Java’s Little Africa

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Java: Banyuwangi - Baluran National Park - Banyuwangi
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 515.- per person (excluding flights)

Rolling savannah may not be what springs to mind when you think about Java, but that’s exactly what Baluran National Park has in store. Tucked away in eastern Java, it’s packed with surprises. During this trip, you’ll spend two nights near the park and set off on a dawn safari to see wild Javanese oxen in the grassland with Baluran Mountain as a back-drop.

Day 1 – Arrival in Banyuwangi

You’ll arrive at your accommodation in Banyuwangi in the late afternoon, so simply take it easy and get ready for an early start tomorrow. There’s a good restaurant at the resort with plenty of authentic Indonesian dishes on the menu, so grab a tasty bite and head to bed. As you walk back to your cosy cottage room through the tropical gardens, you’ll hear the cicadas chirping their evening song.

Days 2-3 – Baluran National Park & departure

Today you’ll take a trip to mini Africa. You’ll be collected by your guide around 4.30am to get you to the park in time for sunrise over the savannah. It’s the perfect time for some photography. From the watch tower you’ll have a 360 degree view of the savannah as well as Baluran Mountain in the background.

During the safari, you might spot Javanese wild oxen, wild boars or sambar deer. Afterwards, you’ll take a 3km walk to the coastline where you’ll wander through mangroves bursting with lush tropical vegetation. You’ll stop for lunch on a small stretch of beach and visit an area where Javan leopards have been spotted before heading back to your hotel.

After breakfast the next day you’ll leave Baluran National Park behind and move on to your next destination.