Watu Dodol

Watu Dodol

If you're going to Bali through the northern island of Java, before arriving in Banyuwangi you will pass the area called "Watu Dodol". Located on the beach, marked by a statue of Gandrung, icons Banyuwangi, East Java.

If you do not want to linger in Banyuwangi, should be a time to stop by Watudodol. Many things are interesting here. In addition to sculpture Gandrung and its beautiful beaches, the island looks from here. You can see the ferry crossing from the port of Ketapang to Gilimanuk. Stop by the beach, along the road there are many people selling. You can also bathe in the beach, or sailing by boat fishermen.

At one beach there is a miracle. Could a freshwater wells on the beach? Oddities in the Watu Dodol, found the source of freshwater. It was not salty. if the tides, the water can get into these water sources, but the well water is still not taste salty. In order not to be too often exposed to high tide, local people made ​​a kind of barrier which is made into the well. then for those who want to take water from the well, can use a kind of bucket.

Most of the people of Bali, when the day of sacred such as Vesak, always meet this place. Not only the residents of Bali, those who come from various parts of the country are also taking the time to come to the well to fetch water that freshwater wells. According to belief, the water from the well can cure rheumatism and other diseases.

Gandrung statue is one place that you can not forget when you want to take pictures. The foundations of the statue which is above the beach has been completed since 2003. But the process of making sculpture Gandrung itself, just completed around the end of 2004. "The sculpt 3 people, 1 person from Banyuwangi, a man from Central Java, and one person from Bali,". The workmanship itself takes 3 months. One artist named Wayan, Bali residents who live in Banyuwangi.

Do not be in hurry to go home or go to Bali, before you see there is a large stone which is located right in the middle of the road not far from the statue Watudodol Gandrung. This stone-like lunkhead. Apparently the stone in height about as high a utility pole is the origin of the region called Watudodol. Perhaps because of its shape like a lunkhead.

This stone is unique because it has its own history and mystical story in it. This area once used as a place of defense and Protection Japanese soldiers during World War II. Because the offense, stone diameter of about 10 adults embrace it by the Japanese army would ever be moved. However, despite dozens of people were deployed to cut the stone to be overthrown, to no avail. Then the Japanese decided memindakan rock with ships withdrawn. It turned out that the stone is still not budging. Reportedly, even the attractive stone vessel sinks.

Besides visiting the fresh water wells, the people of Bali especially truckers often stop at Watudodol to make offerings at this stone, such as flowers, fruits, money and so forth. In addition to the beauty and mystic charm, Watudodol keeps a record of an interesting history. Watudodol is the gateway to the eastern most island of Java. Armies can go from here head south (Jember) or westward (Situbondo).