Alas Purwo National Park is located on the Blambangan Peninsula in the Banyuwangi Regency, in the southeast corner of East Java province. The park is well known for its wild Banteng cattle and the popular surfing spot at Grajagan Bay.

The name "Alas Purwo" means "first forest" or "ancient forest," as described by a Javanese legend that states the land first appeared here after rising from the ocean.

Geography

The park is located in the Blambangan Peninsula, at the southeast corner of Java island, near the shore of the strait that separates Java from Bali.

The park covers an area of 434 square kilometers and includes mangroves, savanna, lowland monsoon forests, and beaches with coral reefs. A well-known surfing spot is found along the edge of the park at Plengkung, on Grajagan Bay. Mount Linggamanis, which is 322 meters high, is also located within this national park.

Flora and fauna

The national park protects several plant species, including Terminalia catappa, Calophyllum inophyllum, Sterculia foetida, Barringtonia asiatica, and Manilkara kauki.

The park is home to some of Java’s endangered species, such as the banteng (Bos javanicus). In April 2004, only 57 bantengs were found in the savanna of Sadengan. The population the year before was estimated to be between 80 and 100. By August 2010, scientists counted 73 bantengs in the 80-hectare savanna area, an increase over six years. However, the bantengs still face threats, such as poaching and habitat loss. Herds of bantengs often visit Sadengan in the morning and afternoon to feed on plants.

The main threat to bantengs is humans. During the dry season, poachers set traps outside the park to catch bantengs that leave the park to find water. The animals are slaughtered, and their meat is sold.

Other threatened species protected in Alas Purwo include the dhole, Javan langur, green peafowl, red junglefowl, olive ridley, hawksbill turtle, and green turtle.

Surfing

From March to November, many surfers from around the world visit Plengkung Beach in Grajagan Bay, also called G-Land. This beach is located about half a day’s travel from Bali.

Plengkung Beach is considered one of the best surfing spots in Asia. The waves there can reach up to 5 meters high and are only suitable for experienced surfers. The location is listed as part of the Quicksilver World Tour Circuit.