This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Banyuwangi.
If you’re taking the ferry between the Indonesian islands Bali and Java, Banyuwangi, Java, Indonesia is the port city that you will use on the Java side. It is the transportation hub for travels between Java and Bali and the gateway to the beautiful Ijen volcano, known for its "blue flames."
Ferries between Gilimanuk, Bali, and Banyuwangi, Java run continuously and it takes an hour to cross the sea that separates Indonesia’s most popular islands among tourists. The main reason for most visitors to stay overnight in Banyuwangi is the proximity to the Ijen Volcano. From Banyuwangi, you can rent a motorbike and self-drive up the mountain or hire a car with driver through your Banyuwangi, Java, Indonesia hostel. The Ijen volcano is best visited at night, just before sunset. Only at night you can see the infamous blue flames when you decent into the volcano’s crater. When you have seen the blue flames, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset from the top. The trail to the volcano is in a good condition, but steep and will take approximately one-and-a-half hours. A torch and decent footwear (no slippers, but sport shoes are fine) are a must.
Apart from a trip to Ijen, there is not much worth staying for in Banyuwangi. But if you are in town anyway, it is nice to walk around and do some sightseeing. You can find everything you need as a traveler and if you are looking for regular goods or clothes, it is easier to get a good deal than in Bali as a foreigner.
While there is surely no lack of hostels in Indonesia, Banyuwangi has been behind for a long time. There were previously some hotels with double rooms that were reasonably priced, but not many good options for solo travelers looking for a place to socialize. Fortunately, things have changed and there are now a bunch of hostels in Banyuwangi, Java, Indonesia. When looking for a Banyuwangi, Java, Indonesia hostel you may want to consider if you want to be in a central area in the city with a lot of facilities around, at the edge of the city with easier access to Ijen or close to the railway station for a better connection to your next or previous destination in Java.
Written by local enthusiast for Banyuwangi hostels
Martin Straatman
