HALO JEMBER - Meru Betiri National Park (TNMB) is one of the conservation areas in Java. Located between Jember and Banyuwangi, TNMB is home to many unique natural features that are hard to find in other places.
One of its most special attractions is the Rafflesia Zollingeriana flower.
This rare flower attracts the attention of researchers, nature lovers, and both local and international visitors. Since the Rafflesia only blooms during specific times of the year, visiting the park during this period is an unforgettable experience.
Meru Betiri National Park (TNMB) is one of the last lowland forests left in Java. It covers a large area of more than 50,000 hectares, which includes rainforests, beaches, rivers, and places where wild animals are protected.
The park is not only home to rare plants like the Rafflesia flower, but also a safe place for many protected animals. With so many types of natural environments in one place, the park offers a mix of outdoor adventure, environmental learning, and opportunities to take part in nature conservation.
This makes it a great destination for people who want to truly enjoy nature while also supporting efforts to keep the environment.
The main attraction of Meru Betiri National Park is the rare Rafflesia Zollingeriana flower. This flower is very special because it doesn’t have leaves, stems, or roots. It grows by attaching itself to certain vines in the forest.
The Rafflesia is large, can grow up to 40 cm wide, and has a strong smell to attract insects. It only blooms for a few days in a year, so seeing it is an exciting moment. The best time to see the Rafflesia is during the rainy season, from November to March.
To find the flower, visitors need to walk into the forest with a guide, because the place where it grows can change every year. Many tourists, nature lovers, and photographers come to the park just to see this amazing flower.
The facilities at Meru Betiri National Park are quite sufficient. In the Sukamade and Bandealit areas, there are guesthouses, shelters, or camping areas.
There are also information centres, a conservation lab, and a hatchery where sea turtle eggs are protected and hatched. In some areas of the park, trekking paths have been built for visitors who want to explore the forest.
If visitors want to visit Meru Betiri National Park, there are two directions: through Banyuwangi in the east or Jember in the west. From Banyuwangi, visitors can follow the road from Pesanggaran to Sarongan, then continue to Rajegwesi and Sukamade.
This trip takes about five hours. From Jember, visitors can go through Tempurejo and then Andongrejo to get into the Bandealit Village. The trip from Jember to the park gate takes around 1 to 2 hours.
The entrance fee to Meru Betiri National Park is quite affordable. For local visitors, the ticket costs Rp 5,000 on weekdays and Rp 7,500 on weekends or public holidays.
Foreign visitors are charged Rp 150,000 on weekdays and Rp 225,000 on weekends.
Special rates are also available for groups. The park is generally open from morning until late afternoon.
“However, activities like releasing baby turtles (tukik) at night can still be done with the help of an official guide,” said Teguh, the head of Pokdarwis (a tourism-focused business unit managed by the village government) in Andongerjo Village.
Before visiting Meru Betiri National Park, proper preparation is important to ensure a comfortable trip. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially for walking through forest areas.
It’s also helpful to bring enough drinking water or snacks, as shops are not available in some parts of the park. During the rainy season, carrying a raincoat or umbrella is a good idea.
Since phone signals may be weak in certain areas, informing family or friends about the travel plan beforehand is advised. Most importantly, all visitors should follow the guide's instructions and park rules.
There are many activities to enjoy in Meru Betiri National Park. Visitors can see the rare Rafflesia flower or take nature photos, join sea turtle conservation programs, explore beaches like Sukamade, Bandealit, Teluk Hijau, and Batu Beach, or go trekking along the trail from Sukamade to Bandealit.
Cultural tourism is also a great option, as visitors can visit traditional villages around the park.
As a protected conservation area, Meru Betiri National Park has several important rules that all visitors must follow.
Visitors are required to be accompanied by an official guide when entering the forest, especially when visiting the Rafflesia flower. Touching the flower is not allowed because it is very sensitive.
Visitors are also not allowed to litter, take any plants or animals from the park, or smoke in forested areas. All activities within the park must follow the instructions of park staff. Visitors are expected to help keep the environment.
Author: Delia Enggar Sugiana
Editor : Dwi Siswanto