In the north, tourists can visit destinations such as Grand Watu Dodol, Bangsring Beach, Tabuhan Island and the crossover to Manganan Island in Bali. Visitors can also explore coffee plantations in Tlemung, Gombeng and Kaliklatak.
Tourism to Indonesia’s Banyuwangi has not been heavily affected following the temporary closure of its top tourist attraction Ijen Crater since March 22 due to the presence of toxic gases.
The Banyuwangi Regency boasts 10 other top tourist attractions that can be visited throughout the day, MY Bramuda, Banyuwangi's Culture and Tourism Agency head told kompas.com, and that visits to Ijen Crater “only takes up a small amount of time”, he emphasised.
These include destinations in the southern parts of Banyuwangi such as Ijo Bay, Red Island, Sukamade, Alas Purwo National Park and Jawatan.
In the north, tourists can visit destinations such as Grand Watu Dodol, Bangsring Beach, Tabuhan Island and the crossover to Manganan Island in Bali. Visitors can also explore coffee plantations in Tlemung, Gombeng and Kaliklatak.
"We have communicated the issue with travel agents and asked them to recommend destinations other than Ijen," Bramuda said.
He added that officials are closely monitoring any developments related to the mountain, noting that the presence of toxic gas is part of an annual cycle.
On average, 1,000 tourists climb Mount Ijen every day, and the number increases to 2,000 during the weekend.
Tourism providers in neighbouring districts have noted that tourist visits have continued despite the crater’s closure.
Officials have also announced a lineup of eight events scheduled throughout April in a bid to attract more tourists to the region.
Sports related events include the Banyuwangi Underwater Festival from April 4 to 6, the Fishing Festival on April 7 and the Banyuwangi Ijen Green Run on April 8.
For the culinary-minded, the Banyuwangi Kuliner, held on April 12, will offer highlights such as ayam kesrut (a Banyuwangi-style chicken dish).
Other events include A Week in Songgon from April 21 to 29, which offers visitors a rural experience of Songgon; the Bekisar (wild madura cock) and Cat Contest on April 22; Literature Festival on April 28 and 29; and the Clean River and Market Festival on April 29.