Kampung Kerapu

The Charm of Kampung Kerapu Marine Tourism: An Iconic Destination on the Situbondo Coast

Situbondo Regency, known by the nickname "Africa van Java," holds a unique and innovative marine tourism gem called Kampung Kerapu. Located in Klatakan Village, Kendit District, this destination is not just an ordinary recreational spot; it is a harmonious blend of marine cultivation education, culinary tourism, and modern architectural aesthetics floating above the Madura Strait.

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Transformation: From Cages to a Leading Destination

The establishment of Kampung Kerapu is rooted in the local economic potential of the Klatakan community, whose majority profession is fishermen and grouper cultivators. Initially, this area was just a row of traditional floating net cages (KJA) used to raise export commodities. However, the local government saw a great opportunity to transform this cultivation area into a tourist destination without eliminating its primary function.

This evolution marks a paradigm shift from a purely extractive economy to a creative economy based on tourism. The construction of a circular wooden pier extending into the sea became the initial milestone in transforming Kampung Kerapu into a new icon of Situbondo tourism, inaugurated at the end of 2018.

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Architectural Uniqueness: The Iconic Floating Pier

The main attraction that immediately welcomes visitors is the floating pier structure stretching about 300 meters into the sea. This pier is not built linearly but has an aesthetic circular design. The wooden material used gives a warm impression and blends with the surrounding nature.

Walking on this pier gives the sensation of walking in the middle of the sea. From here, visitors can clearly see the calm sea water with its blue-green gradation. The uniqueness of this structure makes Kampung Kerapu one of the most Instagrammable locations in East Java, especially when LED lights illuminate the pier railings at dusk.

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Recreational Experiences and Water Activities

Kampung Kerapu offers a variety of activities designed for all ages. Tourists don't just come to take photos but can also directly engage in marine activities:

1. Feeding Fish: Visitors can buy fish feed and give it directly to the thousands of groupers in the cages below the pier. Watching the large school of fish scramble for food is a unique entertainment for children.

2. Boat Tours: Boat rentals are available for tourists who want to explore the area around the cages further or simply enjoy the sea breeze.

3. Fishing: For fishing enthusiasts, Kampung Kerapu provides special spots to indulge in their hobby. The caught groupers can even be prepared directly at the local restaurant.

4. Enjoying the Dancing Fountain: At certain times, there is a fountain show that moves to the rhythm of music, adding to the festive atmosphere in the evening.

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Family-Friendly Destination and Supporting Facilities

As a family recreational spot, Kampung Kerapu is equipped with very adequate facilities. There is a safe children's play area, a clean prayer room, and toilets located at several points. The cleanliness of this area is well-maintained to ensure visitor comfort.

For families wanting to relax, there are many gazebos or seating areas along the pier. Safety is also a priority, with the pier's railings made strong enough to prevent children from falling into the sea, although parental supervision is still prioritized.

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A Seafood Culinary Paradise

It's not complete to visit Kampung Kerapu without tasting its culinary offerings. The restaurants in this area offer a true farm-to-table concept. Visitors can choose live groupers from the cages to be cooked according to their preference.

The signature menu is, of course, Honey Grilled Grouper or Sweet and Sour Grouper. The freshness of the fish, just taken from the sea, provides a chewy and sweet texture, very different from frozen fish. Enjoying seafood on the pier with the gentle sea breeze is an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

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Cultural Significance and Community Role

Kampung Kerapu is not just owned by the management but is a source of pride for the people of Situbondo. Its existence improves the living standards of the surrounding residents through their involvement in managing parking, small stalls, and even as tour guides.

Culturally, this place serves as a vessel for preserving maritime traditions. The community is encouraged to be more concerned about the marine ecosystem, as clean water is a prerequisite for successful grouper cultivation and also supports the aesthetic appeal of tourism. Kampung Kerapu symbolizes that tourism progress can go hand in hand with environmental sustainability.

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Visitor Information and Best Time to Visit

Kampung Kerapu is located on the main Pantura (North Coast) route of Java, making it very accessible from both Surabaya and Banyuwangi. Its location right on the roadside makes it an ideal stopover for long-distance travelers.

Best Time to Visit:

• Late Afternoon (16:00 - 18:00): This is the golden hour. Visitors can enjoy a very beautiful sunset on the western horizon of the Madura Strait. The sky changing to orange reflects on the calm sea surface, creating a romantic atmosphere.
• Evening: As the sun sets, decorative lights on the pier will illuminate, creating a magical and modern ambiance. The air temperature is also much cooler in the evening.

Visitor Tips:

• Use sunscreen and a hat if visiting during the day, as the Situbondo coastal weather tends to be scorching hot.
• Ensure your phone or camera battery is fully charged, as every corner of Kampung Kerapu is very photogenic.
• Adhere to cleanliness rules by not throwing trash into the sea to maintain the fish ecosystem.

With all its uniqueness and facilities, Kampung Kerapu Situbondo has successfully proven itself as a comprehensive recreational destination. It combines natural beauty, structural innovation, culinary delights, and community empowerment in one charming area.