Duren Sari, Trenggalek: From a Giant Durian Forest to a World-Class Tourism Village
TRENGGALEK – Duren Sari Tourism Village in Sawahan, Trenggalek Regency, East Java, has transformed into a leading tourism destination that attracts global attention. Known not only as a local "durian paradise," the village also boasts the largest durian forest in Southeast Asia. Its success in winning various awards and national recognition has made it a true example of thriving community-based tourism.
A Giant Durian Forest with International Certification
The main treasure of Duren Sari Village is the International Durio Forestry (IDF), a 650-hectare durian forest recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture since 2016. The forest contains thousands of durian trees, many of which are hundreds of years old, believed to date back to the colonial era. During harvest season, these trees produce diverse varieties of local durians with unique flavors rarely found elsewhere.
Visitors can enjoy the adventure of exploring the forest, observing the harvesting process firsthand, and tasting fresh durians that fall straight from the trees. Direct interaction with local farmers adds a memorable experience that sets Duren Sari apart from other destinations.
A Blend of Nature, Education, and Culture
Duren Sari Tourism Village is not only about durians. The local Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) has successfully developed a wide range of attractions. Visitors can join educational tours such as learning traditional batik-making, trying local games like egrang (stilt walking), or experiencing Javanese gamelan arts. For thrill-seekers, river tubing on the crystal-clear river is also available.
Staying overnight in homestays run by the villagers gives travelers the opportunity to experience authentic local life while enjoying traditional culinary delights such as tiwul jambul and various durian-based dishes.
Rooted in the Spirit of Togetherness
Duren Sari's success did not happen overnight. In 2015, the local community formed Pokdarwis to address environmental and economic challenges. Through the spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation), they cleaned rivers, rehabilitated the forest, and designed attractive tourism packages.
"We wanted to show that a village's potential can be explored and developed together. Tourism here is not just about durian, but about how we preserve nature and local wisdom," said one of the Pokdarwis representatives.
Thanks to this dedication, Duren Sari Tourism Village now attracts thousands of visitors every year and has become one of East Java's flagship destinations. Its story inspires many other regions, proving that with initiative and hard work, local potential can be transformed into world-class tourism assets.
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