De Djawatan Forest in Banyuwangi is an easy cultural and nature extension for travellers visiting Ijen Crater. The attraction is known for its enormous trembesi trees, cool shade and interlocking branches that make the forest feel much older and wilder than its compact six-hectare setting.
What is De Djawatan Forest?
De Djawatan is a managed forest attraction in Benculuk Village, Cluring District, Banyuwangi Regency. Long before it became a popular visitor stop, the area was associated with the storage of teak timber. Today it is managed as a tourism forest, with short walking areas beneath a canopy of mature trees.
The name is often written as De Djawatan. Its old spelling adds to the heritage character, while the landscape is sometimes compared with a fantasy-film forest because moss, ferns and other epiphytes grow along the thick branches.
What kind of trees grow at De Djawatan?
The signature trees are trembesi, commonly called rain trees and known scientifically as Samanea saman. A mature rain tree develops a very wide, umbrella-shaped crown. At De Djawatan, neighbouring crowns meet above the paths and create the shaded tunnels seen in photographs.
Banyuwangi Regency has reported approximately 805 mature trembesi trees in the area. Many are estimated to be 100–150 years old, with some trunks reaching about 1.5–2 metres in diameter. These figures explain why the forest has such a distinctive scale even though the visitor area is relatively small.
Why is De Djawatan worth visiting?
De Djawatan offers a quiet visual contrast after Ijen. The Ijen experience is volcanic, exposed and physically demanding; De Djawatan is green, shaded and easy to explore at a slower pace. This makes it a useful addition for couples, families, photographers and mixed-ability groups.
Things to do at De Djawatan
- Walk beneath the rain-tree canopy. Follow the short paths and observe the different shapes of the trunks, roots and hanging plants.
- Take portraits and landscape photographs. The natural arches work especially well for couples, families and small groups.
- Slow down after an early Ijen trek. The visit does not require another steep climb.
- Combine it with South Banyuwangi. The forest can form part of a route towards Red Island, Jajag, Sukamade or another southern destination.
How much time do you need?
Allow around one to two hours inside the forest, plus transfer time. Visitors interested in photography may want longer. Morning and late afternoon usually provide softer light, while weekends and Indonesian public holidays can be busy.
How to combine De Djawatan with Ijen
A practical two-day plan places De Djawatan on the arrival day, followed by an overnight stay near Ijen. The Ijen trek then starts early the next morning. It can also be visited after Ijen if the group has rested and the onward route passes through southern Banyuwangi.
Suggested 2-day private route
Day 1: Pickup in Banyuwangi, visit De Djawatan and transfer to an Ijen-area hotel.
Day 2: Ijen Blue Fire or sunrise trek, breakfast and onward transfer to Banyuwangi, Ketapang, Bali or the next East Java destination.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable shoes; paths can be damp after rain.
- Bring drinking water and sun or rain protection.
- Do not climb trees or damage moss and epiphytes.
- Reconfirm opening hours, entrance arrangements and local conditions before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Is De Djawatan a natural rainforest?
It is better understood as a managed heritage forest dominated by mature rain trees, rather than a remote primary rainforest.
Is the visit physically difficult?
No steep trek is normally required. It is one of the gentler additions to an Ijen itinerary, although surfaces may be uneven or slippery after rain.
Can De Djawatan and Ijen be visited on the same day?
It is possible in some itineraries, but an overnight schedule is usually more comfortable because an Ijen Blue Fire or sunrise trek starts very early.
Destination facts were checked against information published by the Banyuwangi Regency Government. Visitor access, fees and facilities can change.
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