Talang Paras Banyuwangi: A Natural Spring Pool Near Mount Ijen
Banyuwangi's highland area never seems to run out of interesting places to explore. One of the newer attractions being developed by the local community in Kalongan Hamlet, Tamansari Village, Licin District, Banyuwangi, is Talang Paras, a natural spring pool surrounded by trees and bamboo.
Unlike a conventional swimming pool, the water here comes directly from a natural spring emerging from the ground. The water feels fresh and cool, while the surrounding greenery creates a peaceful atmosphere.
Talang Paras is still being developed by the local community. The facilities are not yet complete, but the place has already started attracting visitors after videos and photos of the spring became popular on TikTok and Instagram.
For me, Talang Paras is interesting not only because of its refreshing natural spring, but also because there is a story behind its name and the village where it is located.
The Story Behind the Name Talang Paras
I actually visited this area back in 2023. At that time, I only saw a sign saying Sumber Kalongan, which means Kalongan Spring.
I assumed that was the name of the place, especially because there is also an area called Kalongan in Kalipuro, Banyuwangi.
It turned out that the actual name of the spring is Talang Paras.
According to the local community, the spring once flowed into a small stream with a shape resembling a talang—a traditional channel or water trough used to carry water.
There are also distinctive hard rocks around the spring. Local people call this type of rock paras. Combining these two local terms eventually gave the spring its name: Talang Paras.
The name Kalongan, meanwhile, comes from the name of the hamlet where the spring is located.
There is also an interesting story behind the name Kalongan. In the past, three large trees stood in the area and became a habitat for kalong, or large fruit bats.
The trees are locally known as Pohon Kuprit.
Unfortunately, only one of these Kuprit trees remains today. It still stands beside the Talang Paras pool, although the bats that once lived there are no longer found in the tree.
Stories like this are part of what makes visiting a small local attraction more meaningful. You are not simply visiting a place to swim—you also get to learn a little about the landscape and the community that has lived around it for generations.
Swimming in the Natural Spring at Talang Paras
The main attraction at Talang Paras is, of course, the natural spring water.
The spring flows into two pools with different depths.
The upper pool is relatively deep and is more suitable for adults or children who are already comfortable swimming. Children should still be supervised by an adult while using this pool.
The lower pool is shallower and is intended mainly for children to play in the water.
There are also inner tubes available for rent. If you are travelling with children, however, you may want to bring your own swimming ring or flotation device. That way, you can choose a size that fits your child more comfortably.
The experience here is quite different from swimming at a commercial pool. There is no chlorine smell or artificial pool environment. Instead, you are surrounded by trees, bamboo and naturally flowing spring water.
A Quiet Natural Setting in Licin
One of the things I like about Talang Paras natural spring is its setting.
The pool is surrounded by trees and bamboo, creating a shaded and relatively peaceful environment.
The location is actually not completely isolated. Talang Paras is located near the road leading towards the Ijen area, so you can still hear vehicles passing from time to time.
However, the surrounding vegetation helps soften the sound.
Sitting beside the pool, listening to the sound of water and feeling the cool air can be surprisingly relaxing—especially after spending time travelling through the highlands of Banyuwangi.
The water is refreshingly cool, and taking a dip here feels like a simple reward after a long journey.
Talang Paras Is Still Under Development
There is something important to know before visiting Talang Paras Banyuwangi: the attraction is still under development.
This means you should not expect the complete facilities you might find at an established commercial swimming pool.
The local community is gradually developing the site and adding supporting facilities.
One of the plans is to provide small food stalls operated by local micro and small businesses near the pool. This could eventually make Talang Paras more convenient for visitors while also creating an opportunity for local residents to benefit from tourism.
For now, visitors need to be patient and understand that the facilities may still be limited.
In my opinion, this is also part of the experience. You get to see a local community gradually turning a natural resource into a small tourism destination.
Is There an Entrance Fee at Talang Paras?
At the time of writing, there is no entrance fee being collected at Talang Paras because the attraction is still under development.
This may change once the tourism facilities and management system are fully established.
Talang Paras started receiving more attention after it became popular on social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram. Even though the site is not yet fully completed, the local community continues to welcome visitors who have already heard about the place and come to enjoy the spring.
If you visit during this early stage, it is important to respect the local community, follow their instructions and understand that the facilities are still being developed.
How to Get to Talang Paras from Banyuwangi City
Getting to Talang Paras from Banyuwangi City is relatively straightforward.
From the city, head towards Licin District, following the road towards the Ijen area.
The route passes through the Licin Market area and then continues towards Tamansari Village.
When you reach the Taman Gandrung Terakota entrance gate, enter the road leading towards the site. Continue along the paved road downhill until you reach another gate and the parking area for Talang Paras.
