The Marengan Beach

One more time, I want to write about my beach, Marengan Beach. The beach located at south Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, Indonesia and directly facing to the Indian Ocean. The beach stretches at two districts, Puwoharjo and Tegaldlimo, and stringing almost 3 villages, Grajagan, Sumberasri and Purwoagung. Marengan Beach was part of  Alas Purwo National Park. Both of Marengan Beach or Marengan Peninsula were not a popular name in tourism. Name of Marengan usually used by a local residents to called the peninsula and the beach. But, tourist from another region more familiar with Bedul. Because to reach to marengan we must pass Bedul Mangrove and Bedul Lagoon and no mention about Marengan Peninsula or Marengan Beach when we pass the Bedul gate.

First look when we reach The Marengan Beach

To reach Marengan Beach, we must pass Bedul Lagoon by gondang-gandung (a traditional boat that make from two canoes held together with wooden boards and additional machine), and must pay a ticket 5000 rupiahs for adult and 2500 rupiahs for children. We can see the beautiful of bedul mangrove and lagoon while ride gondang-gandung. And after cross the lagoon, we must walk trough a forest of marengan peninsula about 1,5 kilometers. We can enjoy the forest but I ever wrote about Marengan Peninsula's Monkey (read here) must careful about that.

The Waves of Indian Ocean

Perhaps, little bit tried cross through the peninsula forest, but tired soon evaporated after we heard waves sound of south coast. moreover, after we can see the blue color of indian ocean with white foaming waves rolling tide. Marengan Beach has extensive coastline with grey sand. Blue water and waves might provoke us to immediately plunge swim. But, Caution, do not try to swim at the beach, because the current of waves are to strong and random, so unfriendly for swimmer. Many case people swept, lost and found several days later in a state of lifeless. Better ways to enjoy the beach is walk along the beach, observe shell catcher activities or enjoy the sun. Fell a little bit of water on our feet is still safe as long as not cross the safety line.

Traditional Shell Catchers

The scenery of Marengan Beach was actually beautiful, but tourist who visited the beach were not much yet. Perhaps, the minimal amenities such as umbrella, gazebo, etc are the reason. But I thought it was good, because without that's all, the beach still natural and show the truly identity of Alas Purwo National Park as a conservation center. The area that must preserve the natural ecosystems and not to be exploited by commercialization.