Published on Nov, 2024

We did a 3D 2 N Ijen Crater hike + Sukamade Beach + Djawatan Forest with Osing Vacation. The trip was easily arranged by whatsapping Mr Benny, Osing Vacation's owner. He advised us on where to stay at Banyuwangi and picked us puncutually for the hike up Ijen. After Ijen, we went to Sukamade Beach for an experience with the sea turtles. The journey was long but very enjoyable. Our driver , Mr Azis, was very experienced and drove with care. MId way we changed the vehicle to a 4WD jeep to get into Sukamade as there were several river crossings. The jeep driver, Mr Andre was also a skilful driver and we had fun sitting on the roof of the jeep when we passed through the forest. During the journey through the National Forest, we spotted 2 species of large hornbills and many silvered leaf monkeys. There were also interesting small villages & fruit farms within the national forest. The lodge at Sukamade beach was simple but clean. Meals were included - delicious local dishes & fruits. We spotted 7 large Green turtles that night , sat on the beach for about 2 hours to watch the brilliant night skies and released 15 two-day old baby turtles into the sea. We also saw new hatchlings at the turtle incubation centre. The Park Ranger was very passionate with what he was doing and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience at Sukamade beach. On the way back to Banyuwangi, we had a 45-min break at De Djawatan forest. The majestic trees at De Djawatan are about 200 years and they were beautiful. Our 3D 2N trip was well organised and reasonably priced even though the whole vehicle was just the 2 of us. We had such a great time with the help and support of Osing Vacation as Mr Benny and his team are all locals from Banyuwangi and they know the region so well to organise such an enjoyable and memorable trip for their guests.

Published on Jun, 2023

We had a fantastic adventure visiting Sukamade. The bumpy ride in the Jeep was an adventure in itsself, including river crossings. The accomodations in the park are very simple and will put many European guests far outside their comfort zone, but seeing the turtles at night was something we and our kids will never forget. Everyone in the park is super nice. The rangers speak good English and has a lot of information about the turtles. Our guide Toulouse was a treasure. He is really nice and easy going, speaks very good English and gave us a lot of insights into the country and its customs and day to day life. He also went out of his way to accomodate our every need, which was hard at times, given that our daughter is a vegetarian and non-spicy vegetarian dishes are not the pillar of indonesian cuisine. The drivers hired by the company were also super friendly, we always felt in good hands. Our Jeep Driver Rudi cooked riverside coffee for us, which was very special for us.

Published on Oct, 2022

We went both to Sukamade turtle beach overnight and to Kawah ijen with our fantastic guide Cung. Would recommend highly both tours and definitely doing them with Osing vacation. Cung was a great guide, kind, caring, considerate and knowledgable, enjoyed spending time with him and a little sad to say goodbye. At turtle beach we saw a female Green turtle laying eggs before covering her nest and making her way back into the sea, then the next morning got to release newly hatched turtles into the sea, not just watching but actually given around 20 turtles each to release. Something else to see the animal instinct of a one day old hatchling make their way into the crashing surf. Next day to ijen for a dawn descent into the crater. No words to describe the range of sights, sounds, smells and emotions involves, just do it, and do it with a guide, both for the safety, but also for the wealth of information that you cannot read…

Published on Aug, 2019

They came to the hotel on time and during the trip they were really kind and nice while explaining funny things about the culture and the traditions of local people in the country. During all the journey we could decide where to stop, when to eat... and the jeep part was amazing while driving in the jungle!! It was really amazing. Once in Sukamade we were lucky to see a big turtle, how she layed the eggs and emjoy the explanations of the rangers of the sanctuary! Thanks for all!!!!

Published on Jul, 2019

I went on the tour with Beny and was blown away! The trip was adventurous, exiting but also made me feel very connected to nature and these beautiful creatures. The place was very comfortable to stay in and the guides at turtle bay were very informative. We saw several turtles and all the eggs they laid. The next morning we were even allowed to set the baby turtles free into the sea. What an experience! Doing the trip with Beny was absolutely perfect. He was very caring, kind and comfortable to be around of. I traveled around Indonesia for over a month and got to meet many lovely people but Beny really gave me such an insight to the culture in all its aspects! I really appreciated all the conversations we had and his efforts of going above and beyond my expectations. I really recommend this tour to anyone and talk about it very often.