HIKING and TREKKING in

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HIKING and TREKKING in

INDONESIA Located between the Asian and Australian continents, where the earth‘s plates and

climate zones meet, Indonesia offers an incredibly diverse range of natural wonders. With

thousands of islands offering an incredible choice of terrain, Indonesia has a wealth of

opportunities for the adventure traveller. From smoking volcanic peaks and roaring river

rapids to some of the best diving and surfing spots in the world, the country offers an

unbeatable choice of outdoor activities for everyone, regardless of skill, age or prowess.

Indonesia is home to an extensive network of national parks and nature reserves,

most of which welcome visitors, with a wide choice of tour operators specializing in wildlife

and wilderness tours. In the national parks and vast rural areas, well-maintained tracks and

paths make many areas of the archipelago a paradise for trekkers, mountain bikers and eco-

tourists.

These are some of the best places for hiking and trekking in Indonesia:

KALIMANTAN: Tanjung Puting National Park – pg. 5

Located in the heartland of Borneo, the Park is the first place in Indonesia to become a

rehabilitation centre for endangered and protected orangutans in Tanjung Harapan, Pondok

Tanggui, and Camp Leakey. It offers the magical experience of seeing orangutan in their

natural habitat.

KALIMANTAN: Betung Kerihun National Park – pg. 7

The Park with potentially vast biodiversity riches poses a challenge to researchers to reveal

them. Beautiful vistas over the forest crown which seems to go on forever; crystal-clear water

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flowing from waterfalls on the hilltops; birdcalls and the screeches and cries of various animals.

Including the perfect spot to observe the Borneo Dayak jungle man, and adoring their typical

and very distinctive tattoos patterns.

SUMATRA: Mt. Leuser National Park – pg. 10

Located in the island of Sumatera in the west part of Indonesia, this Park is another place

where you can see Sumatran Orangutan in their original habitat. There is a rehabilitation center

in Bukit Lawang. The Park also has mountanious landscape, perfect spot for nature lovers and

hiking goers.

SULAWESI: Tangkoko Dua Saudara National Park – pg. 13

The Park on the island of Sulawesi, is composed of impressive green hills and valleys with

amazingly scenic views of natural beauty. The only place in the planet where you can see

Tarsius Spectrum, simply known as ―Tarsius Monkey‖, the smallest monkey in the world,

measuring a staggering five inches (12 cms), and it can only be seen at night!

SULAWESI: Lore Lindu National Park – pg. 15

The rich natural rainforest in Sulawesi. Not only offers the beauty and richness of the nature,

this Park also has some impressive groups of megaliths which are among the best megalithic

monuments in Indonesia.

PAPUA: Baliem Valley – pg. 17

Located in the mountanious Papua with untouched rainforest, Baliem Valley the place where

the Dani tribes, known as society that still practise the life of stone age. The landscape also

offers best experience for hiking lovers.

LOMBOK: Mt. Rinjani National Park – pg. 19

Lombok‘s Mount Rinjani is one of the country‘s most popular hikes, a three-day climb that takes

walkers through some of the country‘s most stunning scenery. It is famed for its rare beauty

and eerie isolation.

KOMODO: Komodo National Park – pg. 22

The home of pre-historic creature, the living dragon, Komodo. Their habitat also offers stunning

view of landscape, similar to the condition of jurassic time, adding the mystical experience

when seeing the dragon.

FLORES: Kelimutu National Park – pg. 24

Located in the island of Flores, the Park is the location of a unique natural phenomenon-three

different-coloured lakes. The colour of the water in each lake is different and the colours

change from time to time, particularly Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai Lake: twenty-five years ago, its

water changed colour twelve times.

JAVA: Ujung Kulon National Park – pg. 27

The original habitat of almost-extinct Javanese Rhino and untouched rainforest post Krakatau‘s

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tsunami. This Park is an attractive ecotourism site in West Java, with impressive natural

phenomena of fast flowing rivers, waterfalls, white sand beaches, thermal springs, sea gardens,

and cultural/historical remains (a statue of Ganesha).

JAVA: Mt. Halimun – pg. 29

Located in the West Java province, the park offers fabolous view of mountanious Java, perfect

spot for hiking and trekking. The park is also the best place for outdoor activities, such as

rafting, exploring the waterfall, canopy trails, temple, and sightseeing in tea plantation.

JAVA: Mt. Gede Pangrango National Park – pg. 32

One of the first national park in Indonesia and the home of numerous endangered species. Mt.

Gede-Pangrango of West Java is widely known for its wealth of bird species: 251 of the 450

species in Java inhabit this Park. This Park is also surrounded by ancient superstitions and

beliefs, giving more mystical sphere at your visit.

JAVA: Mt. Merapi – pg. 34

The most popular hiking track in Indonesia, located in the north of Javanese cultural capital,

Yogyakarta. This volcanic mountain offers best view of central java landscape and around, plus

breathtaking experience of standing in an active caldera.

JAVA: Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park – pg. 37

Probably this is the most famous volcano as you can see the photos in many postcards.

Located in East Java province, the park indeed offers mystical scenery of Bromo and Semeru

summit, especially during sunrise. The mountanious landscape promise every hiking lovers to

come back again to experience the beauty and chalenges of East Java highland.

JAVA: Ijen Crater – pg. 41

The only natural phenomena on earth, the beautiful and charming nature of one-kilometer-

wide turquoise-colored acid crater lake. This ancient accid lake is located in East Java province,

and the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation, in which sulfur-laden baskets are

carried by hand from the crater floor. You will be astonished by their work and strength.

JAVA: Baluran National Park – pg. 43

The wild of Africa in Java. Baluran National Park is located in East Java, one the few dryland

ecosystem types in Java, consisting of savanna, mangrove forest, monsoon forest, coastal

forest, swamp forest, and evergreen forest. Trekking in this Park will bring similar breathtaking

experience as you wish in Africa.

JAVA: Alas Purwo National Park – pg. 46

Located in East Java province, really close to Bali, this Park is representative of a typical

lowland tropical rain forest ecosystem in Java. Though close to human civilization, the park is

still a habitat for several species of wildlife such as the ebony leaf monkey and javanese wild

bull (banteng). Perfect spot for jungle trekking.

BALI: Bali Barat National Park – pg. 49

Lying in the most western part of Bali, the park is the home of the Bali Starling (Jalak Bali) and

the wild banteng. With about 160 different species Bali Barat National Park is a paradise for

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bird-watchers. For jungle trek lovers, this place is a must-go, while enjoying the world class

tourism spot of Bali.

SULAWESI: Bantimurung Balusaraung National Park—pg 52

The Bantimurung National Park has a total area of approximately 43,750 hectares and is

divided into three major types of ecosystems, namely the karst ecosystems, a lowland forest

ecosystem, and a lower montane forest ecosystem. The valleys of limestone hills and steep

karts walls with tropical vegetation have made Bantimurung an ideal habitat for various rare

and endemic species of butterflies, birds and insects.

SUMATRA: In The Thick of the Jungle at Tangkahan Village—pg 53

Come and experience an adventure in the jungle. Trek through rugged landscape. Hike up

muddy tracks while you try and spot exotic wildlife that makes this place its home. For a hike

with a difference, try elephant trekking where you can explore the jungle on the back of an

elephant. Swim in the pristine waters of an unspoiled jungle river. Experience the relaxing

atmosphere of the natural surrounds, a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

SUMATRA: Kerinci Seblat National Park—pg 56

Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) is a natural conservation area. This one and half million

hectare area is located in four provinces; West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra.

In West Sumatra, it covers some 260,000 hectares and is located in Pesisir Selatan and Solok

districts.

JAVA: Krakatau Islands Nature Reserve – pg 58

In 1991, UNESCO acknowledged both Ujung Kulon National Park and the Krakatau Islands

Nature Reserve as an integrated UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.

Krakatau is also commonly known in the English-speaking world as Krakatoa. This may have

been attributed to a sub-editor at ―The Times‖ who may have typographically swapped the 'a'

and 'o' of the Portuguese spelling as he interpreted a telegraphic report on the massive

eruption of 1883. Furthermore, the 1969 Academy Award nominated movie, ―Krakatoa, East of

java‖ ,-which is geographically misleading, - also aided in popularizing the Krakatoa misspelling

.The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program cites the Indonesian name, Krakatau,

as the correct name but says that its spelling as Krakatoa is also often used.

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Tanjung Puting National Park Why is it special?

Tanjung Puting National Park is a national park in Indonesia located on the island of

Borneo in the Indonesian state of Central Kalimantan. The park is composed of 415,040

hectares of lowland tropical rain forest, dryland forest, freshwater swamp forest, mangrove

forest, coastal forest, and secondary forest. The Park is dominated by lowland forest plants

like jelutung (Dyera costulata), ramin (Gonystylus bancanus), meranti (Shorea sp.), keruing

(Dipterocarpus sp.), and rattans.

Endangered and protected species of animal inhabiting the Park include the

orangutan (Pongo satyrus), proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), maroon leaf monkey

(Presbytis rubicunda rubida), sun bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus), lesser Malay

mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus klossii), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), and leopard

cat (Prionailurus bengalensis borneoensis).

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This Park was the first place in Indonesia to become a rehabilitation centre for

orangutans. There are now three orangutan rehabilitation locations, Tanjung Harapan,

Pondok Tanggui, and Camp Leakey. The orangutan of Kalimantan has dark reddish fur and

no tail. As they get older, the adult males cheeks flesh out, resembling cushions. The older

they get, the bigger these cheek flanges grow, giving them a fierce look. UNESCO has

declared Tanjung Puting National Park as a Biosphere Reserve.

