Jawata Benculuk as it is known in Bahasa is an epic collection of Cypress Trees just out of Genteng Town. The spot has become increasingly popular and now there are many treehouses and other interesting structures built in the area. The tree tunnels are one of the most unique things to visit in East Java.
JAWATA BENCULUK: CYPRESS TREE TUNNELS IN EAST JAVA
As we headed along the neighborhood towards Jawata Benculuk, we were a bit puzzled. We couldn’t see any trees and thought we must be lost. But as we followed the pin on Google Maps, we eventually arrived at the small forest, tucked behind the busy streets.
The entrance was just $1 with a similar fee for parking. It seemed like the kind of place that would be super busy on the weekend with couples and families as it is not very hard to get to at all. Therefore I suggest visiting on a weekday in the morning if you want to enjoy the Cypress trees in peace.
The cypress trees are phenomenal. Vines hang from all of the twisted branches. In a moody fog they look straight out of a horror film and when the sun shines through it looks like a magical forest. There is no bad weather to visit this forest.
We drove around on the moped, took some photos in the tunnel, and explores all of the trees. There are several tree houses and other platforms you can go into to take photos. They may charge a small fee but we felt satisfied enough exploring on ground level.
You can also take a horse carriage ride or rent a 4×4. Not sure either is necessary considering the park is tiny but maybe they are just good for photo props.
There is a small cafe serving drinks and snacks as well as toilet facilities.
WHERE IS JAWATA BENCULUK TREE TUNNEL
In Banyuwangi and just out of Genteng, Jawata Benculuk is quite hidden. We couldn’t believe there would be a forest as we were still just two minutes away. It was a regular neighborhood that didn’t appear to have any trees at all let alone a magical forest.
However, when we arrived, sure enough there it was and it was beautiful! We visited on our way to Banyuwangi Town where we would do Ijen Crater that night, it is a good stopover for an hour to stretch the legs.
I have included the exact pin location on the map below, which is accurate.
MORE EAST JAVA TRAVEL GUIDES
The Ultimate Guide: 15 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN EAST JAVA
Ijen Crater Trek: IJEN CRATER TREK AND THE BLUE FLAME
Mount Bromo without a guide: MOUNT BROMO WITHOUT A TOUR: SUNRISE VIEWPOINTS, HIKES, MAPS
Madakaripura Waterfall: MADAKARIPURA WATERFALL
Island hopping in East Java: TABUHAN ISLAND & MENJANGAN ISLAND BOAT TOUR
East Java Beaches: PAPUMA BEACH AND PAYANGAN BEACH
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: TUMPAK SEWU WATERFALL IN LUMAJANG
Angela Kho
Monday 24th of February 2020
Thank you very much for your great information. I am going to go to East Java and going to visit the places you did but I may skip the Bromo as I did it a long time ago.