25 Apr. 2014 — Meru Betiri Park lies southeast of Tengger Park and Mount Bromo. If you're seeking encounters with unique wildlife, an expedition to this region is essential. Several beaches within the park serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles, which return to shore to lay their eggs.

From Kalibaru, the road descending southward leads to Sukamade, our final destination. A 4×4 is necessary for much of the journey (5 hours), which winds through magnificent plantations of rubber, cacao, and coconut palms. It's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Javanese culture as you pass through charming traditional villages. Accommodation within the park is basic, yet this doesn't diminish our anticipation for an encounter with these remarkable creatures. In the depths of night, specialist guides lead us to Sukamade beach, where in small groups we approach several turtles preparing to nest. They explain the life cycle and reproductive process of these shelled reptiles. The turtles move unpredictably, however, making them challenging to locate. After laying, the eggs are carefully collected and placed in a sandy hollow, protected from potential predators. Upon hatching, the hatchlings are transferred to tanks filled with seawater before being released into the ocean at a later stage. Visiting guests are often invited to participate in this process. Remarkably, only 3% of hatchlings will survive.

Following this extraordinary experience, a spectacular trek toward "Green Cape"—a cove celebrated for its striking emerald waters—allows us to refresh ourselves in the ocean and conclude this adventure in style.

As told by Eric Maillard, Product Manager for Individual Travel – Azimuth Adventure Travel Ltd. — Charlène Nomadays, SEO writer and founding member of Nomadays, has evolved into content manager and head of communications, accompanying the adventure since its inception with unwavering passion. After spending seven years across Asia—from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea—she has made travel her way of engaging with the world. A lover of language, nature, and human connection, she strives to convey in her writing a thoughtful, committed, and responsible vision of tourism. For her, each article serves as a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.