Because Talang Paras is still a developing attraction, road signs may be limited. It is a good idea to check your navigation app before travelling and ask local residents for directions if necessary.
A Natural Swimming Pool Near Mount Ijen
One of the advantages of Talang Paras is its location.
The spring is in Licin, one of the main areas used by travellers heading towards Mount Ijen.
That makes Talang Paras an interesting option if you are looking for things to do near Mount Ijen.
For example, after visiting the Ijen area, you could stop here for a refreshing swim before continuing to another destination in Banyuwangi.
Talang Paras is also located relatively close to Taman Gandrung Terakota and Jiwa Jawa Ijen. If you are staying in the Ijen area, the spring can be added as a small stop to your itinerary.
For international travellers looking for a natural swimming pool near Mount Ijen, Talang Paras offers something different from the more well-known attractions in Banyuwangi.
It is simple, local and still relatively new.
The Importance of Protecting the Spring
For me, Talang Paras is also a reminder of something more important than tourism.
The presence of natural springs in the upper areas of Banyuwangi shows the importance of the region's water catchment areas.
The water that fills the Talang Paras pools is part of a much larger natural system.
That means enjoying the spring also comes with a responsibility to protect it.
Visitors can contribute in simple ways: do not leave rubbish behind, avoid damaging vegetation around the spring, use water responsibly and respect the natural surroundings.
As Talang Paras becomes more popular, protecting the spring and its surrounding environment will become increasingly important.
A beautiful natural spring can only remain beautiful if the landscape that supports it is protected.
Talang Paras as a New Nature Attraction in Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi is known for its diverse landscapes, from beaches and forests to mountains, plantations and natural springs.
Talang Paras is a small example of how a natural resource in a local village can gradually become a new tourism attraction.
The spring water is refreshing, the surroundings are green, and the location is convenient for travellers exploring the Ijen area.
It is true that Talang Paras is not perfect yet. The facilities are still limited and development is still underway.
But perhaps that is part of its charm right now.
You can see how a place that was once simply known as a local spring is slowly being developed by the community into a new destination.
So, if you are travelling around Licin, heading to Mount Ijen, or coming back from an Ijen trip, consider making a short stop at Talang Paras.
Take a swim, sit beside the pool, listen to the water and enjoy the cool spring flowing directly from the ground.
It is a simple experience, but sometimes those are the moments that make a journey memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Talang Paras
Where is Talang Paras located?
Talang Paras is located in Kalongan Hamlet, Tamansari Village, Licin District, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia. It is situated in the highland area along the route towards Mount Ijen.
What is Talang Paras?
Talang Paras is a natural spring pool developed as a local tourism attraction. The water comes directly from a natural spring and flows into two pools surrounded by trees and bamboo.
Why is it called Talang Paras?
The name comes from local descriptions of the area. The spring once flowed through a small stream resembling a talang, or water channel, while the hard rocks around the spring are locally called paras. These two terms became the name Talang Paras.
Is Talang Paras near Mount Ijen?
Yes. Talang Paras is located in Licin District, one of the main access areas for travellers heading towards Mount Ijen. It can be visited before or after exploring the Ijen area.
How much is the entrance fee to Talang Paras?
At the time of writing, there is no entrance fee being collected because Talang Paras is still under development. The policy may change once the attraction is officially established.
Can you swim at Talang Paras?
Yes. There are two natural spring pools with different depths. The upper pool is deeper and is more suitable for adults or confident swimmers, while the lower pool is shallower and more suitable for children.
Is Talang Paras suitable for children?
Yes, especially the lower pool, which is shallower. However, children should always be supervised by an adult while playing in the water.
Are swimming floats available at Talang Paras?
Inner tubes are available for rent. Visitors can also bring their own swimming rings or flotation devices, particularly when travelling with children.
Are the facilities at Talang Paras complete?
Not yet. Talang Paras is still under development, so facilities remain limited. Visitors should be prepared for a more basic experience and follow the instructions of the local community.
How do you get to Talang Paras from Banyuwangi City?
Travel from Banyuwangi City towards Licin District and continue in the direction of Mount Ijen. Pass the Licin Market area and Tamansari Village. When you reach the Taman Gandrung Terakota entrance, follow the paved road downhill until you reach the Talang Paras entrance and parking area.
What attractions are near Talang Paras?
Talang Paras is relatively close to Taman Gandrung Terakota and Jiwa Jawa Ijen. Its location also makes it convenient to combine with a trip to the Mount Ijen area.
Is Talang Paras officially open as a tourist attraction?
Talang Paras is still being developed by the local community. Although visitors have already started coming after the site gained attention on social media, the facilities and tourism management are still being developed.
When is the best time to visit Talang Paras?
Talang Paras can be visited when you want to enjoy cool spring water and a quiet natural setting. Because the site is still under development, visitors should be prepared for limited facilities and follow the guidance of the local community.
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