Interesting locations:

- Tanjung Harapan: this is the first station in the orangutan rehabilitation process.

Situated in the midst of secondary forest and swamp forest, it has a guesthouse, an

information centre, and trails.

- Pondok Tanggui: orangutans that have passed the semi-wild phase are moved to

Pondok Tanggui. There, they are closely monitored from a distance, and human contact

is avoided.

- Camp Leakey: founded in 1971 in the middle of primary forest, this is the location for

semi-wild and wild orangutans, and for younger orangutans from birth until three years

of age.

- Natai Lengkuas: bekantan research station, and watching other animals along the river.

- Buluh River and Danau Burung (‗Bird Lake‘): watching birds, in particular migrant

species.

Getting there

There is straight flight from Jakarta to Pungkalan Bun (or Banjarmasin en route to

Pungkalan Bun). Or Jakarta-Semarang-Pangkalan Bun by plane, or from Semarang to

Pangkalan Bun by ship. Then, Pangkalan Bun-Kumai by car (8 km), Kumai-Tanjung Harapan

by motorized longboat, 1.5-2 hours; or Kumai-Natai Lengkuas, 4-5 hours; Kumai-Tanjung

Harapan by fast motor boat, 0.5-1 hour; Kumai-Camp Leakey, 1.5-2 hours; or from Kumai-

Natai Lengkuas, 1.5-2 hours. Or you could take bus from Banjarmasin to Pangkalan Bun,

transit at Palangkaraya and Sampit. It takes 18 hours ride with really bad road at few spot.

If you have sense of OFF ROAD this is the best way to take.

Route:

Jakarta/Semarang-Pangkalan Bun-Kumai-Tanjung Harapan/Camp Leakey/Natai Lengkuas

Photo(s) by pacoalfonso and jonny_w on flickr

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Nearest Town : Pangkalan Bun

Nearest Airport : Pangkalan Bun

Best time to visit

June to September

Contact

Tanjung Puting National Park Office

Address:

Jl. HM Rafii Km 2

Pangkalan Bun, Kotawaringan Central Kalimantan

Phone/Fax: +62-532-23832

Betung Kerihun National Park Why is it special?

Betung Kerihun National Park (previously Bentuang Karimun) is a national park in the

province of West Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, Indonesia. It is located inland, along

the Malaysian border. Topographically, Betung Kerihun National Park is hilly. The Muller

range which connects Mt. Betung and Mt. Kerihun also forms the border between Indonesia

and Serawak, Malaysia. Small streams flow from the foothills of the Muller mountains to

form the Kapuas, Sibau, Mendalam, Bungan and Embaloh Watersheds. The Park can only be

reached via these rivers.

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The Park has eight types of forest ecosystem such as lowland forest, old secondary

forest, Dipterocarpus, sub-montane and montane forest, with a high value plant diversity of

1,216 species consisting of 418 genera and 110 families (75% endemic to Kalimantan).

Fourteen species are "new records" in Indonesia, like Musa lawitiensis, Neouvaria

acuminatissima, Castanopsis inermis, Lithocarpus philippinensis, Chisocheton cauliflorus,

Syzygium spicata, and Shorea peltata; and 13 species of palm which are "new records" in

Kalimantan, such as Pinanga bifidovariegata and Ixora sp.

There are some 48 species of mammal, including seven primate species such as the

maroon leaf monkey (Presbytis rubicunda rubicunda), orangutan (Pongo satyrus), Mueller's

Bornean grey gibbon (Hylobates muelleri), white-fronted leaf monkey (Presbytis frontata

frontata), and banded leaf monkey (P. femoralis chrysomelas); 301 species of bird, 51

species of amphibian, 52 species of reptile, 170 species of insect, and 112 species of fish.

The dominant and most commonly seen animals are orangutan (Pongo satyrus),

sambar deer (Cervus unicolor brookei), western tarsier (Tarsius bancanus borneanus),

Mueller's Bornean grey gibbon (Hylobates muelleri), maroon leaf monkey (Presbytis

rubicunda rubicunda), sun bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus), hairy-nosed otter (Lutra

sumatrana), and larger Malay mouse deer (Tragulus napu borneanus).

The most distinct species of bird in this Park are the wreathed hornbill (Aceros

undulatus) and the helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) which is the mascot of West

Kalimantan.

The Park has been proposed as a Trans-Border Reserve together with Lantjak

Entimau Wildlife Reserve in Serawak.

The potentially vast biodiversity riches of the Park pose a challenge to researchers to

reveal them. But the Park also has several other attractions such as beautiful vistas over the

forest crown which seems to go on forever; crystal-clear water flowing from waterfalls on

the hilltops; birdcalls and the screeches and cries of various animals.

As with other inland people throughout much of Kalimantan, most of the people

living around the Park are Dayak. Here, they belong to the Dayak Iban, Dayak Taman, and

Dayak Bukat tribes. Many people are still adorned with tattoos in typical and very distinctive

patterns.


- The Muller Range: this forms part of the national border. Mt. Kerihun and Mt. Betung are

good places for climbing.

Photo(s) by dlumenta and jonny_w on flickr

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- Tekelan, Sibau, Mendalam, Embaloh, Kanyau rivers: kayaking/canoeing, observing

animals and plants, and cultural tourism.

- Riam Lapan and Riam Matahari: hardy souls can test their whitewater rafting skills on

numerous rapids, rated at class III-IV in difficulty, climaxing at class V in Riam Matahari.

- Sedik, Batang Pilung and Jaan rivers: waterfalls, observing animals and plants, and

cultural tourism.

- Tanjung Lokang: located in the western part of the Park, there are steep slopes and

limestone caves suitable for caving.

Getting there

Pontianak-Putussibau by four wheel drive, about 18 hours; or by small plane

(Cessna), about 2.5 hours. Then, from Putussibau along the Kapuas, Sibau and Mendalam

rivers by semi-longboat, about 5 hours, or alternatively, from Putussibau up the Kapuas and

Embaloh Hulu rivers by speed boat, about 3 hours; and then up the Embaloh Hulu river by

semi-longboat, about 9 hours.

Nearest Town : Putussibau

Nearest Airport : Putussibau

Best time to visit

September to December

Contact

Betung Kerihun National Park Office

Address:

Jl. Kapten Pierre Tendean, Kompleks KODIM 1206, Putussibau - Kalbar - 78711

Phone: (62) (0567) 21935

Fax: (62) (0567) 21935

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Gunung Leuser National Park Why is it special?

Gunung Leuser National Park is a large national park covering 950,000 hectares in

northern Sumatra, Indonesia, located at the border of the provinces of North Sumatra and

Aceh. The park is named after one of its highest point, the 3,381m Mount Leuser (Gunung

Leuser). The highest point in the park is "Puncak Tak Punya Nama" ("The peak with no

name").

There are several interesting things to see, such as untouched tropical rainforest,

highland forest, and some wild animals, especially primates. Seeing the orangutans is a

magical experience. You can usually see them near the rehabilitation centre and at the

feeding platform during the morning and afternoon feeding sessions. Still the best

experience is an encounter in the jungle where there are many semi-wild and wild animals.

The wild Orangutan can be difficult to spot unless you go deep into the jungle. There are

also white and black gibbons that make an amazing noise calling out to each other, and

Thomas Leaf monkeys. If you are lucky, you may be able to see toucans, moon snakes,

monitor lizards. Since there are very few still alive, it is very improbable that either the

Sumatran Tiger or the Sumatran Rhinoceros will be encountered, although footprints and

droppings have been reported.

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Facilities avalaible for visitors: bungalow in traditional style, restaurant, visitor

center/tourist information, trails/trekking path, springs, waterfal, camping area, tower,

shelter, and experience guide of the Gunung Leuser National Park.

Please never go without guide into jungle and never leave trekking path, except with

guide. Be aware of landslide-areas and never camp to close to rivers, they can flood for

meters within hours.

Another popular past time activity is tubing. When tubing one uses an innertube to

float down the river. Tubes can be rented at various stalls along the village. You can also

visit the bat cave, make a stroll around the rice fields and rubber plantations, visit some of

the social projects (like the free English School, Children's Home and free clinic), visit the

Friday market or just hang out with some of the locals and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Whatever you do, remember to enjoy your stay to the fullest!

The hiking route:

There are 2 summit for hiking Leuser National Park.

- Gunung Leuser (3404 m)

The trekking started at Agusan (west part of Blangkejeren , Aceh Tenggara

(Southeast Aceh), the trip takes about 15 days.

The other route starts from Panosan (Blangkejeren - Aceh Tenggara), the trip takes

about 9 days

- Gunung Kemiri (3314 M)

The route starts from Gumpang (Aceh Tenggara - Aceh), through the mount slopes

on the west side of Alas River, takes about 5 days.


- Gurah: fantastic views, valleys, waterfalls; animals and plants such as Rafflesia,

orangutans, birds, snakes and butterflies.

- Bohorok: an orangutan rehabilitation centre; ecotourism activities like

kayaking/canoeing, camping, and birdwatching.

- Kluet: boating on rivers and lakes, trekking through coastal forest and caving. Kluet is

also a habitat of tigers.

- Sekundur: camping, caving, animal observation.

- Ketambe and Suak Belimbing: suitable place for research on primates and other animals;

research facilities include accommodation and a library.

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- Gunung (Mount) Leuser (3,404 m asl.) and Mt. Kemiri (3,314 m asl.): mountain climbing

and hiking.

