Java's Africa
The Bekol savanna.
rochmad setyadi from Jakarta, DKI, Indonesia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Pepiperdiansyah — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pepiperdiansyah — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pepiperdiansyah — CC BY-SA 4.0
Nicknamed the Africa of Java, a national park in Java's north-eastern corner where the broad Bekol savanna spreads with golden grasses and scattered acacias, backed by the extinct Baluran volcano, a scene closer to East Africa's plains than to green Java. Herds of deer, wild banteng cattle and buffalo graze the savanna, with green peafowl and monkeys wandering about; the best times to see them are early morning and late afternoon. A few kilometres away is Bama beach, with mangrove forest, clear water for snorkelling and macaques living on the shore. The foreigners' fee is higher than locals', and a car is needed for the long distances inside the park. The savanna is golden in the dry season and green after the rains. Come early in the morning to see the animals, with water and a hat. Beware the Bama beach monkeys, which snatch food and belongings.
The Bekol savanna.
Deer and peafowl.
Mangroves and snorkelling.
Situbondo, north of Banyuwangi, about an hour from the city
Deer, peafowl and monkeys are almost certain; banteng are rarer. Early mornings in the dry season improve the odds.