Sukamade Turtle Beach of National Park
Sukamade Beach is a remote eco-tourism destination in Meru Betiri National Park, Banyuwangi, famous for sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases. Surrounded by rainforest and untouched coastline, it offers one of East Java’s most unique wildlife experiences.
Sukamade Beach is located deep within Meru Betiri National Park, in Pesanggaran District, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The beach sits on the southern coast of Java and is renowned as one of Indonesia’s most important sea turtle nesting sites.
Unlike typical beach destinations, Sukamade is surrounded by tropical rainforest and can only be reached via a challenging journey through plantations, rivers, and jungle tracks.
Why Visit Sukamade Beach?
Sukamade is famous for its turtle conservation program, where visitors can observe sea turtles coming ashore at night to lay eggs and watch baby turtles being released into the ocean. The beach is a nesting ground for several protected species, including green turtles, hawksbill turtles, olive ridley turtles, and leatherback turtles
Main Attractions
- Night turtle nesting observation
- Baby turtle (hatchling) release
- Meru Betiri rainforest exploration
- Wildlife and birdwatching
- Remote black-sand beach scenery
- Adventure journey through plantations and jungle roads
How to Get There
The most common route is from Banyuwangi. Sukamade is located approximately 97 km southwest of Banyuwangi, and the trip typically takes 5 to 6 hours by 4WD vehicle through rough terrain, rivers, and forest tracks.
Many travelers combine Sukamade with tours to:
- Ijen Crater
- Rajegwesi Beach
- Green Bay (Teluk Hijau)
- Meru Betiri National Park
Visitor Tips
- Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and trekking shoes.
- Bring insect repellent and a flashlight.
- Follow all conservation rules when observing turtles.
- Avoid using bright lights or flash photography near nesting turtles.
- Expect basic accommodation and limited mobile signal.
- Travel with an experienced guide or organized tour.