- River rafting along the Alas River: start from Gurah-Muara Situlen-Gelombang for a

three-day trip.

Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is the place if you would like to do jungle trek to see Orangutan in

their original habitat. Seeing the Orangutan in the wild is one of the best experiences you

will have in your life. It is not permitted to go unaccompanied into the jungle. There are

plenty of good and reliable guides of the national park that will show you best route of the

jungle trek to see the Orangutan, what to do and not do.

Getting there

The Park is most easily attainable from Medan. From Medan, buses go to Kutacane

and Bohorok-Bukit Lawang. The 233 km ride from Medan to Kutacane goes through Brastagi

and Kabanjahe and takes 5-6 hours. There are also regular and faster minibus services

between Medan and Kutacane. You find the minibuses at the Pinang Baris bus terminal in

Medan. From Kutacane (mini)buses serve the Lawe Gurah Tourist Park, about 43 km from

Kutacane. From there you can enter the Gunung Leuser National Park. Kutacane is not nice

place to stay. The best you can do is travelling to Ketambe. The other way to get to the

Gunung Leuser National Park is to take bus to the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in

Bohorok-Bukit Lawang. These buses leave from Pinang Baris bus terminal in Medan several

times day and will take you to Bukit Lawang in hours. You can also make the trip by taking

bus to Binjai, 22 km from Medan, and from there bus to Bukit Lawang. These buses leave

more frequently from the same bus terminal in Medan. From the south you can reach

Bohorok-Bukit Lawang with bus from Brastagi.

Nearest Town : Kutacane

Nearest Airport : Medan

Best time to visit

June to October

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Contact

Gunung Leuser National Park office:

Address:

Jl. Raya Blangkejeren No. 37 Tanah Merah, Km. 3, PO.Box 16, Kutacane, D.I. Aceh

Phone: (62) (0629) 21358

Fax: (62) (0629) 21016

E-Mail: [email protected]

Tangkoko Dua Saudara National Park Why is it special?

A nature reserve on open grassland covered

with a great variety of plants. Located on the slopes of

mount "Dua Saudara", the area is composed of

impressive green hills and valleys with amazingly

scenic views of natural beauty. There are black apes,

maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer.

The biggest attraction is the Tarsius Spectrum, simply

known as ―Tarsius Monkey‖, the smallest monkey in

the world, measuring a staggering five inches (12

cms), and it can only be seen at night! Located north

of Bitung, it covers on area of 3,196 ha. This nature

reserve has several cottages and small restaurants

nearby.

From Batuangus Beach, you can climb to

Mount Tangkoko (1500 m). The dense virgin jungle

hosts some animal species unique to North Sulawesi

as the macaca nigra and Tarsius Monkey. As you

make your way through lush jungle forest you will

hear and probably see the red knobbed hornbill or


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encounter the maleo which is a megapode bird laying large eggs in huge hatching mounds it

builds in the black sand. You might also encounter a cuscus which is a relative of the

Australian Koala bear. A ranger will accompany you all along the way up to the top of

Tangkoko Mountain.

Plan on spending at least 2 full days in the

reserve; one to climb to the top of Mt Tangkoko and 1

to explore the lowland forest and forest edges.

No permit is required, but you must report to

PHPA at the reserve entrance. There is an entrance fee

and you have to hire one guide per group of 4 visitors.

There are many interesting walks in the Nature

Reserve. These include a 6-km trail from the beach to

the cloud forest on the rim of Tangkoko volcano. The

trail climbs 1,100 m through all major habitats and

provides opportunities to glimpse montane birds such

as Fiery-browed Myna, Sulawesi Woodpecker, Sulawesi

Drongo and Scaly-breasted Kingfisher. Pack a lunch

and spend a full day on this trail.

There is a 4-km loop trail on gentle slopes that passes through secondary and

primary forest. Along this trail are fruiting strangle figs that attract mynas, fruit doves and

other fruit eating birds. The trail passes through several well known Red-knobbed Hornbill

nest areas and kingfisher and chestnut-backed Thrush territories.

A 12-km trail parallels the beach although only the first 4 km are well maintained.

The trail passes through grasslands, a good area for bee-eaters, White-shouldered Trillers

and coucals; beach forest, where one frequently spots Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi

Black Pigeon and several kingfisher species; and secondary and primary forest, where

White-bellied sea-eagles and Sulawesi Hawk-eagles are known to nest.

Getting there

From Manado it takes arround 2 hours and 30 minutes to Tangkoko, about 70

kilometers. In the past, the road was so rough you would need a 4WD jeep. But now, newly

laid roads allow easy accessibility by passenger cars and vans. To visit this park, you will

pass Batuputih Natural Park. Tourists prefer to visit Batuputih, making it the most famous

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tourist destination in Tangkoko. It will take about one hour drive to Bitung from Manado and

it will take about 45 minutes from Bitung to Batuputih by winding asphalt roads.

Nearest Town : Manado

Nearest Airport : Manado

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is May-October, it is hottest and most crowded in July and August.

Contact:

Bureau of Natural Resources in North Sulawesi/Balai KSDA Sulawesi Utara

Address:

Jl. Tololiu Supit, Kotak Pos 1080

Manado 95117, Indonesia

Ph. +62 431 868 214

Fax. +62 431 864 296

Lore Lindu National Park Why is it special?

Lore Lindu National Park is a forested protected area

on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, in the province of

Central Sulawesi. This park represents various ecosystem

types, including lowland tropical forest, sub-montane forest,

montane forest, and mixed forest. The plant species that can

be found in both lowland tropical forest and sub-montane

forest include Eucalyptus deglupta, Pterospermum celebicum,

Cananga odorata, Gnetum gnemon, Castanopsis argentea,

Agathis philippinensis, Philoclados hypophyllus, medicinal

plants, and rattans. Covering part of the Park is a sub-alpine

forest at an altitude of 2,000 m asl. Frequently blanketed

with mist, this forest contains short trees and mosses.

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The biodiversity of this Park is rich in animal species, with

117 species of mammal, 88 species of bird, 29 species of reptile

and 19 species of amphibian. More than 50% of the species

inhabiting the Park are endemic animals like the Tonkean

macaque (Macaca tonkeana tonkeana), babirusa (Babyrousa

babyrussa celebensis), diannae tarsier (Tarsius diannae), lesser

Sulawesi tarsier (T. pumilus), bear cuscus (Ailurops ursinus

furvus), small cuscus (Strigocuscus celebensis callenfelsi),

Sulawesi rat (Rattus celebensis), maleo fowl (Macrocephalon

maleo), Sulawesi palm civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii

musschenbroekii), gold snake (Elaphe erythrura and E. janseni),

Sulawesi frog (Bufo celebencis), and six fish species, including

an endemic species in Lake Lindu, Xenopoecilus sarasinorum.

Besides the riches of its natural resources, this Park also has some impressive groups

of megaliths which are among the best megalithic monuments in Indonesia. Lore Lindu

National Park receives international technical assistance and has been declared by UNESCO

as a Biosphere Reserve in 1977.


- Besoa Valley: maleo habitat, megalith sites and recreation.

- Lake Lindu, Gimpu, Wuasa, Bada: rowing on the lake and observing birds.

- Saluki, Bada, Napu Valleys: megalith sites.

- Mt. Nokilalaki, Mt. Rorekatimbo, Lariang River: mountain climbing, camping and rafting.

- Lewuto Lake: vistas over the lake, ancient human remains at Moradino.

- Dongi-dongi, Kamarora: camping, thermal springs, forest exploration.

- One of the cultural attractions outside the Park is the Lake Poso Festival in August.

Getting there

Palu-Kamarora by car, 2.5 hours (50 km); or Palu-Wuasa by car, 5 hours (100 km);

then Wuasa-Besoa by car, 4 hours. Palu-Kulawi, 6 hours (80 km). The trip into the Park area

can be made on foot or on horseback along these routes: Gimpu-Besoa-Bada, 3 days; and

Saluki (Sidaonta)-Lake Lindu, 1 day.

Nearest Town : Palu

Nearest Airport : Palu

17

Best time to visit

July to September

Contact

Lore Lindu National Park Office

Addrees:

Jl. Mawar Nr. 10

Palu, Central Sulawesi

Phone/Fax: +62-451-423608

Baliem Valley Why is it special?

The Baliem Valley, also spelled Balim Valley and sometimes known as the Grand

Valley, of the highlands of Western New Guinea, is occupied by the Dani people. The main

town in the valley is Wamena. The valley is about 80 km in length by 20 km in width and

lies at an altitude of about 1,000 m, with a population of 100,000.

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This valley has been the most visited part of the island, especially in recent years.

The Dani Tribe speak related Papuan, or non - Austronesian language and live in the high

central range of Papua Island, the most eastern province of Indonesia.

Until the last decades the Dani tribes were some of the most isolated populations by

swamps and mountains. They grew root crops, raised pig and used polished stone axes and

adzes. They didn't make pottery (which means "sign of the modernity"), but otherwise their

technology was very much like that of the Neolithic of the Old and New Worlds.

There may be 250,000 Dani Tribe living in the central mountains, many live scattered

among the steep mountain slopes. The Baliem Valley has one of the highest densities of

population in Papua Province. The Dani Tribe build their huts in a compound nicely express

both environmental adaptation and Dani's character. The men's and women's huts have

thick thatched roofs which keep rain, yet retain the heat from the earth, along with just

enough smoke to discourage the mosquito.

The temperatures of the highland are ranged from 26 degrees Celsius at the day

time and 12 degrees at night.

