HALO JEMBER - SJ88 Peak is a stunning natural destination that feels like being above the clouds. Its peak, located at 880 meters above sea level, offers a beautiful view of Jember city and the surrounding green hills.
This hill is a peaceful alternative for nature tourism, far from the noise of the city. This place is perfect for those who love fresh mountain air.
“SJ88 Peak is also a place where visitors can connect with the local community and culture,” said Imron, the head of Pokdarwis (a tourism-focused business unit managed by the village government) in Sucopangepok Village.
Managed with the help of local residents, this destination reflects the spirit of gotong royong, or mutual cooperation, which is common in rural Indonesia. From guiding visitors to providing parking near their homes, locals play an active role in maintaining the area and making visitors feel welcome.
This close relationship between nature and the community gives SJ88 Peak a place that makes the experience feel more meaningful.
The main attraction of SJ88 Peak is the large rock at the top, which stands tall and offers a fantastic photo spot. From this height, visitors can see clouds and green forests from above, which are very Instagrammable.
There's also a tree house where visitors can relax while enjoying the view. This spot has become a favourite for those who want to capture beautiful moments.
The facilities at SJ88 Peak are standard, but enough for a nature trip.
There is a parking area, a safe walking path with stairs, and a tree house. Currently, there are no food or drink stalls at the top of SJ88 like there used to be.
Therefore, visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks from home or buy what they need before arriving at the hiking area, so they can stay comfortable while spending time at the peak.
SJ88 Peak is located in Sucopangepok Village, Jelbuk District, Jember. The name SJ88 itself comes from the acronym S (Sucopangepok), J (Jelbuk), and the number 88, which indicates an altitude of 880 meters above sea level.
Access is relatively easy, located just about 10 km from the centre of Jember City, and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by vehicle.
As visitors approach the destination, they will encounter increasingly steep roads that require extra caution.
Therefore, it is important to use vehicles that are suitable for mountainous terrain. It's recommended to use vehicles with strong power and good brakes, as the road can be quite challenging, especially during the rainy season.
The entrance fee to SJ88 is very affordable, at only Rp 5,000 per person on both weekdays or weekends.
Currently, there is no designated parking area available. However, vehicles can be parked at residents’ homes or the village head’s house. Although it is a small effort, it shows how the resident works together to support tourism and help keep visitors’ vehicles safe.
The best time to visit Bukit SJ88 is before sunrise or sunset to see the clouds covering the valley below.
It is recommended to bring a warm jacket, drinking water, snacks, and a flashlight if planning to trek in low-light conditions.
Although the trekking route is short, it's still important to ensure the body is in good physical condition.
Activities that can be done at SJ88 include trekking, watching the sunrise or sunset, taking photos at the peak, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
However, camping at the peak of SJ88 is currently not recommended. The management has stated that supervision at the peak is very limited at this time.
Visitors are expected to follow the rules and guidelines, such as keeping the area clean, not damaging nature or facilities, and being careful, especially around the rocky peak or stairs.
Also, there's an ancestral grave site not far from the peak of SJ88. Because of this, the local residents kindly remind visitors to behave respectfully while at the peak.
This shows respect for local spiritual traditions and appreciation for the local culture. For safety, don’t take too many photos near the edge of the cliff, especially if there’s nothing to hold on to.
Author: Delia Enggar Sugiana
Editor : Dwi Siswanto