Unveil the Magic of Banyuwangi: From Crater Treks to Coastal Thrills

TheIndonesia.co - If you’ve ever dreamt of discovering a place where volcanoes glow blue at midnight, where thousands of dancers move in harmony by the sea, and where surfers and cyclists share the landscape with ancient rituals—then it’s time to find your way to Banyuwangi, East Java’s rising star.

Tucked at the very edge of Java, just across the water from Bali, Banyuwangi is more than a destination—it’s an unfolding story. In 2025, that story will come alive in full color through the Banyuwangi Festival, or B-Fest, a year-long celebration that weaves together culture, nature, sports, music, and food into one unforgettable experience. With over 80 events scattered across the calendar, this is not just a festival—it’s a living, breathing showcase of everything that makes Banyuwangi magical.

What makes B-Fest truly remarkable is how seamlessly it blends entertainment with real impact. As Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani puts it, according to Antara News Agency, B-Fest is a "grand umbrella" that not only entertains but drives the region’s development—from boosting local economies and small businesses to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving culture. It’s also a smart and efficient model. While some public funding is involved, much of the festival is now supported by private partners, drawn in by the festival’s growing popularity and potential.

At the heart of Banyuwangi’s allure is its incredible natural beauty—and nothing captures that better than a midnight trek to Kawah Ijen. This active volcano is famous for its otherworldly blue flames, a rare phenomenon caused by ignited sulfuric gas. Adventurers from around the world begin their climb in the early hours, aiming to reach the crater before dawn. As the night fades, the eerie blue fire gives way to a sunrise that reveals a steaming turquoise lake surrounded by jagged cliffs and sulfur miners making their daily journey. It’s haunting, humbling, and entirely unforgettable.

But Ijen is just the beginning. The rest of Banyuwangi’s landscape is equally captivating—from misty highlands to warm, golden coastlines. And in 2025, B-Fest invites you to experience it all in motion. For thrill-seekers, the region’s sport-tourism events are reason enough to visit. Chief among them is the Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen, a cycling race recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), set against some of the most stunning backdrops Southeast Asia has to offer. Cyclists from around the globe will pedal through villages, forests, and coastline from July 28th to 31th.

Later in the year, the adrenaline continues with the Ijen Geopark Downhill race on September 20th–21st, a dramatic competition that sees riders descending rugged mountain terrain with breathtaking speed. Just a week later, the Ijen KOM (King of Mountain) challenge offers a grueling uphill test for climbers eager to conquer the region’s peaks. If you prefer your action closer to the ground—or the air—you can catch the BMX championships in November, where the region’s best freestyle bikers compete in high-flying stunts.

Not a cyclist? No problem. On September 7th, nature lovers and runners alike will get their chance with the Ijen Green Run, a trail race through some of Banyuwangi’s most beautiful and untouched landscapes. For something cooler still, head to the ocean from October 16th to 18th for the Gandrung Surf Competition, where the waves roll in steady and strong, and surfers from across Indonesia come to ride them.

Of course, Banyuwangi doesn’t just thrill—it enchants. It’s a place deeply connected to its roots, and throughout the year, B-Fest brings those traditions to life in moving, beautiful ways. One of the oldest and most unique ceremonies is Seblang Bakungan, held on June 15th. A young girl, believed to be chosen by ancestral spirits, enters a trance and dances nightly to traditional music, a ritual said to maintain harmony between the living and the unseen world.

In early July, the high-spirited Keboan Aliyan and Kebo-Keboan Alasmalang events take over village streets, where participants dress as buffalo and perform theatrical, almost mystical rituals tied to agriculture and harvest. On July 10th, coastal communities gather for Petik Laut Muncar, an ocean offering ceremony that sees colorful fishing boats set sail with gifts for the sea, thanking it for its generosity and asking for continued abundance.

Perhaps the most visually stunning event of all is Gandrung Sewu, scheduled for October 25th. Here, more than a thousand dancers dressed in the fiery red and gold of traditional Gandrung costumes move in unison along the beach. It’s hypnotic and grand, a performance of love, gratitude, and heritage performed to the crashing rhythm of waves. Just weeks before, the Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival will sweep through the city on July 12th–13th, showcasing wildly creative costumes inspired by local legends, ethnic diversity, and the natural world.

Culture, of course, is never complete without its flavours. Banyuwangi’s culinary scene is a festival in its own right, and you’ll get a full taste of it during the Art Week and Culinary Festival from July 9th–12th. Local chefs and home cooks present everything from spicy sego tempong to rich, complex rujak soto, blending Javanese, Balinese, and Madurese influences. There’s also art on display, from handcrafted batik to bamboo crafts and live performances that invite you to linger longer.

For a more immersive experience, don’t miss the Festival Lembah Ijen from August 9th to 13th, set in the lush valley of Ijen. It’s a five-day journey into the cultural heartbeat of the region, complete with community rituals, workshops, exhibitions, and traditional music performed under the stars.

Between all these vibrant events, you’ll find that Banyuwangi’s natural beauty never stops giving. Spend a lazy day at Pulau Merah (Red Island), known for its stunning sunset and calm surf. Or venture off the beaten path to Wedi Ireng, a secluded beach perfect for quiet reflection. Closer to the city, Boom Beach offers black volcanic sand and a great spot for evening seafood with a view.

The best part? You don’t have to choose between a beach holiday, a mountain trek, or a cultural deep-dive. Banyuwangi offers all of it—along with the warm, welcoming hospitality of a region proud of its heritage and excited about its future.

Getting to Banyuwangi is easier than ever, with direct flights from Jakarta and Surabaya, or a scenic ferry ride from Bali’s Gilimanuk port. Trains from Surabaya also make the journey smooth and comfortable.

With so many festivals, sights, and experiences waiting, the hardest part is deciding when to go. Whether you're climbing a volcano before sunrise, watching thousands dance by the sea, or simply enjoying grilled fish by the beach, Banyuwangi in 2025 promises a journey that touches the senses and the soul.

So pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and come discover the rhythm of Java’s eastern edge.