Green Bay, which is locally referred to as Teluk Hijau, is a coastal site situated along the southern coastline of Banyuwangi Regency in East Java. It lies roughly 40 kilometers to the south of Banyuwangi town and falls within the outer protection zone of Alas Purwo National Park. The bay extends for about 300 meters in a curved formation and is composed of pale coral sand, with seawater that appears distinctly green due to the shallow depth, generally around one to three meters, and the reflective sandy seabed. Steep limestone cliffs of a light color surround the shoreline, while thick tropical forest rises behind them, giving the area a closed and rather dramatic natural setting.
Management of the beach is carried out by the Banyuwangi Regency Tourism Office together with provincial and national environmental authorities, who apply controls related to visitor access, waste disposal, and marine conservation. The area is mainly visited by photographers and travelers interested in natural scenery, especially those looking for a quieter option compared with more developed beaches in other parts of Java. Because access is mainly by boat from nearby points on the mainland, the beach functions more as a focused eco-tourism destination than as a casual seaside stop.
Fun Fact About Green Bay
A notable feature of Green Bay is its bright green water, earning it the local nickname “Emerald Bay” among boat operators. The color comes from the shallow water and the white sandy bottom reflecting sunlight, giving a natural “aquarium” effect where fish and corals can often be seen from above without going far into the water. The surrounding white limestone cliffs add a sharp contrast, making it one of the most photographed natural spots in East Java.
History of Green Bay
Green Bay and the surrounding southern Banyuwangi coast have been used by local Javanese and Madurese communities for fishing and small coconut farming for many generations. The bay provided a sheltered spot for boats during the monsoon season. During Dutch rule (1815–1942), the region was part of the larger Banyuwangi residency focused on agriculture and trade, but Green Bay itself was mostly left unrecorded. After Indonesia’s independence in 1945, the area remained rural until the 1990s, when better roads and boat services from Banyuwangi brought more domestic visitors. In the early 2000s, tourism started slowly mainly from the word-of-mouth among photographers and adventurers and locals began setting up basic facilities. By the 2010s, the beach gained wider attention through social media leading the Banyuwangi Regency to regulate boat access and introduce environmental fees. These steps, in cooperation with Alas Purwo National Park help protect the cliffs and reefs while supporting local communities through sustainable tourism.
Things to Do at Green Bay
Green Bay provides a range of gentle, nature-focused activities suitable for its quiet and protected environment:
Swimming in the shallow, calm emerald waters, which is safe for children and adults because of the gentle slope and reef protection.
Snorkeling can be done near the small reefs and rocky points, where people often see bright corals and reef fishes; rental gear is usually available from local boats.
Visitors can rest or sunbathe on the quiet sand, with shade from cliffs and some scattered palm trees.
Photography is popular from the beach or nearby cliff spots, showing the green water and limestone cliffs behind.
Short boat rides inside the cove allow exploring little caves and rock formations.
People can have picnics on the sand, with basic snacks offered by small warungs near the entrance.
Nearby places like Pulau Merah (Red Island) or the savanna in Alas Purwo National Park can be visited, sometimes on the same boat trip.
Sunset can be watched from the beach or cliff paths, with views stretching over the Indian Ocean.
How to Reach There
Green Bay can be reached through several stages from Banyuwangi:
From Banyuwangi town: Take a van or taxi to the boat point near Pesanggrahan (about 30–45 minutes, costing around IDR 200,000–300,000), then continue by speedboat or long-tail boat to Green Bay (roughly 20–30 minutes; shared trips IDR 300,000–500,000 per person, private boat IDR 1,500,000–2,000,000).
From Surabaya: Fly to Banyuwangi Airport (about 1 hour), then follow the same ground and boat route.
From Bali: Take the ferry from Gilimanuk to Ketapang (around 1 hour, IDR 50,000–100,000), then a van to the boat launch (30 minutes, IDR 100,000–200,000), followed by boat to the bay.
Once at Green Bay, the beach is only a short walk from the boat landing; no vehicles are allowed on the beach.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is generally dry, temperatures range from 28–32 °C, and water visibility is good for snorkeling. The busiest period is usually June to August. From November to March, the wet season brings more rainfall, though mornings can still be clear, and visitor numbers are lower.
