Alas Purwo

Alas Purwo National Park protects 43,420 hectares of coastal forests, savannas, mangroves, and pristine beaches at the southeastern tip of Java, Indonesia. Established in 1992, the park encompasses the Blambangan Peninsula with landscape ranging from dense tropical lowland forests to open grasslands. The name Alas Purwo means first forest in Javanese, reflecting local beliefs that this was the first land to emerge from the ocean. The park is renowned among surfers for the world-class waves at Plengkung Beach (also known as G-Land), considered one of the planet finest left-hand breaks. The park offers remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities, including one of Java most accessible populations of banteng (wild cattle).

The Alas Purwo region has been spiritually significant for Javanese and Balinese Hindu communities for centuries, with legends holding that this was the landing site of the Hindu saint Maharsi Markandeya before he traveled to Bali. The discovery of the exceptional surf breaks at Plengkung in the 1970s brought international attention from surfing communities. Conservation concerns about protecting this unique peninsula led to designation as Alas Purwo National Park on May 10, 1992, through Ministerial Decree No. 280/Kpts-II/1992. The park aimed to protect the full range of ecosystems while accommodating both the spiritual significance and the growing surf tourism.

Alas Purwo National Park is relatively remote but accessible with planning, located at the far southeastern tip of Java in Banyuwangi Regency, approximately 3 hours by road from Banyuwangi city. Surfers heading to G-Land typically arrange packages through surf camps. Wildlife viewers and general visitors typically access the park through the main entrance at Rowobendo. From here, roads access various areas including Pancur Beach and savanna viewing areas where banteng, deer, and peacocks can be observed. Simple accommodation is available at ranger stations and guesthouses near Rowobendo. The dry season provides the best visiting conditions.

Conservation at Alas Purwo National Park addresses protecting Java increasingly rare wildlife and ecosystems. The park banteng population is particularly significant as one of the last viable populations of these critically endangered wild cattle in Java, requiring habitat management that maintains the savanna ecosystems they prefer. Leopard conservation benefits from the park relatively intact forests and abundant prey populations. Sea turtle conservation focuses on protecting nesting beaches from disturbance and poaching. Illegal hunting remains a concern. Sustainable surf tourism management at Plengkung balances economic benefits with ensuring surf camps operate under appropriate environmental standards.