The highlights of sightseeing are Dani Market in Wamena Town, Wauma Village and,

which can be easily reach on foot or by car from Wamena. Farther out are Aikima, with its

250 years old mummy, Suroba, Jiwika and neighboring villages.

With 2 hours climbing, you can see the salt spring where the Dani Tribe women

make salt in primitive way fashion for centuries. Outer adventures are southward to Kurima

area, where the Dani and Yali Tribes' way of life mixed into a unique combination.

Getting There

The only access to the Baliem Valley is by flying to the town of Wamena. To reach

this area, you have to fly from Jakarta or Bali to Jayapura (the capital province of Irian Jaya

/ Papua), and then fly from Jayapura to Wamena. We can fly from Jakarta to Jayapura and

then from Jayapura to Wamena in the same day.

There are a number of carriers from Jayapura to Wamena: (For more info, ask the

officers at Sentani Airport Information Center). Trigana Air Services provide daily flights into

and out of Wamena. Spot the Trigana Air Service Offices at Sentani Airport terminal and

Wamena Airport terminal.

Others are MAF, AMA, Yajasi, Manunggal Air; while the Indonesian Army (TNI) has

Hercules aircrafts.

19

From Wamena into the interior of the Baliem valley you can rent a car or travel by

public bus.

Nearest Town : Wamena

Nearest Airport : Wamena

Best time to visit

Between March and September, when it does not rain so often.

Contact

Bureau of Natural Resources in Papua / Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam Papua

Address:

Jl. Raya Abepura, Kota Raja, Jayapura 99351

Phone: (62) (0967) 581596

Fax: (62) (0967) 585529

Mt. Rinjani National Park Why is it special?

Mount Rinjani or Gunung Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of

Lombok West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). It rises to 3,726 metres (12,224 ft), making it the

second highest volcano in Indonesia. The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped caldera is filled

partially by the crater lake known as Segara Anak ('Child of the Sea'). This lake is

approximately 2000 metres above sea level and estimated at being around 200 metres

deep. The caldera also contains hot springs.

Lombok‘s Mount Rinjani is one of the country‘s most popular hikes, a three-day climb

that takes walkers through some of the country‘s most stunning scenery. It is famed for its

rare beauty and eerie isolation. Virtually the whole mountain complex, that stretches 65

kilometres across the northern part of the island, was declared a national park in 1997.

Local communities, businesses and national park officials formed the Rinjani Trek

Management Board, and so make one of the country‘s premier trek destinations.

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Gunung Rinjani National Park represents a range of Nusa Tenggara‘s ecosystem

types, from sub-montane rain forest to montane forest and savanna. The plant potential in

this Park area includes jelutung (Laportea stimulans), dedurenan (Aglaia argentea), bayur

(Pterospermum javanicum), beringin (Ficus benjamina), jambu-jambuan (Syzygium sp.),

keruing (Dipterocarpus hasseltii), rerau (D. imbricatus), lumut jenggot (Usnea sp.), cemara

gunung (Casuarina tripolia and C. equisetifolia), edelweiss flowers (Anaphalis javanica), and

endemic species of orchid such as Perisstylus rintjaniensis and P. lombokensis.

Hiking Route

Senaru Route

- Mataram - Senaru (± 3-4 hours by public transportation)

- Senaru - Segara Anak Lake (± 7-10 hours on foot)

- Danau Segara Anak - Pelawangan Sembalun (± 4 hours on foot)

- Pelawangan Sembalun - Puncak Rinjani (± 2-3 hours on foot)

Senaru route is the most favourite way since local tribe village also use this route to

climb Rinjani if they will do their rituals in Rinjani summit or Segara Anak Lake.

Rinjani Trek Centre Senaru

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The hiking route is Senaru – Pelawangan, Senaru - Danau Segara Anak takes ± 10 - 12

on foot. There are already tourist trail with resting area in every post. There are three

posts from senaru gate until Segara Anak Lake. You will see amazing view of wild

primer forest and rocks.

From Lake Segara Anakan to Rinjani summit, you have to go to Pelawangan Sembalun

which takes about 4 hours, from Pelawangan Sembalun to Rinjani Summit takes about

4-5 hours. Normally hikers do the climbing at 2 AM in the morning to see the sunrise

from Rinjani summit, and also in order to see the view of entire Lombok Island, or even

Bali if the weather is clear.

Sembalun Route

Route Sembalun is the most popular place for visitors, especially for treking. The route is

Sembalun Lawang gate - Pelawangan Sembalun - Rinjani summit, takes about 9-10

hours. This path is so dramatic with savanna, mountanious landscape with ravines along

the way. With this route, you can also see green natural forest, Alas Strait, and

Sumbawa island.

- Mataram - Sembalun (± 4-5 hours by public transportation)

- Sembalun Lawang - Rinjani Summit ( ± 7 hours on foot)

- Sembalun Lawang - Segara Anak Lake (± 2-3 hours on foot)

Torean Route

- Mataram - Torean (± 4-5 hours by public transportation)

- Torean - Danau Segara Anak (± 8-9 hours on foot)


- Loh Liang: the main entrance gate for those who want to observe wildlife in monsoon

forest bordering on white sand beaches. Sites of cultural interest.

- Pulau Lasa, Pantai Merah, Loh Bo and Sebita: diving and snorkelling facilitated; there is a

dive shop, and glass-bottomed boats are available.

- Banu Nggulung: observing animals.

Getting there

There a number of options. Mataram-Selong-Sambelia-Sembalun Lawang by car, 4.5

hours (140 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Or Mataram-Bayan-

Senaru by car, 2.5 hours (82 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km).

Alternatively, Mataram-Bayan-Torean, 2.5 hours (85 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake,

22

7.5 hours. Or Mataram-Masbagik-Kutaraja-Tetebatu, 1.5 hours (60 km), then on foot to

Otakokkoq, 30 minutes.

Nearest Town : Mataram

Nearest Airport : Ampenan

Best time to visit

From August to December

Contact

Mt. Rinjani National Park Office

Address:

Jalan Arya Banjar Getas Lingkar Selatan

Phone: (62) (0370) 660 8874

Fax: (62) (0370) 649 145

Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat

Indonesia

Komodo National Park Why is it special?

Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by WWF

and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. The Park is located

between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores at the border of the Nusa Tenggara Timur

(NTT) and Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTP) provinces. It includes three major islands, Komodo,

Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total

size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of

land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to

2,321 km2.

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The main reasons to travel to Komodo National Park are the Komodo Dragons, the

superb beaches and the unspoilt corals.

Keep in mind that there are also wild pigs, monkeys and horses on Pulau Rinca, one

of the two largest islands in the park.

Depending on the time you have available, one or more guided tours on the islands

of Rinca and Komodo itself. Please note that it is neither permitted nor advisable to do any

tours without local guides, as the Komodo Dragons are dangerous when they attack.

Visitors usually arrive from Flores Island, but there is plenty of sea to cross. Hiking trails on

Rinca Island are closed to independent trekkers. Guides are required for all hiking and

sightseeing, as a handful of unwary walkers have been caught off guard by the speed and

power of the Komodo dragons.

The only way to get around is on foot, since there are neither roads nor motor

transport.

Getting there

Most visitors enter Komodo through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo in the west of

Flores or Bima in eastern Sumbawa, the departure point for the trip is Denpasar, Bali. There

is daily flight from Denpasar to Labuhan Bajo. The gateway cities of Labuan Bajo and Bima

are connected to Denpasar, Bali by overland buses.

By Sea (ferry), the travel time is approximately 36 hours. Labuan Bajo and Bima are

also connected to Denpasar, Bali by inter‐island ferry. Contact the Indonesia Sea

Transportation Company (PELNI) to reserve a seat on the KM. Tilong Kabila, which departs

Benoa Port, Bali bound for Bima and Labuan Bajo. Komodo also has service of a wide range

of live‐aboard boats, with return packages to Komodo National Park from a variety of

departure points, including Bali, Lombok, Bima and Labuan Bajo

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From Labuhan Bajo to Komodo, you can easily organize a shared boat charter by

local boat from either ports at Labuan Bajo or Bima (Sape) to the two major points of access

in the Park: Loh Liang (on Komodo Island) or Loh Buaya (on Rinca Island)

Nearest Town : Labuan Bajo

Nearest Airport : Labuan Bajo

Best time to visit

From March to June

Contact

Balai Taman Nasional Komodo

Komodo National Park Office

Jl. Kasimo, Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat

Nusa Tenggara Timur 86554

INDONESIA

Tel 62 (0) 385 41005

Fax 62 (0) 385 41006

Ir. Tamen Sitorus, MSc.

Head of Komodo National Park

E-mail: [email protected]

Heru Rudiharto, S.Si, MP.

Head of Administration Department



Hendrikus Rani Siga, S.Hut.

Head of Section I Region, Rinca Island



Kelimutu National Park Why is it special?

Kelimutu is a volcano, close to the town of Moni in central Flores Island of Indonesia.

This Park is the location of a unique natural phenomenon-three different-coloured lakes at

the peak of Mt. Kelimutu (1,690 m asl.). The first lake is named Tiwu Ata Mbupu (lake of

people spirits), the second is named Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (lake of young people spirits),

and the third is Tiwu Ata Polo (lake of fortune tellers‘ spirits). The first and second lakes are

situated close together, while the third lake is about 1.5 km to the west. The colour of the




25

water in each lake is different and the colours change from time to time, particularly that of

Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai Lake: twenty-five years ago, its water changed colour twelve times.

