Nusantara Pro Cycling: Alas Purwo Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen 2024 Stage 2 Recap

The Alas Purwo Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen is more than just a race; it’s a sport tourism event that showcases the breathtaking tourist spots of Banyuwangi. Participants are taken on a journey through iconic natural and historical sites, with the second stage starting from the heart of one of Java's most mystical locations: Alas Purwo.

Banyuwangi, a region rich in mystery and history, boasts landmarks such as Mount Ijen with its famous blue fire crater. Additionally, it is home to Alas Purwo, the oldest forest on the island of Java. Known for its pristine nature and enigmatic aura, Alas Purwo is a well-preserved treasure, steeped in history and spiritual significance.

Alas Purwo, chosen as the starting point for Stage 2, holds deep historical and cultural importance. In Javanese, "Purwo" means beginning, symbolizing the dawn of civilization. From prehistoric times through the classical Hindu-Buddhist era to the kingdoms of Medang Kahuripan, Majapahit, Blambangan, and Bali, Alas Purwo has been a witness to countless epochs. Historical literature often describes it as a site replete with historical relics, visited by the great ancestors of the Nusantara. Its spiritual and metaphysical resonance continues to make it a sacred place of worship for Hindus.

The team, clad in their black, green, and gold Nusantara uniforms, felt the symbolic power of their colors guiding them through the gates of Alas Purwo. The journey to the starting point was filled with a sense of reverence and awe. They passed through the entrance gate and two significant Hindu worship sites, Pura Luhur Giri Salaka and Situs Kawitan. This year, the race organizers took them deeper into the forest, to the edge of Pancur Beach, as the departure point for Stage 2. Unlike previous editions that started at the entrance gate, this year's start point provided a more immersive experience in the heart of the forest.

The brief yet profound historical journey from central Java to the easternmost tip of the island was a remarkable prelude to the bustling race event. As they pedaled through this sacred terrain, the energy and vibrations of the past seemed to propel them forward, blending the thrill of competition with the deep reverence for Banyuwangi's rich heritage.

Stay tuned for more updates as Nusantara Pro Cycling continues its journey through the Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen, with sights set on more victories and explorations of Indonesia's magnificent landscapes.