Sukamade Beach: A Hidden Sanctuary for Sea Turtles in Meru Betiri National Park

Sukamade Beach is far from an ordinary coastal retreat where visitors lounge under the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, or snorkel through coral reefs. Instead, this remote shoreline plays host to a very special kind of guest—the majestic sea turtles. Nestled deep within Meru Betiri National Park, Sukamade Beach is a renowned nesting site where these ancient creatures come ashore under the cover of darkness to lay their eggs, continuing a cycle that has persisted for millions of years.

A Turtle Conservation Haven

Sukamade Beach serves as the heart of the turtle conservation program within Meru Betiri National Park. Initially discovered by Dutch colonialists in 1927, this site has functioned as a protected turtle sanctuary ever since.

While the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the most frequent visitor, Sukamade also welcomes three other species of sea turtles:

• Olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
• Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
• Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Although neighboring beaches, such as Rajegwesi and Ngagelan, also serve as nesting grounds, Sukamade remains the most significant. Despite decades of conservation efforts, challenges persist. In the past, up to 80 turtles would arrive on Sukamade Beach nightly, but in recent years, their numbers have dwindled to just a handful. Some nights, none appear at all. One of the suspected culprits is the bright lights from fishing boats, which may deter these nocturnal visitors from approaching the shore.

Witnessing the Miracle of Life: Turtle Nesting

One of the most fascinating aspects of sea turtles is their ability to return to the very same beach where they were born to lay their own eggs. The mother turtles who crawl ashore today were once hatchlings themselves, making their first journey to the ocean from this very sand. After decades spent navigating the vast seas, they return to continue their lineage, demonstrating one of nature’s most remarkable survival instincts.

Since sea turtles are highly sensitive to their surroundings, visitors must follow strict guidelines when witnessing the nesting process. To maximize the chances of spotting a turtle, visitors should remain silent, avoid sudden movements, and keep all lights turned off. If fortunate, guests will see these incredible reptiles laboriously dig a nest, deposit their eggs, and gently cover them with sand before making their slow retreat back to the waves.

Photography is permitted, but only after at least 20 eggs have been laid. Additionally, guests should never stand directly in front of a turtle, as this can cause undue stress and disrupt the natural nesting process.

Releasing Baby Turtles at Sunrise

The magic of Sukamade Beach does not end with the nighttime turtle-watching experience. At daybreak, visitors have the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the release of baby turtles into the ocean. Guided by park rangers, guests carefully place the tiny hatchlings onto the sand, where they instinctively begin their treacherous journey toward the sea, using the glimmering light on the horizon as their guide.

Despite the heartwarming sight, there is a bittersweet reality—only a small fraction of these young turtles will survive to adulthood. Predators lurk in the waters, and nature’s brutal survival rate ensures that very few will return to Sukamade Beach two decades later to lay eggs of their own. Nonetheless, participating in a turtle release is an emotional and unforgettable experience, knowing that even a small human effort can make a significant difference in preserving this endangered species.

A Journey Through the Untamed Wilderness

Reaching Sukamade Beach is an adventure in itself. The journey involves navigating rugged terrain through the dense jungles of Meru Betiri National Park, making it a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. At one point, vehicles must ford a river, which can swell up to 40 centimeters deep during the rainy season. The rough road and unpredictable conditions only add to the thrill of the expedition.

Along the way, nature lovers will encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including:

• Javan eagles and hornbills soaring overhead
• Monitor lizards basking in the sun
• Peacocks occasionally making a grand appearance
• Wild deer, monkeys, and boars scavenging near the trail

For the truly adventurous, a nighttime walk offers the chance to spot nocturnal creatures, including the stealthy Javan leopard, one of the last surviving big cats in the region. Since electricity shuts off after midnight, the unpolluted night sky provides a breathtaking view of the Milky Way, making Sukamade an ideal spot for stargazing.

Exploring Green Bay (Teluk Hijau): The Hidden Gem of Banyuwangi

No trip to Meru Betiri National Park would be complete without a detour to Green Bay (Teluk Hijau), a hidden paradise just 15 minutes away by boat from Rajegwesi Beach. Unlike Sukamade, which prioritizes conservation, Green Bay offers a traditional tropical beach experience with soft white sands, turquoise waters, and a scenic waterfall nearby, perfect for a refreshing rinse after a swim or sunbathing session.

Essential Facilities and Accommodations

Sukamade Beach is remote and undeveloped, so accommodations and facilities are limited. Here’s what to expect:

• Basic guesthouses available in Sukamade village
• Camping grounds for those who prefer an outdoor adventure
• A small canteen offering simple Indonesian dishes such as fried rice and noodles
• Bathrooms and toilets available
• A meeting hall, laboratory, and information center
• No mobile signal and electricity shuts down after midnight

Getting to Sukamade Beach

The journey to Sukamade requires careful planning due to its remote location.

By Private Vehicle (Recommended Route)

• From Banyuwangi, drive to Rajegwesi Village (90 minutes)
• From Rajegwesi, continue 18 km through the national park to Sukamade Beach (2-3 hours)
• Total travel time: 3-5 hours

Given the challenging terrain, renting a 4WD off-road vehicle is highly recommended. The suggested route is: Banyuwangi → Jajag → Pesanggaran → Sarongan → Rajegwesi → Sukamade

By Public Transportation

For those relying on public transit:

1. Take a Damri bus from Jajag Bus Station to Sarongan Village
2. Hire a motorcycle taxi (ojek) to Rajegwesi Village
3. From Rajegwesi, rent a park ranger’s vehicle to reach Sukamade Beach

Though this method is cheaper, it can take significantly longer and requires careful coordination with local transport options.

Conclusion: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Wildlife Encounter

Sukamade Beach offers a rare and humbling experience, where visitors can witness the timeless cycle of life unfold on the sands of this untouched paradise. From watching mother turtles nest, to releasing baby hatchlings, and trekking through the wild rainforests of Meru Betiri, this destination is unparalleled in its natural beauty and ecological significance. For those who seek an authentic and meaningful adventure, Sukamade Beach is a must-visit location in East Java.