Thought to be caused by the volcanic activity of Kelimutu, it has also been suggested that

the changes in colour are due to refraction of the sun's rays, microbiota in the water,

dissolution of chemical substances, and the reflection of the colour of the lake walls and

bottom.

The topography of Kelimutu National

Park varies from gently rolling hills to more

mountainous relief. Some of the plants that

grow in the Park area are kayu mata (Albizia

montana), kebu (Homalanthus giganteus),

tokotaka (Putranjiva roxburghii), uwi rora

(Ardisia humilis), longgo baja (Drypetes

subcubica), toko keo (Cyrtandra sp.), kayu deo

(Trema cannabina), kayu bu (Casuarina

equisetifolia), kelo (Ficus villosa), and ampupu

(Eucalyptus urophylla).

The Park provides habitat for at least 19 restricted-range bird species including the

near threatened Flores green pigeon (Treron floris), Wallace's scops owl (Otus silvicola),

chestnut-backed jungle flycatcher (Rhinomyias oscillans), bare-throated whistler

(Pachycephala nudigula), little minivet (Pericrocotus lansbergei), russet-capped tesia (Tesia

everetti), thick-billed white-eye (Heleia crassirostris), crested white-eye (Lophozosterops

dohertyi), golden-rumped flowerpecker (Dicaeum annae), Flores monarch (Monarcha

sacerdotum), flame-breasted sunbird (Nectarinia solaris), and Flores hawk-eagle (Spizaetus

floris). The four endemic mammals include two montane rodents: Bunomys naso and Rattus

hainaldi.

The nature riches of the Park are

complemented by its cultural heritage.

Traditional houses, dances, and weaving are

still in evidence among the local people. The

art of producing the highly complex patterns

in the woven cloth is very interesting. Great

skill and imagination are involved and the

production process is different from other

ikat weaves in Indonesia.

26


- Mt. Kelimutu: the peak of Mt. Kelimutu is the best place to view the three lakes.

- Moni: thermal springs, waterfalls, and ikat weaving.

Getting there

Kelimutu is situated near the Koanara village, Wolowaru sub-district, Ende Regency,

about 66 kilometers from the torn of Ende and 83 kilometer from Maumere. Moni is a village

at the foot of Mount Kelimutu and is the entry point to Lake Kelimutu. The distance between

Moni and Kelimutu is 15 kilometers.

You can take a motor taxi, car or public transport to take you to a parking lot before

you climb to the Kelimutu peak. Buses plying the Ende-Maumere route will pass Moni. From

there, you must walk 30 minutes along the mountain side.

There are daily flights from Denpasar and Kupang to Maumere. To Ende, daily

flights are only operated from Kupang on Timor island. If you are interested to make an

overland trip across Flores, you can start from Maumere in the east and visit Kelimutu,

Ende, Bajawa, Ruteng, ending your journey at Labuan Bajo (for Komodo) or vice versa if

starting from the west.

Nearest Town : Moni

Nearest Airport : Maumere

Best time to visit

July to September

Contact

Kelimutu National Park Office

Address:

Jl. Achmad Yani 34

Ende Flores, East Nusa Tenggara

Phone: +62-381-22478

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Ujung Kulon National Park Why is it special?

Ujung Kulon National Park forms the largest remaining lowland tropical rain forest

ecosystem in West Java. Moreover, it is an ideal habitat for the rare animals like the Javan

rhinoceros (Rhinoceos sondaicus sondaicus).

Some 700 species of plant are well protected, and about 57 of them are categorized

as endangered species, including bayur (Pterospermum javanicum), bengang (Neesia

altissima), salam (Syzygium polyanthum), and various species of orchid.

This Park is home to 35 species of mammal, 5 species of primate, 59 species of

reptile, 22 species of amphibian, 240 species of bird, 72 species of insect, 142 species of

fish, and 33 species of coral. Besides the Javan rhinoceros, other endangered and protected

animals are banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus), Javan deer (Cervus timorensis russa),

panther (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis), Javan leaf

monkey (Presbytis comata comata), Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch), and great clam

(Tridacna gigas).

This Park is an attractive ecotourism

site, with impressive natural phenomena of

fast flowing rivers, waterfalls, white sand

beaches, thermal springs, sea gardens, and

cultural/historical remains (a statue of

Ganesha). Taken together, they create an

unforgettable experience for the visitor.

Ujung Kulon National Park, together with the Krakatau Nature Reserve, forms a

national asset that has been declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Around the

Mt. Honje area there is a community of Sunda Banten people. This people of this community

are known for their ―debus‖ show using supernatural powers.


- Tamanjaya and Cibiuk: the main entrance gate, with a guesthouse and a wharf. Cibiuk is

a short distance from Tamanjaya. From here, it takes about 30 minutes on foot (a

distance of about 2 km) to reach thermal springs.

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- Kalejetan Beach: a good point to watch the pounding waves of the Southern Ocean,

observe banteng and spot various plants. The beach is located about 11 km away (3

hours on foot) from Tamanjaya.

- Karangranjang Beach: wave formations and a beautiful white sand beach, turtle

hatching sites, and opportunities to observe animals such as iguana, deer, pigs, etc. It is

located about 5 km west of Kalejetan Beach.

- Cibandawoh: clean, white, sloping beaches, and a good observation point for deer, pigs,

etc. It is about 6 km west of Karangranjang.

- Peucang Island: white sand beaches, coral reefs, attractive crystal clear blue sea water

for swimming, diving, fishing, snorkelling, and plant and animal observation.

- Karang Copong, Citerjun, Cidaon, Ciujungkulon, Cibunar, Tanjung Layar and Ciramea:

forest and river exploration, animals roaming through pasture, waterfalls and turtle

hatching sites.

- Handeuleum Island, Cigenter, Cihandeuleum: animal observation (banteng, pigs, deer,

various species of bird, and tracking the footprints of the Javan rhino), exploring rivers

and mangrove forest.

- Panaitan Island, Mt. Raksa and Mt. Honje: diving, surfing, sites of historical/cultural

interest.

Getting there

Jakarta-Pandeglang (via toll road)-Labuan, about 3 hours by car (153 km); or Bogor-

Pandeglang-Labuan, about 3 hours (160 km); then Labuan-Tamanjaya via Sumur, about 3.5

hours by car; or Labuan-Pulau Peucang, about 5 hours by speed boat.

Nearest town : Jakarta

Nearest airport : Jakarta

29

Best time to visit

July to October

Contact

Ujung Kulon National Park Office

Address:

Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan No. 51

Labuan Pandeglang 42264

Phone: +62-253-801731

Fax: +62-253-804651


Mt. Halimun Why is it special?

Mount Halimun is part of Mount

Halimun Salak National Park, covered 400km

square conservation area in West Java. The

park contains water catchment areas shielded

from urban populations an agricultural areas

to the north, as well as several endangered

animals and rare birds. Its mountain tops

reach 1,929 metres and are often mist-

shrouded, while its valleys are thought to

hide much that remains to be discovered.

The lower zones hold secure populations of the endangered West Javan Gibbon

(Hylobates moloch moloch) - a sub-species of the Silvery Gibbon. Mount Halimun is its most

secure habitat, but its range is restricted to a thin ring around the park as the species is not

found above 1,200 metres. Javan Lutung (Trachypithecus auratus), and other endemic

species are evident; about half its 145 known bird species are rarely seen elsewhere in Java.


30

Hiking tracks in Halimun has not been officially opened nor specially made for hiking.

But there is rainforest that very good also for hiking, but has to be visited with guide. There

are several interesting summit for hiking, such as:

- Mt. North Halimun (Gunung Halimun Utara), 1.929 m

- Mt. Botol, 1.720 m

- Mt. Sanggabuana, 1.919 m

- Mt. South Kendeng (Gunung Kendeng Selatan), 1.680 m

- Mt. South Halimun (Gunung Halimun Selatan), 1758 m

- Mt. Salak Summit 1 (Gunung Puncak Salak 1), 2211 m

- Mt. Salak Summit 2 (Gunung Puncak Salak 2), 2190 m

The most visited summit is Mt. Salak Summit 1 (Gunung Puncak Salak 1) since it is

the highest summit. The relatively save and most common hiking route is Javana

Spa/Cangkuang, Cidahu–Simpang Kawah Ratu–Puncak Salak 1. Or Pasir Reungit, Gunung

Bunder–Kawah Ratu–Simpang Kawah/Puncak Salak 1 – Puncak Salak 1.

There is also Loop Trail along

Cikaniki – Citalahab about 3,8 kilometer. It

already has pal hekto meter (HM),

signboard, and shelter. After HM 15, there

is two alternatives way, the first one

directly to Citalahab Sentral village where

you can find guest house and homestay run

by local community. The second way leads

you to Nirmala Tea Plantation, Citalahab

Bedeng block.


- Cimantaja, Piit, Cipamulaan, Cihanyawar, and Citangkolo Waterfalls: forest exploration,

plant and animal observation.

- Citarik River: rafting.

- Cikaniki and Citalahab: camping, canopy trail, and plant and animal observation.

- Cibedug Temple: this small temple, dating from the megalithic era, is situated 8 km from

the village of Citorek.

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- Mt. Halimun (" 1,929 m asl.), and Mt. Sangga-buana (" 1,919 m asl.): exploration and

mountain climbing.

- The Nirmala tea plantation, located at the main Cipeuteuy entrance, is an additional

attraction.

Getting there

The Park can be reached from Bogor, Sukabumi and Lebak. The main access routes are:

1. Sukabumi Parungkuda 20 km/20 minutes by public transport. Parungkuda- Cipeuteuy 30

km/1 hour by public transport.

