Sukamade can be approached from Banyuwangi to the northwest or from Jember to the north-east.
This journey requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle or large truck for the last 50 km. Hiring a driver/guide guided in Banyuwangi with a suitable 4 x 4 is certainly the most comfortable way. The roads are very rough and several rivers need crossing via fords there are no bridges - a regular road car will not make this.
You should aim to stay at least one night at Sukamade, take in the beauty of the beach and understand the place. That being said, visitors do day trip from Banyuwangi returning very late at night as you need to be on the beach in the hours of darkness for the full turtle experience. Expect to pay a driver about Rp 400,000 per day for his services and the car. Petrol will be extra.
An alternative is to approach from the village of Kalibaru, 60 km east of Jember. From here, stay at the splendid Margo Utomo Homestay see lodging below and they will organise to get you to Sukamade by truck.
Travellers on a tight budget can try the following:
Take a bus from Jember to Glenmore about 30 km.
Bus from Glenmore to Jajag about 25 km.
Bemo from Jajag to Pesanggaran about 20 km.
Take the daily truck from Pesanggaran market at 1 pm to Sarongan and finally Sukamade. There is only one truck each day and if you are going to miss it, stay at Jajag and continue the following day as there is absolutely nowhere to lodge in Pasanggaran.
