Batik is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws when visiting Banyuwangi, but the region's cultural richness extends far beyond it. From handicrafts to performing arts, there are plenty of other creative activities you can try hands-on — not just watch from a distance, but actually take part in.
Here are five creative activities in Banyuwangi worth adding to your list besides batik, along with what to expect from each experience.
1. Learn Gandrung Dance at Osing Kemiren Tourism Village
Gandrung dance is one of Banyuwangi's most recognized cultural icons, and the Osing Adat Tourism Village of Kemiren is one of the best places to learn it directly from local instructors. The village was even selected among 20 villages in UN Tourism's Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme 2025, thanks to its rich cultural values and local wisdom.
In these dance classes, visitors aren't just taught the basic movements — they're also introduced to the philosophical meaning behind each gesture, something rarely gained just by watching a performance from the audience.
2. Play Gamelan with Kemiren Locals
Still in the same village, visitors also get the chance to try playing gamelan alongside local residents. This activity is usually paired with the Gandrung dance class, letting you experience firsthand how music and dance complement each other in Osing tradition.
For many visitors, this turns out to be both challenging and enjoyable — understanding gamelan rhythm takes a different kind of sensitivity than most instruments, and it usually only "clicks" after a few tries.
3. Weave Bamboo in Gintangan Village
If you're drawn to more functional handicrafts, Gintangan Village is a well-known bamboo weaving craft center in Banyuwangi. Here, visitors can learn directly from artisans how bamboo is turned into various signature weaving patterns, such as liris, pipil, druno, and cakar gagak (crow's claw).
The process demands precision and patience, similar to batik making — the difference is you're working with a stiffer natural material that requires an entirely different hand technique.
4. Carve Souvenirs from Ijen Crater Sulfur
One of Banyuwangi's most unique crafts comes from a byproduct of Ijen Crater's mining activity: sulfur. Freshly mined sulfur is shaped by local artisans into carved souvenirs with creative decorative patterns.
Carving sulfur offers a distinctly different experience, since the raw material itself comes straight from the natural phenomenon Ijen Crater is famous for — its blue fire — giving your finished piece a genuinely unique origin story. Worth noting: sulfur-based souvenirs aren't permitted in aircraft cabins by most airlines, so double-check before planning to bring one home by air.
5. Try Eco Print
For those wanting a creative experience with a natural touch while staying within the world of textiles, eco print is worth trying. This technique transfers the shapes and colors of leaves and flowers directly onto fabric through pounding or steaming, without any synthetic dye at all.
Sekar Jagad Batik & Creative Hub offers eco print sessions as a complement to its batik workshops, so visitors coming to one location can try two different creative experiences in a single visit.
Must-Try More Than One Activity
Exploring more than one creative activity gives a fuller picture of Banyuwangi's cultural richness — showing that the region isn't defined by just one type of craft, but has an interconnected ecosystem of art and craft spanning textiles, music, dance, and nature-based handicrafts.
For visitors with more than a single day in Banyuwangi, combining a few of these activities can be the best way to understand local culture more deeply, while directly supporting the creative economy of local artisans and performers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What creative activities can I try in Banyuwangi besides batik?
Some of the most popular creative activities include learning the traditional Gandrung dance, playing gamelan, weaving bamboo crafts in Gintangan Village, carving sulfur souvenirs from Mount Ijen, and joining an eco print workshop.
Where can I learn the Gandrung dance in Banyuwangi?
Osing Kemiren Tourism Village is one of the best places to learn the Gandrung dance directly from local instructors while also discovering the cultural meaning behind each movement.
Can beginners join a gamelan class?
Yes. Gamelan sessions in Kemiren are suitable for beginners and visitors with no previous musical experience, making them accessible to all ages.
Where is the center of bamboo weaving in Banyuwangi?
Gintangan Village is well known as Banyuwangi's bamboo weaving center, producing traditional woven crafts with distinctive patterns such as liris, pipil, druno, and cakar gagak.
What are Mount Ijen sulfur carvings?
These are handcrafted souvenirs made from natural sulfur collected from Mount Ijen. Local artisans carve the sulfur into decorative ornaments and unique keepsakes.
Can sulfur souvenirs be taken on an airplane?
Many airlines do not allow sulfur-based items in cabin baggage. It is recommended to check your airline's regulations before purchasing sulfur souvenirs.
What is eco print, and where can I try it in Banyuwangi?
Eco print is a natural textile printing technique that transfers the shapes and colors of leaves and flowers onto fabric. You can experience eco print workshops at Sekar Jagad Batik & Creative Hub alongside traditional batik classes.
Are these creative activities suitable for children?
Yes. Most activities, including dancing, gamelan, bamboo weaving, and eco print, are family-friendly and can be enjoyed by children with appropriate guidance.
How much time should I plan to experience all of these activities?
Since the activities are located in different parts of Banyuwangi, it is recommended to spend at least two to three days to enjoy them comfortably.
Do I need previous experience to join these creative activities?
No. All of these experiences are designed for beginners, with local artisans and instructors providing guidance throughout the activities.
Why should I try more than one creative activity in Banyuwangi?
Trying different cultural experiences gives you a broader understanding of Banyuwangi's artistic traditions while directly supporting local artisans, performers, and creative communities.
Can these creative experiences be combined with nature tourism?
Yes. Many visitors combine cultural workshops with trips to natural attractions such as Mount Ijen, Red Island Beach, or other destinations around Banyuwangi.