2. Bogor-Leuwiliang 20 km/30 minutes by public transport. Leuwiliang-Nanggung 15 km/20

minutes by public transport. Nanggung-Cisangku 15 km/hour by motorcycle.

3. Rangkasbitung-Bayah 150 km/2 hours by public transport. Bayah-Ciparay 36 km/2 hours

by public transport including motorcycle.

Nearest Town : Bogor

Nearest Airport : Jakarta

Nearest Railway Station : Bogor

Best time to visit

June to August

Contact

Mt. Halimun-Salak National Park Office

Address:

Jl. Raya Cipanas - Kecamatan Kabandungan,

PO. Box 2 Parungkuda - Sukabumi 43157

Jawa Barat - Indonesia,

Phone/Fax : +62-266-621256 / 621257

Website: http://www.tnhalimun.go.id

Email : [email protected]

http://www.tnhalimun.go.id/


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Mt. Gede Pangrango National Park Why is it special?

Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park, designated in 1980, is located in West Java

and one of the first five national parks in Indonesia. Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park

represents a distinct diversity of ecosystems: a sub-montane ecosystem, a montane

ecosystem, a sub-alpine ecosystem, a lake ecosystem, a marshland ecosystem, and a

savanna ecosystem. The sub-montane ecosystem is characterized by many large, tall trees

like jamuju (Dacrycarpus imbricatus) and puspa (Schima wallichii). The sub-alpine

ecosystem, meanwhile, is characterized by grassy meadows of Isachne pangerangensis,

edelweiss flower (Anaphalis javanica), violet (Viola pilosa), and sentigi (Vaccinium

varingiaefolium).

Among the endangered animal species that can be found in the Park are primate

species which are now threatened with extinction such as the Javan gibbon (Hylobates

moloch), Javan leaf monkey (Presbytis comata comata), ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus

auratus auratus); panther (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis

33

javanensis), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak muntjak), lesser Malay mouse deer (Tragulus

javanicus javanicus), Asian wild dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus), southeast Asian porcupine

(Hystrix brachyura brachyura), stink badger (Mydaus javanensis), and yellow-throated

marten (Martes flavigula).

Gunung Gede-Pangrango is widely known for its wealth of bird species: 251 of the

450 species in Java inhabit this Park. Among these are endangered species like the Javan

hawk eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi), and the owl (Otus angelinae).

This Park is surrounded by ancient

superstitions and beliefs. Legend has it that

the spirits of Eyang Suryakencana and Prabu

Siliwangi guard Mt. Gede to keep it from

erupting. Even now, at certain times of the

year, people flock to the caves around Mt.

Gede to meditate or hold ritual ceremonies.


- Biru Lake: a small lake, covering about five hectares, situated at 1,575 m asl. It is

located 1.5 km from the Cibodas entrance gate. Its blue colour (and name) comes from

a covering of blue algae.

- Cibeureum Waterfall: 50 metres high, this waterfall is located 2.8 km from Cibodas and

attracts a lot of visitors. Around the waterfall, it is possible to see a kind of red moss

which is endemic to West Java.

- Thermal springs: about 5.3 km, or a two-hour walk from Cibodas.

- Kandang Batu and Kandang Badak: camping, and plant and animal observation. At an

altitude of 2,220 m asl., this site is 7.8 km, or a three-to-five hour trip from Cibodas.

- Summit and crater of Mt. Gede: a magnificent place to watch the sunrise or sunset; the

towns of Cianjur, Sukabumi, and Bogor can be clearly seen, as well as unusual plants

around the crater. It is also interesting from a geological point of view. At this peak,

three active craters - Lanang, Ratu and Wadon - are united in a single complex, at an

altitude of 2,958 m asl. The craters are 9.7 km, or a five-hour hike, from Cibodas.

- Alun-alun Suryakencana (Suryakencana Meadow): a 50-hectare plain covered with

edelweiss flowers. The meadow is situated at an altitude of 2,750 m asl., and is 11.8 km,

or a six-hour hike, from Cibodas.

- Mt. Putri and Selabintana: camping grounds which can accommodate 100 to 150 people.

34

Getting there

The Park is within easy reach by road from Jakarta and Bandung, and the main

entrance at Cibodas is situated about 120 km, or about 2.5 hours by car from Jakarta and

85 km or about hours by car from Bandung. It is also accessible from Cipanas and Pacet

through Gunung Putri, just east of Cibodas; and from Sukabumi through Selabintana from

the south at about 60 km or 1.5 hour by car from Bogor. Another entrance is at Situgunung,

which can be reached through Cisaat, just west of Sukabumi. From these entrances (except

from Situgunung) there are trails to the summits of Gunung Gede and Pangrango.

Nearest Town : Bogor

Nearest Airport : Jakarta

Nearest Railway Station : Bogor

Best time to visit

June to September

Contact

Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park Office

Address:

Jl. Raya Cibodas PO Box 3 Sdl.

Cipanas 43253, Cianjur, West Java

Phone: +62-263-512776

Fax: +62-263-519415


Mt. Merapi Why is it special?

Mount Merapi (± 2968 m above sea level) is located on the border of Central Java

and Yogyakarta provinces. It is located in Magelang district on the west side, Boyolali district

in the north and southwest, Klaten district on the east and southeast, and on the south side


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belong to Sleman district, Yogyakarta. Mount Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in

Indonesia and the world, and has erupted regularly years since 1548.

Hiking route

Merapi is one of the most popular

tracks for hiking. There are several

hiking routes:

From Selo

Selo is located in Boyolali

regency, Central Java, at the north part

of Merapi. It is located between Mt.

Merapi and Mt. Merbabu. It takes about

5 hours hiking from Selo to the Merapi

summit. It is the most common hiking

routes since it has relatively easy, safe,

and with shorter hiking distance

compared to other routes. The starting

point for hiking begin in New Selo area,

with huge letters and javanese style

house ‗Joglo‘. Local villagers also rent

their house for hiker and guide if

necessary in Lencoh/Blumbangsari village.

Carry a small pack with some food, a good flash light, with spare batteries (available

for purchase in Selo village), and at least 2 litres of water per person. The track to the top is

a reasonable grade and is clearly defined and easy to follow. There are 2 posts along the

hiking route. The summit is called Garuda summit (Puncak Garuda) since it shaped like the

bird Garuda, Indonesian national symbol. If you want to see the sunrise at the summit, it is

better to start climbing since 1 or 2 AM.

This is the estimation hiking time and the route:

- basecamp – joglo new selo = 15 minutes

- joglo new selo – post 1 = 2 hours

- post 1 – post 2 = 1 hour

- post 2 – pasar bubrah = 1 hour

- pasar bubrah – puncak garuda (garuda summit) = 1 hour

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From Kaliurang

Located in Pakem Distict, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, Kaliurang is another starting point

from hiking in Merapi. This route is a lot steeper and takes about 6-7 hours on the way to

the summit.

From Kinehrejo/Kaliadem

The starting point of this route begins from the house of the famous Merapi Keeper (Juru

Kunci Merapi) Mbah Marijan. But this route is relatively hard with very steep slope, really not

recommended from beginner hiker.

From Babadan

This route is located in Magelang from the west side. With its extreemely steep slope and

not much variety things and views to see around, this route is not recommended for hiking.

Getting there

The mountain can be reached from several routes: Yogyakarta - Gunung Merapi (30

km) and Magelang (Muntilan) - Gunung Merapi (14 km). Public bus and other local

transportation connecting those cities are easily found. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter

in Yogyakarta and ride out to the summit. Ride north out of Yogya on Jalan Magelang for 45

minutes. When you reach Mungkid turn right onto Jalan Bololali - Mungkad and head

towards Ketep. At Ketep turn right and continue following the Jalan Bololali - Mungkad into

Selo. From Selo ride up the steep road (on the right as you come into Selo) to the trail

entrance where you can leave your scooter.

Nearest Town : Sleman

Nearest Airport : Sleman

Nearest Railway Station : Sleman

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Best time to visit

June to August

Contact:

Yogyakarta Natural Resources Conservation Office (Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam)

Head: Kuspriyadi Sulistyo

Address:

Jl. Gedongkuning 172 A, Yogyakarta 55171

Phone/fax: (62) (0274) 373324

Email: [email protected]

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Why is it special?

Bromo Tengger Semeru

National Park is located in

Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Lumajang

and Malang Regencies, East Java

Province, Indonesia. There are

several interesting place for hiking

or to see the breathtaking view of

the famous volcano, such as:

- Mount Bromo

It has edges tinged with sulphur and always bubbling and as the main sight here. To

reach it on foot, pick the left fork at Cemoro Lawang's solitary crossing, then head down

the ramp into the caldera and then across the caldera to the Hindu temple (Poten) at the

foot of the mountain. From the temple a steep path of 250 concrete steps leads to the

edge of the crater and a precarious meter-wide ledge from where you can gaze into the

steaming crater. A "fence" will block vehicles from getting too close to Poten, and


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hundreds of horses serve the trail for those who prefer not to go up on foot. It's much

better to casually walk, though: the walk from the tourist centre to the top of the

mountain should take no longer than 90 minutes and is about 3km.

- Mount Semeru

It can be climbed over two days but it is a venture for serious trekkers only and requires

a high level of physical fitness. A permit must obtained in advance and would be

climbers should be very aware that the mountain will be off-limits during periods of

eruptive activity. This is a very active volcano. If you do decide you are up for this you

should be able to find a guide to go at least part of the way with you at the park office

in Ranupani. That office is also the best source of information for an assessment of the

current state of the mountain and for hooking up with serious climbers from around the

world.

