HALO JEMBER - Bandealit Beach is a natural tourist destination in Meru Betiri National Park, Jember, East Java. The beach is still very natural and not crowded with tourists. Bandealit Beach is surrounded by green tropical forests and has a peaceful atmosphere.
The sea view is also very beautiful. This beach is a great place for people who love adventure. For those looking for a natural travel experience, Bandealit Beach is the perfect place to visit.
Bandealit Beach is not just a place to enjoy the sea, but also a part of the protected Meru Betiri National Park. This makes the beach an interesting destination for ecotourism and learning about nature.
The area around the beach is also important for conservation, including the protection of mangrove forests and sea turtles. Visiting Bandealit Beach offers people the opportunity to experience not only its beauty but also its role in environmental protection.
The main attraction of Bandealit Beach is its natural beauty. The beach is surrounded by tall green trees and hills that are part of Meru Betiri National Park. The sand is golden brown with very clear sea water, making it nice to look at and relaxing to enjoy.
One special thing about this beach is the lagoon and the mangrove forest nearby. Visitors also have the opportunity to see wild animals, including sea turtles that sometimes come to lay their eggs on the beach.
Although Bandealit Beach is in a hard-to-reach area, it still has some basic facilities that are good enough for visitors who enjoy nature. There is a wide area where people can camp and set up tents, which is great for those who want to stay overnight.
The beach also has public toilets along with small resting places like shelters or gazebos where visitors can sit and relax.
In addition, there is a simple guest house managed by the Meru Betiri National Park office, which can be used by people who don’t want to sleep in a tent.
A parking area is also available near the beach, although it’s not very big, so space may be limited during busy days. As for food, visitors don’t need to worry too much because there are some food options and local snacks that can be found around the area. These facilities make it easier for visitors to enjoy their trip, even though the beach is far from the city.
The road to Bandealit Beach is not easy, but that’s part of the adventure. Since the beach is located at the far end of Meru Betiri National Park, visitors must pass through forest areas within the park. From the city of Jember to Andongrejo Village, which is located in the southern part of Jember, the distance is about 60 kilometres and takes around 2 hours by vehicle.
From Andongrejo to Bandealit Beach, it’s about 14 kilometres, but the road is rough, so it can also take up to 2 hours to reach the beach.
“Because Bandealit Beach doesn’t appear yet on Google Maps, visitors are advised to search for Andongrejo Village or the entrance gate of Meru Betiri National Park instead. From there, they can follow the available road to the beach. They can also ask local people for help if you are unsure of the way,” explained Teguh, the head of Pokdarwis (a tourism-focused business unit managed by the village government) in Andongrejo Village.
The road to the beach is quite difficult, so it's highly recommended to use a vehicle that is suitable for that road. Currently, there's no public transport available, so visitors need to plan their trip carefully to get there.
To enjoy the beauty of Bandealit Beach, visitors need to pay an entrance fee to enter the Meru Betiri National Park area. The entrance fee to Bandealit Beach is only Rp 5,000 per person, which is very affordable for all kinds of travellers.
The beach is open 24 hours a day with security guards to help keep the area safe. Even though it’s open all day, the best time to visit is between 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
This is because of safety reasons and limited lighting at night. Exploring the beach along with the surrounding nature is easier and safer during daylight hours.
When visiting Bandealit Beach, it’s important to prepare well. Use a strong vehicle, as the road from Andongrejo Village to the beach is rough. Bring enough food and drinks, as shops are not always available nearby.
Don’t forget to carry cash, because there are no ATMs or digital payment options in the area. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor activities. It’s best to visit during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is clear and the roads are safer.
There are many fun activities to do at Bandealit Beach. Visitors can camp by the beach, enjoy the sound of the waves, and feel the fresh air. For bird enthusiasts, this beach is a great spot for bird watching, as it's home to many different bird species.
Besides that, exploring the mangrove forest by boat or canoe is also an interesting activity. For those who love photography, the exotic natural scenery here is perfect for capturing in photos.
During certain seasons, visitors can also rent a canoe to explore the small river that flows near the beach.
Since Bandealit Beach is located within a national park area, there are several rules that visitors must follow. Visitors are not allowed to throw trash, harm plants, or take animals from the area.
Making a campfire is also not allowed unless visitors get special permission. Activities such as using drones, taking photos, or videos for commercial purposes also require official permission from the national park management. All of these rules are made to help protect the environment and keep the ecosystem.
Author: Delia Enggar Sugiana
Editor : Dwi Siswanto