan). To the south east of Banyuwangi lies perhaps the remotest and least populated area of Java which is home to the Alas Purwo National Park.
Banyuwangi is the eastern terminus of Java's rail network. There are two trains daily from Surabaya, one of them overnight, the journey taking 6-8 hours.
The main bus terminal is Sri Tanjung, 2km north of Ketapang port. Surabaya is 285 km away by road, and buses take about 6 hours.
Ferries run from Gilimanuk in Bali to Ketapang every 30 min, 24 hours a day. The journey takes about 30 minutes, although loading and unloading can take much longer.
Since the onset of terrorist problems in Bali, security is much, much tighter at both ends than it used to be and you should be prepared for some long queues.
The main bus station in Banyuwangi is at the Ketapang ferry terminal. From there regular bemos and shuttle buses run into the city (Sri Tanjung terminal) and elsewhwere in the vicinity. Becaks (pedicabs) are widely available in town.
Most surfers heading for G-Land are doing so from Bali and transportation to the camps is pat of their surf package. You can however reach G-Land independently with a bus from Sri Tanjung terminal to Benculuk (about 1 hour) where you change and catch another bus to Grajagan (about 30 minutes).
You can hire private jeeps with or without a driver in Banyuwangi. Vital for independent trips up to the Ijen Crater or for exploring the remote parts of the south eastern coastal parks.
Street stall and simple warung food is the go in Banyuwangi and you will find lots of it. Easy to find in the middle of town.
There is a lot of fairly identikit budget accommodation in Banyuwangi and there are often several well-meaning and well-mannered touts at Ketapang terminal eager to take you to their option. Not such a bad thing to play along - it will cost you little if any, extra.
The telephone area code for Banyuwangi is 0333.
| This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! |
Category: Usable articles
|
|
Top topics
Wikis
Quiz
Map
Search