- Mount Penanjakan/Viewpoint #1 (2,770m)

Located just north of the caldera, is a mountaintop viewpoint accessible by paved road

from Tosari and hence popular with jeeps and even tour buses. At the peak lies an

antenna array (easily spotted from miles around), many shops, a mosque and several

"real" buildings. It's the highest point easily accessible, so many visit here to get a good

look around. The most popular sight is the sunrise: most of the crowd comes to see the

dawn at 5 AM and you will likely have the large concrete observation post to yourself if

you arrive later in the day. A steady hike from Bromo to Batok and then around the rim

to Penanjakan will take about three hours and the last ascent of about 500 metres is

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very stiff indeed but truly worthwhile. Ancient Javanese Hindu texts tell of how Bromo-

Penanjakan-Semeru (or Mahameru as it was then) was the spiritual axis of the universe

and the point of all creation. The view from Penanjakan will explain why - it is truly

breathtaking. This is where most of those iconic picture postcard views are taken from.

After you have had your fill of the views, a hike back across the sea of sand to Cemoro

Lawang will take about two hours.

- Viewpoint #2

Along the trail from Cemoro Lawang to Mount Penanjakan, there is an excellent way to

get a stunning view of the caldera without the crowds. To reach it, head west from

Cemoro Lawang (past the Cemoro Indah hotel) for 6 km, passing Tenngerese farms and

fields. The paved road eventually turns into a twisty mountain trail that ends with a flight

of stairs on the right, and the viewpoint (with concrete shelter) is at the top. Allow 90

minutes hours for the climb up at a steady pace and bring along a flashlight if

attempting this at night. From here, you can continue onto Mount Penanjakan by

following the trail upwards, after which the trail merges onto the paved road to the

viewpoint (total time about 60 minutes one way). If planning to return the same way,

mark the spot where the trail emerges onto the road (if you pass a stone lantern on the

way down you have gone too far!), and note that descending on this section can get

slippery due to loose sand and rocks. As of September 2008, the direct route from

Cemoro Lawang up to Penanjakan and Viewpoint #2 is severely damaged because of

landslides. The path is still passable, but it can be tricky to spot the dangerous parts in

the dark — each vistor should have their own flashlight.

When timing any activities in the area, bear in mind that sunset is soon after 5 PM

and sunrise is correspondingly early at around 5:30 AM. This means you will usually need to

get up by 3:30 AM or so to get to a watchpoint in time for dawn.

For the keen hiker, this park is a dream come true and you can make your own

schedule. There are so many possibilities once you are away from the obvious well known

area at Mount Bromo. Maps and information about the area are available at one of the many

official locations.

The park operates jeeps too. Feel free to ask drivers at any time to stop for photos

or ask questions. Visitors may also bring their own vehicles; alternatively, guides can also be

rented on motorbike to guide you around. A jeep can fit up to 6 people.

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- Cemorolawang: one of entrance gates through which visitors pass to see the expanse of

the sand sea and Bromo's crater from a distance; camping is possible here.

- Tengger Sand Sea and Mt. Bromo: horse riding; climbing up concrete steps to the rim of

Mt. Bromo's crater, and witnessing the sunrise.

- Pananjakan: viewing a magnificent panorama of Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batok, and Mt. Semeru.

- Ranu Pani, Ranu Regulo, Ranu Kumbolo and Mt. Semeru. These cool, misty lakes ("

2,200 m asl.) are a frequent stopover on the way to Mt. Semeru's peak (3,676 m asl.).

- Ranu Darungan Lake: camping and observing animals and plants; incredible views.

Getting there

To get Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park from the Province City (Surabaya)

could be via (four) accesses, from Malang, Pasuruan, Tongas-Probolinggo and Lumajang.

Pasuruan-Warung Dowo-Tosari-Wonokitri-Mt. Bromo by car (71 km), or Malang-Tumpang-

Gubuk Klakah-Jemplang-Mt. Bromo by car (53 km), and Jemplang-Ranu Pani-Ranu

Kumbolo, or Malang-Purwodadi-Nongkojajar-Tosari-Wonokitri-Penanjakan by car (83 km).

From Malang to Ranu Pani by car for about 70 minutes and proceed on foot to Puncak

Semeru (the peak of Mt. Semeru) - this takes about 13 hours.

Nearest town : Malang, Purbolinggo

Nearest airport : Malang, Surabaya

Best time to visit

June to October and December to January

Contact

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Office

Address:

Jl. Raden Intan Nr. 6, Malang, East Java

Phone: +62-341-491828

Fax: +62-341-490885



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Ijen Crater Why is it special?

The Ijen volcano complex is a group of stratovolcanoes, in East Java, Indonesia. It is

inside a larger caldera Ijen, which is about 20 kilometers wide. The Gunung Merapi

stratovolcano (not to be confused with Central Java's Gunung Merapi) is the highest point of

that complex.

West of Gunung Merapi is the

Ijen volcano, which has a one-

kilometer-wide turquoise-colored acid

crater lake. The lake is the site of a

labor-intensive sulfur mining operation,

in which sulfur-laden baskets are

carried by hand from the crater floor.

Many other post-caldera cones and

craters are located within the caldera

or along its rim.

Ijen Crater or Kawah Ijen is another volcanic tourism attraction in Indonesia. Ijen

Crater (Kawah Ijen) is a famous tourism object, which has been known by the domestic and

foreign tourists because of the beautiful and charming nature. It is 5,466 hectares, 2,386

meters high from the depth of the sea, with a 92 hectares tourism forest. Its temperature is

between 2 to 8 degree centigrade and the crater area lies at 2.386 meters above sea level

(mdpl).

There are many beautiful species of plants that can be found there, such as; the

edelweiss flower and the Casuarina Junghu (cemara gunung), etc. Various animals can also

be seen in the area like jungle fowl (ayam hutan) and porcupine (landak).

The Ijen Crater lies about 68km from the town center. There are some of facilities

here such as: a campground, a shelter and Tourist Information Center (TIC) etc.

The best time to enjoy the crater scenery is at morning, when the yellow sunlight

glows the yellow water and shines the surrounding mountain like mount Merapi, the sister of

Mount Ijen. Morning haze is creating a tranquility that we don‘t get at the metropolitan

towns. At 2 pm, the crater is closed for the reason that the thick smoke from the crater that

is poisonous.

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Getting there

There are two alternatives

route to get to Ijen Crater, the first is

from Banyuwangi to Licin – Jambu –

Patulding. Its about 38 kilometers

from Banyuwangi, but the road is bad.

The second is from Bondowoso –

Wonosari – Sempol – Patulding, about

70 kilometers with better road. It is

suggested to go from Bondowoso.

Visiting from Bondowoso route,

the tourists will travel across a coffee

plantation. It has beautiful view either.

The green of Arabica coffee trees are

really an exciting scene to enjoy.

To reach Ijen Crater from Surabaya,

we can use the public transportation

with the route as follow:

- Surabaya – Bondowoso: 180 km with public bus

- Bondowoso – Paltuding: 68 km with public transport

- Paltuding - to the location: 3 km on foot

Usually, tourists join a minibus tour start from Bali (Kuta/Denpasar) from the east to

continue their trip to Java. Or from the opposite direction, start from Yogyakarta going east,

on the way to Bali. Then continue by jeep since the road to Paltuding is mostly damage. All

included in the fee; accomodation, transportation, jeep, except the meal. Many tour

operators in Bali and Yogyakarta offer the service and the information is very easy to find,

just ask around and search on the website.

Nearest town : Banyuwangi

Nearest airport : Surabaya

Best time to visit

You can visit Ijen Crater all year long. But if you would like to see the best view, the

best time is aournd 8-9 AM in the morning, so better start the hiking at 5 AM in the

morning.

Photo(s) by tripletrouble and Rick Wezenaar Photography on flickr

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Contact:

Bondowoso Government Tourism Office

Address: Jl. Ahmad Yani 78, Bondowoso

Phone: +62 332 421475, 432484

Fax: +62 332432484

Baluran National Park Why is it special?

The wild of Africa in Java. Baluran National Park is located in East Java, Indonesia. It

has a relatively dry climate and consist of lowland forests, savanna, mangrove forests and

hills, with Mount Baluran (1,247m) as its highest peak.

This park protects some endangered plant species, such as: Ziziphus rotundifolia,

Tamarindus indica, Dioscorea hispida, Aleuritas moluccana and Corypha utan. There are also

about 155 species of endangered birds, including Hirundapus caudutus. Other endangered

animals being protected are: Bos javanicus, Cuon alpinus, Muntiacus muntjak, Pavo muticus,

Gallus sp., Felis pardus and Felis viverrina.

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Baluran National Park has some of the few dryland ecosystem types in Java,

consisting of savanna. It also has mangrove forest, monsoon forest, coastal forest, swamp

forest, and evergreen forest. About 40% of the Park area is dominated by savanna type

vegetation.

There are 444 species of plant growing in this Park, including curious and indigenous

species like widoro bukol (Ziziphus rotundifolia), mimba (Azadirachta indica), and pilang

(Acacia leucophloea). These three species are able to adapt to very arid conditions,

remaining green while the plants around them wither. Other plants in the Park include

tamarind (Tamarindus indica), gadung (Dioscorea hispida), kemiri (Aleurites moluccana),

gebang (Corypha utan), api-api (Avicennia sp.), kendal (Cordia obliqua), manting (Syzygium

polyanthum), and kepuh (Sterculia foetida).

