Have you ever imagined standing in the middle of a vast savannah with green hills towering around you? If not, then Wurung Crater in Bondowoso, East Java, must be included in your bucket list for your next trip!
Some time ago, I finally arrived to visit this place, and believe me, its beauty is more than just photos circulating on social media.
Journey to Wurung Crater
I started my journey from Bondowoso with a route that also went to Ijen Crater. The road is quite smooth, but at some points it is uphill and winding, typical of mountainous areas. For those of you who get easily drunk on land, make sure to be ready with supplies so that the trip remains comfortable. From Bondowoso to Sempol Village takes about two to three hours, but don't worry, the scenery along the way is really refreshing for the eyes.
Alternatively, if you come from Banyuwangi, you can go directly to the Ijen Crater climbing post, then continue your journey towards Bondowoso. The total trip is about 40 km, but for those who want a shorter trip, from Ijen Crater it only takes about 30 minutes.
Greeting the Beauty of the Wurung Crater Savanna
As soon as I arrived at Wurung Crater, I was immediately fascinated. This place is like a miniature paradise hidden in Bondowoso! The green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, with wavy contours reminiscent of the hills in the movie Teletubbies. No wonder this place is also often called "Teletubbies Crater".
Interestingly, Wurung Crater is actually not an active crater like Ijen Crater. It is a dead crater that has now been transformed into a lush savannah. Even so, the remains of the caldera shape remain visible, creating a unique and Instagrammable landscape.
Best Time to Visit Wurung Crater
This place is actually open 24 hours, but if you want to enjoy the beauty to the fullest, come in the morning or evening. In the morning, the air is still fresh, and the thin fog that covers the savannah gives a magical impression. While in the afternoon, you can enjoy the golden hour with sunlight that warms the green hills. I myself came in the early afternoon, and the sunset moment here really made me speechless!
One thing to keep in mind, if you come at night, you should bring your own flashlight or lighting equipment because this area has minimal lights. Don't forget to bring a jacket as the wind is quite bone-chilling.
Entrance Tickets and Available Facilities
To enter Wurung Crater, you only need to pay IDR 5,000 per person. It's really cheap, right? At that price, you can already enjoy the expanse of extraordinary natural beauty.
Regarding facilities, although this place is still in the development stage, some basic facilities are already available, such as:
- Parking Area: Quite large, both for motorbikes and cars. So for those of you who come in a group, you don't need to worry about parking.
- Stairs to the Top: Climbing to the top of the hill in Wurung Crater is not too difficult, especially since stairs are provided. Until the top, don't forget to take a picture with the large inscription "Wurung Crater" which is the main landmark here!
- Toilets: There are several simple toilets that visitors can use. Although it is not luxurious, it is enough for urgent needs.
- Food Stalls: If your stomach starts to rumble after being satisfied with exploring, you can stop by food stalls around the tourist area. The menu is simple but quite filling, ranging from instant noodles, pecel rice, to hot coffee.
Attraction of Wurung Crater
Wurung Crater is a favorite destination for many tourists. Not only because of its easy access to the area, affordable tickets, and good facilities, Wurung Crater has an attraction that makes it a favorite choice for people to visit. To find out why Wurung Crater is a favorite natural destination for nature lovers, to couples who want to do a pre-wedding, here are the attractions of Wurung Crater:
1. Craters that have no water
The uniqueness of Wurung Crater can be seen from its name. The word "Wurung" in Javanese means "failed" or "did not become." This name shows Wurung Crater as a crater that is different from most other craters. Unlike craters in general, which often contain water or volcanic material, Wurung Crater has no water.
The beauty that you will find in Wurung Crater is a wide earthen basin that resembles a hill with a circular ring shape. Therefore, Wurung Crater is also often referred to as "Ring Hill".
The basin is surrounded by rows of green trees that form a natural circle at the edge of the crater. This circular shape creates a stunning scene, as if nature has formed a green bracelet surrounding the crater.
2. Teletubbies Crater
If you were born in the 90s, you must be familiar with Teletubbies. A children's television series that presents four main characters, namely, Tinky Winky (purple), Dipsy (dark green), Laa-Laa (yellow), and Po (red). The four of them are called Teletubbies.
They live in a place called Teletubbyland which is dotted with green hills, colorful flowers, and an iconic crater where they play and go on adventures.
On the other hand, Wurung Crater has similarities to the crater in Teletubbies in terms of its unique shape and environment. Wurung Crater is also surrounded by green ring hills and natural circular trees on its banks. No wonder Wurung Crater is referred to as a natural tourism similar to a fairy tale world.
3. Unique scenery
One of the main attractions of Wurung Crater is its scenery that can change according to the seasons. This happens because the fertility of the Wurung Crater area depends on rainfall in the area. In the rainy season, the area around Wurung Crater will be transformed into lush green fields. The grass and other plants grow densely thus creating a stunning green scenery.
On the other hand, the view of Wurung Crater in the dry season will change drastically. The plants began to wither so that the crater was dominated by brownish and yellowish shades. This crater turns into a vast savannah-like crater. The changes that have occurred throughout the year add to the attraction of Wurung Crater.
4. Cycling Spot
Not only offering stunning views, climbing, or descending cliffs, Wurung Crater also provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy its beauty by leisurely cycling. Cycling at the bottom of the crater that is open and surrounded by a vast expanse will make you feel free and free.
This activity provides a different perspective than just walking or hiking. By cycling, you can explore a wider area in a relatively short time while enjoying the breeze and stunning natural scenery.
The existing path is relatively flat and easy to pass, making it suitable for all levels of riders, both beginners and experienced riders. You can easily find the best spots to stop for a moment, take a photo, or just enjoy the atmosphere.
Tips for Those of You Who Want to Go to Wurung Crater
For those who are interested in playing here, there are some tips that can make your trip more exciting:
- Coming in the dry season – If it is rainy, the road can be muddy and a bit slippery.
- Bring drinking water and snacks – Because this tourist area is quite large and the facilities are still limited.
- Use comfortable shoes – Make it easy to walk and climb hills.
- Don't forget the camera or cellphone with a full battery – Because the scenery is too bad if you don't capture it!
- Keep it clean – Remember, it's nature! Don't leave garbage behind!
Conclusion: It's Really Worth It!
Honestly, this trip to Wurung Crater was one of the most memorable experiences for me. This place offers tranquility and beauty that is hard to find in a big city. With cheap entrance tickets, easy access, and incredible views, Wurung Crater is really worth a visit. So, when do you want to come here?
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