WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP INTERESTING:
If you are looking for an authentic adventure beyond the beaches and resorts of Bali, this 3D2N Bali to Sukamade Turtle Beach & Ijen Crater Adventure Tour offers one of the most unique wildlife and volcano experiences in Indonesia. Combining a remote turtle conservation beach hidden deep inside a tropical rainforest with the spectacular volcanic landscape of East Java, this journey is designed for travelers seeking nature, wildlife, photography, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
The adventure begins with a scenic overland journey from Bali to the easternmost part of Java Island. You will travel through rural landscapes, cross the Bali Strait by ferry, venture into the remote wilderness of Meru Betiri National Park, witness giant sea turtles nesting under the stars at Sukamade Beach, and conclude the trip with an early morning trek to the famous Ijen Crater, home to one of the world’s largest acidic crater lakes and the legendary Blue Fire phenomenon (If it’s visible)
Unlike conventional sightseeing tours, this expedition takes you into some of Indonesia’s most untouched natural environments, where wildlife conservation and raw volcanic beauty create memories that will last a lifetime.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 – BALI TO SUKAMADE TURTLE BEACH VIA RAJEGWESI BEACH
Your adventure begins in Bali, where our team will pick you up directly from your hotel. Depending on your accommodation location, the journey usually starts between 07:00 and 08:00 in the morning. Travelers staying in South Bali areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Sanur, Nusa Dua, or Ubud can all be accommodated with private transportation.
After departing from Bali, you will travel westward through the island’s scenic landscapes toward Gilimanuk Harbor. Along the way, you’ll pass rice fields, local villages, mountain scenery, and coastal views that showcase a different side of Bali beyond the popular tourist destinations.
Upon reaching Gilimanuk Harbor, you will board a public ferry for the crossing to East Java. The ferry ride across the Bali Strait typically takes around 60 minutes depending on sea conditions and port traffic. During the crossing, travelers can enjoy beautiful views of both Bali and Java, while watching fishing boats and commercial vessels navigating the strait.
Once arriving at Ketapang Harbor in Banyuwangi, East Java, the journey continues toward the remote wilderness of Meru Betiri National Park. This section of the route gradually transitions from busy coastal roads to rural villages, agricultural plantations, and eventually dense tropical rainforest.
First we will need 3 hours drive to Rajegwesi Beach where we can have lunch before swtching from normal car to 4wd car before continuing deeper into the national park region. As you move farther away from urban areas, the roads become narrower and more adventurous. The final section toward Sukamade often includes rough terrain, river crossings, plantation roads, and jungle tracks, making the journey itself part of the adventure.
By late afternoon, you will arrive at Sukamade Guesthouse, a simple yet comfortable accommodation managed within the conservation area. This remote guesthouse serves as the gateway to one of Indonesia’s most significant sea turtle nesting beaches.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Accommodation in Sukamade turtle beach area: The accommodation here is pretty basic, it’s just a normal bed with a hand shower (small bucket), and without fans, or AC but it’s comfy enough for your adventure here.
After checking in, guests can relax, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the rainforest, and have dinner before the evening excursion begins.
Around 20:00, accompanied by experienced local rangers, you will head to Sukamade Beach. Unlike ordinary beaches, Sukamade is internationally recognized as an important nesting site for several species of sea turtles, including Green Turtles, Olive Ridley Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles, and occasionally Leatherback Turtles.
The beach remains largely undeveloped and protected, creating ideal conditions for turtle nesting activities. Guided by conservation officers, visitors quietly wait in designated observation areas while rangers monitor the shoreline.
If conditions are favorable, you may witness a giant sea turtle emerging from the ocean under the cover of darkness. Watching a turtle slowly crawl up the beach, dig a nest, lay dozens of eggs, and carefully cover the nest before returning to the sea is a truly extraordinary experience. Since this is a natural wildlife activity, sightings cannot be guaranteed, but Sukamade remains one of the best places in Indonesia to observe nesting sea turtles.
After the observation session, you will return to the guesthouse for an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.
DAY 2 – SUKAMADE TURTLE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE AND TRANSFER TO IJEN
The second day begins early in the morning with another unique wildlife experience.
After breakfast, you will visit the Sukamade Turtle Conservation Center, where conservation officers work tirelessly to protect sea turtle populations. Here, you can learn about the life cycle of sea turtles, conservation challenges, nesting programs, hatchery management, and ongoing efforts to preserve endangered species.
Depending on the season and hatchery conditions, visitors may have the opportunity to observe baby turtles, commonly known as hatchlings. These young turtles represent the future of sea turtle populations and are carefully protected before being released into the ocean.
