Jember: East Java’s Hidden Gem for Ecotourism and Cultural Exploration

Jember is a district and city in East Java, located 100 km from the Banyuwangi port. It remains an unconventional and relatively unexplored destination for foreign tourists.

Jember is best known for its pristine natural beauty, tropical forests, and high-quality Arabica coffee plantations. The region’s ideal highland climate contributes to the unique flavour and aroma of its coffee.

Travel via the Gilimanuk-Ketapang route.

You can travel from Denpasar to Jember by bus, with tickets available on platforms such as redBus and 12Go Asia. The cost of a ticket ranges from 180,000 to 192,000 IDR, depending on the bus operator and type of service chosen. The journey takes approximately 7 to 9 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. It’s recommended to book in advance for a smoother experience, especially if you're opting for a more comfortable bus service equipped with amenities like air conditioning and reclining seats.

Although Jember is a modest provincial city, its hotels provide excellent service and comfortable accommodations at affordable rates.

A modern, comfortable hotel located in the heart of the city, offering a range of room options including standard rooms, suites, and apartments. Each room is equipped with amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Business travellers can also access conference rooms and meeting facilities. Room rates now start at around 628,000 IDR per night.

Conveniently situated in the city's business and shopping district, this modern hotel provides comfortable accommodations with a range of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and family rooms. Each room comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar, perfect for relaxation or informal meetings. Business travellers will appreciate the conference rooms and event facilities. Additionally, guests can enjoy the fitness centre and spa services. Room rates start at around 500,000 IDR per night.

Nestled deep in tropical forests, Rimba Camp offers a secluded, eco-friendly experience in the heart of the jungle. The camp minimizes its environmental impact by using renewable energy and promoting biodiversity conservation. Visitors can enjoy jungle treks, wildlife observation, biking, and participate in tree-planting activities. Rimba Camp provides a truly immersive experience in both nature and local culture.

Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is 15,000 IDR per person if you're just visiting for the day. For camping, prices start at 85,000 IDR per adult and 55,000 IDR per child, which includes access to camping grounds, electricity, breakfast for one, and other facilities like toilets and a natural pool. There are also options for glamping or renting wooden houses if you're looking for more comfortable accommodations, with rates varying based on the type of lodging

This centre provides a unique and immersive experience where visitors can learn first-hand about the cultivation and processing of coffee and cocoa, two of the region’s most significant crops. The centre showcases the cultural importance of these plants, offering insights into their deep roots in local traditions. Visitors can observe every stage of the production process—from fruit harvesting to bean processing—and even participate in picking the fruit. Product tastings are available, allowing guests to sample the fresh coffee and cocoa, and a selection of these high-quality products can also be purchased onsite.

Entrance Fee: The Educational Tourist Centre for Coffee and Cocoa Research typically charges an entrance fee of 15,000 IDR per person.

Durian Village offers visitors an engaging experience into the cultivation of durian, the renowned tropical fruit famous for its strong aroma and distinctive taste. Here, you can explore the methods used to grow durian, participate in tastings of various durian varieties, and watch live demonstrations on how to properly open and prepare the fruit. It’s an immersive journey for those curious about this unique fruit and the local farming techniques behind its production.

Entrance Fee: The entrance is free, but there is a parking fee of 3,000 IDR for motorbikes and 5,000 IDR for cars. While the village itself is free to explore, there are additional costs for activities like camping or other special events. If you're visiting during durian season (typically January to July), you'll also find plenty of durians available for purchase directly from the farmers​.

Nestled near Jember, Sukorambi Botanical Garden offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush green hills and vibrant tropical plants. The garden is home to a diverse collection of both exotic and native plant species, playing a key role in biodiversity conservation and research. Visitors can explore scenic walking paths, relax on shaded benches, and enjoy ample opportunities for stunning photography, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity.

Entrance Fees: The entrance fee is 12,000 IDR per person from Monday to Thursday and 20,000 IDR per person on weekends and holidays.

Tucked away in vibrant tropical greenery, Klepuh Waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder, with its cascading waters creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a short hike through lush forests to reach this hidden gem, making it a perfect spot for photography and outdoor relaxation. Beyond its scenic beauty, the waterfall plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem by providing water resources and supporting the biodiversity of the surrounding forest.

Entrance Fee: While there is no specific entrance fee listed online for Klepuh Waterfall (Air Terjun Klepuh), entry fees for similar waterfalls in the Jember region are generally modest, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 IDR per person. Additionally, small parking fees may apply, typically 2,000 to 5,000 IDR for motorbikes or cars.

Standing at 82 meters, Tancak Waterfall is the tallest in Jember and a natural marvel located near Mount Argopuro. Surrounded by the cool, dense tropical forest, this impressive waterfall offers a refreshing retreat for nature lovers. Its picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an escape into nature.

Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is 5,000 IDR per person. Additionally, parking fees are 2,000 IDR for motorbikes and 5,000 IDR for cars.

Teluk Love, or Love Bay, is a beautiful and secluded beach on the south-eastern coast of Java. The bay is surrounded by scenic hills and tropical greenery, with clear waters and soft sandy shores. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation, swimming, and watching the sunset. The area around Teluk Love also boasts natural attractions like waterfalls and mountain ranges, adding to its appeal. Visitors will find nearby restaurants, cafes, and hotels, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

- Teluk Love Surf Spot

- Klakah Surf Point

Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is currently around 10,000 - 20,000 IDR per person, depending on the season and local regulations.

A lively water and amusement park perfect for family outings. The park boasts a variety of pools and water slides, including spiral slides, tipping buckets, and lazy rivers. For younger visitors, there’s an indoor pool with a fun flamingo theme, designed specifically for pre-schoolers. In addition to water activities, visitors can enjoy pedal boats and other attractions, making it an exciting destination for all ages.

Entrance Fee: For access to most areas of the park, tickets range between 10,000 and 15,000 IDR. This covers the variety of water attractions, including pools with spiral slides, tipping buckets, lazy rivers, and an indoor flamingo-themed pool for younger visitors.

Famous for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, this national park is home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, as well as protected leatherback turtles. Set among hills and beaches, the park is a haven for nature lovers, with around 336 species of fauna and several protected endemic plant species.

Entrance Fees: The admission fee for international tourists is 150,000 IDR on weekdays and 225,000 IDR on weekends.

Overall, Jember is a unique region rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, and economic potential. It attracts tourists with its natural beauty and cultural landmarks, offering visitors a chance to explore and relax.