Giant trees
Over a century old.
Jeremyyohanes2 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jeremyyohanes2 — CC BY-SA 4.0
A small, enchanting forest of giant old trembesi (rain) trees more than a century old, whose huge branches spread horizontally and interlace overhead, cloaked in ferns, moss and hanging plants, so the place feels straight out of a fantasy film. In the Dutch era the area was a timber yard belonging to the railway, hence the name djawatan, meaning the service. Today visitors wander among the trees on foot or by small horse cart, with light filtering through the branches in soft morning beams. The fee is a token one, with horse carts extra. It is small; an hour is enough. Come early in the morning for the light and mist among the trees, and combine it with Red Island beach on a tour of the south.
Over a century old.
A fantasy world.
Among the trees.
Benculuk, Tegalsari, south Banyuwangi
As a stop on the way south to Red Island, yes: small but unique. As a trip on its own it may feel short.