The conservation center provides valuable insight into the importance of marine conservation and highlights the delicate balance required to protect these ancient creatures from threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, fishing activities, and climate change.
After the conservation visit, it is time to leave Sukamade and continue the journey toward the volcanic highlands of East Java.
The route back through Meru Betiri National Park offers another opportunity to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. Travelers often encounter monkeys, tropical birds, and scenic viewpoints overlooking forested hills and plantations.
The drive toward the Ijen region takes several hours and passes through rural East Java landscapes. Along the way, you will see traditional villages, rice paddies, coffee plantations, clove plantations, and agricultural fields that form the backbone of the local economy.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant en route.
As you approach the Ijen area, the scenery gradually changes. Cooler temperatures, mountain forests, and volcanic terrain begin to dominate the landscape. The Ijen Plateau is famous for its fertile soil, which supports coffee plantations and agricultural communities that have existed for generations.
In the late afternoon, you will arrive at your hotel near Ijen Crater. Accommodation options vary depending on availability but are selected for their convenient location and comfortable facilities.
After check-in, guests are encouraged to rest and prepare for the early morning trekking adventure. Since the Ijen excursion begins shortly after midnight, an early dinner and early bedtime are highly recommended.
The evening is free for relaxation, allowing travelers to recharge before one of the most memorable volcanic experiences in Southeast Asia.
DAY 3 – IJEN CRATER TREKKING AND RETURN TO BALI
The final day starts shortly after midnight.
Please note: The visibility of the Blue Fire depends entirely on natural weather conditions and volcanic activity. If it is not visible, the itinerary will adjust to a standard scenic tour focused on experiencing the breathtaking sunrise and surrounding landscapes.
Around 00:30 to 01:00, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Paltuding Base Camp, the main entrance to Ijen Crater.
The drive takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your accommodation location. Upon arrival at the national park entrance, your guide will assist with registration and provide a briefing before the trek begins.
The hike to the crater rim is approximately 3 kilometers and typically takes between 1.5 and 2 hours at a moderate pace. Although the trail is uphill, it is well-established and manageable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness.
During the climb, you will be surrounded by the cool mountain air and the silence of the volcanic landscape. As you gain elevation, spectacular views begin to emerge.
For travelers interested in witnessing the famous Blue Fire phenomenon, the trek starts early enough to reach the crater before dawn. The Blue Fire is a rare natural phenomenon created by ignited sulfuric gases that emerge from volcanic vents at extremely high temperatures. Visible only in darkness, this extraordinary display attracts photographers and adventure travelers from around the world.
As dawn approaches, the landscape transforms dramatically. The first rays of sunlight reveal the magnificent turquoise crater lake of Ijen, recognized as the largest highly acidic volcanic lake in the world.
The contrast between the bright turquoise water, yellow sulfur deposits, volcanic cliffs, and surrounding mountains creates one of the most striking natural scenes in Indonesia.
Visitors will also witness the remarkable work of traditional sulfur miners who continue to carry heavy loads of sulfur from the crater floor to the collection points. Their dedication and resilience have become an iconic part of the Ijen experience.
After spending time enjoying the scenery, taking photographs, and exploring the crater rim, you will descend back to Paltuding Base Camp.
Following the trek, breakfast will be served before beginning the return journey to Bali.
The drive takes you back to Ketapang Harbor, where you will board the ferry crossing to Bali. During the crossing, travelers can reflect on the incredible experiences of the past three days, from witnessing sea turtles nesting on a remote beach to standing on the rim of one of Indonesia’s most famous volcanoes.
Upon arriving in Bali, your private transfer will continue directly to your hotel. Depending on ferry schedules, traffic conditions, and your drop-off location, arrival is usually expected between afternoon and early evening.
The tour concludes upon arrival at your hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable East Java adventure.
TOUR ENDS HERE
Price includes:
- Pick up service from your Bali & transfer out back to your hotel in Bali
- 1N at the hotel/homestay in Banyuwangi area with breakfast
- 1N stay in Sukamade Turtle Beach with breakfast, lunch, and dinner (1x)
- Land transportation with driver and fuel during the trip
- Mineral water and Private English speaking guide
- Gas mask for Ijen Crater & health certificate
- Private jeep for Sukamade Turtle Beach
- Cost for parking during the trip
- Cost for ferry from Bali to Java and Java to Bali
- Donation for Banyuwangi Turtle Foundation
Price excludes:
- Travel insurance
- Meals outside the tour
- Tipping & other personal costs