The 26 species of mammal include the banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus), Asian wild

dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak muntjak), Timor deer

(Cervus timorensis russa), panther (Panthera pardus), lesser Malay mouse deer (Tragulus

javanicus pelandoc), fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus); and ebony leaf monkey

(Trachypithecus auratus auratus). The banteng is the mascot of Baluran National Park.

In addition, there are about 155 species of bird, some of them endangered species

like the green peafowl (Pavo muticus), red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), malabar hornbill

(Anthracoceros coronatus conversus), rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros silvestris),

barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), koel (Eudynamys scolopacea), and lesser adjutant stork

(Leptoptilos javanicus).

Photo(s) by Lupsa2007 on flickr

45


- Batangan: historical site in the form of a Japanese cave. This place is a witness to

Indonesia‘s fierce struggle for independence against the Japanese. A good place to

observe animals, particularly the peacock dance in the mating season between October

and November, and go camping.

- Bekol, Semiang: watching animals such as the barking deer, banteng, red junglefowl and

green peafowl.

- Bama, Balanan, Bilik: marine tours, fishing, swimming, diving/snorkelling, and watching

great herds of deer. During July and August, stags can be seen fighting each other. At

low tide, troops of ebony leaf monkeys can be seen fishing for crabs using their tails at

high tide.

- Manting, Air Kacip: a year-round water source, birdwatching in the early morning and

afternoon.

- Popongan, Sejile, Sirontoh and Kalitopo: rowing on the calm sea while watching shoals

of ornamental fish, watching migrant birds.

- Candi Bang, Labuan Merak and Kramat: sites of historical/cultural interest.

Getting there

Try to consider the wide ranges of this area, you will be better visit Baluran by your

car or rent car from Denpasar or Surabaya. You can also rent car at Pasir Putih tourist resort

or Situbondo. There is also motorbike public transportation called ―ojek‖ in the main

entrance that will take you to Bama Beach (with Negotiated cost). If you take car, it takes

hours from Surabaya and hours from Denpasar, Bali. For tourists who stay in Pasir Putih, it

takes 1.5 hours and only hours from Situbondo.

Nearest Town : Surabaya

Nearest Airport : Surabaya

Nearest Railway Station : Surabaya

Best time to visit

March to August

46

Contact

Baluran National Park Office

Address:

Jl. KH Agus Salim 132

Banyuwangi 68425, East Java

Phone: +62-333-424119; 461 650

Fax: +62-333-412680; 463 864


Alas Purwo National Park Why is it special?

Alas Purwo National Park is representative of a typical lowland tropical rain forest

ecosystem in Java. Peculiar and endemic species of plant that grow in this Park include sawo

kecik (Manilkara kauki) and manggong bamboo (Gigantochloa manggong). Among the other

plants that can be found here are ketapang (Terminalia cattapa), nyamplung (Calophyllum

inophyllum), kepuh (Sterculia foetida), and keben (Barringtonia asiatica). Moreover, there

are 13 different species of bamboo.

Alas Purwo National Park is a habitat for several

species of wildlife such as the ebony leaf monkey

(Trachypithecus auratus auratus), banteng (Bos javanicus

javanicus), Asian wild dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus), green

peafowl (Pavo muticus), red junglefowl (Gallus gallus),

deer (Cervus timorensis russa), panther (Panthera pardus),

and leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis).

Some species of turtle like the Pacific ridley (Lepidochelys

olivacea), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill

(Eretmochelys imbricata), and common green (Chelonia

mydas) are often seen landing on the southern beach of

this Park between January and November.


47

In the period from October to December, some 16

species of migrant bird from Australia such as the sacred

kingfisher (Halcyon chloris/Todirhampus sanctus), blue-

tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus), common sandpiper

(Actitis hypoleucos), and wood sandpiper (Tringa

glareola) can be seen in Bedul Segoro Anak.

Plengkung, in the southern part of the Park, is

almost legendary among the world's top surfers. They call

it "G-Land". The name is derived from its location in Teluk

Grajagan (Grajagan Bay), which resembles the letter "G".

Moreover, it is located a short distance from a stretch of

tropical rain forest which always looks green (hence

green land or "G-land"). Plengkung is one of the top four

locations for surfing in the world and can be ranked

alongside surf sites in Hawaii, Australia, and South Africa.

Walking along the white sand beach from

Trianggulasi to Plengkung, visitors will come across an

area of buckshot-like sand. The grains are yellow in

colour and have a diameter of around 2.5 mm.

The communities living around the Park are very typical of the "Blambangan" culture.

They believe that what is now the Park was the last stopover of the Majapahit people who

were escaping the onslaught of the Mataram kingdom, and they are convinced that hidden

somewhere in the park is a sacred kris, or dagger, named "Keris Pusaka Sumelang

Gandring". For this reason, it is not unusual for people to meditate or hold religious

ceremonies in the Park, particularly in Goa Padepokan and Goa Istana.

Near the Rowobendo entrance gate there are historical remains in the form of "Pura

Agung", a Hindu temple, where a Hindu ceremony, "Pagerwesi", is held every 210 days.

This Park has a diversity of ecotourism and cultural tourism attractions (sea, sand,

sun, forest, wild animals and traditional cultures) which are located in close proximity to one

another.


- Sadengan: located 12 km (30 minutes) from the Pasaranyar entrance gate. This is a

grazing area for banteng, barking deer, mouse deer, wild pigs, and birds.

Photo(s) by dirtlight photography on flickr

48

- Trianggulasi: located 13 km from the Pasaranyar entrance gate, a white sand beach with

a coastal forest, suitable for marine recreation and camping.

- Ngagelan Beach: located 7 km from Trianggulasi. Visitors can watch several species of

turtle landing on the beach to lay their eggs, and other turtle breeding activities.

- Plengkung: a good place to watch professional world-class surfers perform, and to

explore the forest.

- Bedul Segoro Anak: boating, swimming and water skiing on the lake, and watching

migrant birds flock in from Australia.

- Caves: there are 40 cave sites, both natural and artificial, including a Japanese cave

where a pair of old 6-metre long cannons can be seen, Istana Cave, Padepokan Cave,

and other caves for both cultural interest and caving.

Getting there

Banyuwangi-Pasaranyar, 65 km, then Pasaranyar-Trianggulasi, 12 km by car.

Trianggulasi-Plengkung, a 10-km drive along the beach. Other locations like Segoro Anak,

Sadengan and Rowobendo can be reached on foot from Trianggulasi.

Nearest Town : Trianggulasi

Nearest Airport : Denpasar

Best time to visit:

March to October

Contact

Alas Purwo National Park Office

Address:

Jl. Achmad Yani 108

Banyuwangi 68416, East Java

Phone: +62-333-410857

Fax: +62-333-428675



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Photo(s) by Ronrad on flickr

Bali Barat National Park Why is it special?

The Bali Barat National Park was founded in 1941 and its main aim was to protect

the Bali Starling and the last of the wild banteng, from which most of the Balinese cattle

descend.

The park lies in the most western part of Bali and

today it comprises a total area of 19,000 ha. The original

park used to extend much further to the east than it

does today and comprised about 77,000 ha.

The Bali Barat Park is mountainous and consists

of primary monsoon forest, mangrove forest (310 ha.),

lowland rain forest, savanna, sea grass vegetation types

(40 ha.), coral reefs (810 ha.), sandy beaches, and both

shallow and deep sea waters (3,520 ha.).

Accessibility and land use within the National

Park is bound to a zoning system which defines the

degree of allowed activities.

The Park has 175 species of plants, 14 of which are endangered species like bayur

(Pterospermum javanicum), ketangi (Lagerstroemia speciosa), burahol (Stelechocarpus

burahol), cendana, or sandalwood (Santalum album), and sonokeling (Dalbergia latifolia).

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With about 160 different species Bali Barat National Park is a paradise for bird-

watchers. The Bali starling or Rotschild's Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) is also the mascot of

the Park.

Trekking along the coast of Prapat Agung over a distance of 25 km (clockwise from

Sumber Klampok to Tegal Bunder), is recommended. You must be accompanied by a guide

and here is where the costs comes in.

Permits and obligatory guides are available at the PHPA headquarters at Cekik, at the

PHPA office in Labuhan Lalang or at the PHPA office in Denpasar.


- Kapal: diving and snorkelling. A shipwreck forms a haven for several coral species, one

of which is Acrophora sp. which has a diameter of 75 cm.

- Menjangan Island, Pos Satu, Pos Dua and Tanjung Gelap: diving and snorkelling.

- Krepyak and Sumberrejo: animal observation.

- Lintas Laut Monument and Makam Jayaprana: sites of cultural interest.

Getting there

The Park can be reached by road from Gilimanuk and Singaraja, or by using ferries

from Ketapang, Java. Gilimanuk is reached by ferry from Java or by bus from Denpasar or

Singaraja. From Gilimanuk take minibus or ojek to Cekik for the last three kilometer. Here

you will find the PHPA headquarters. Another entry point is Labuhan Lalang, accessible by

minibus from Gilimanuk. Labuhan Lalang lies at the main road to Singaraja, which cuts

through the park. To reach Pulau Manjangan you can hire motorboat from Labuhan Lalang

(30-40 min).

Nearest Town : Gilimanuk

Nearest Airport : Denpasar

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Best time to visit

The best time of the year to visit the Bali Barat National Park is at the end of the dry

season/start of the wet season, roughly from August to December.

Contact

Bali Barat National Park Office

Address:

Kantor Pos Gilimanuk

Cekik 82253, Bali

Phone: +62-365-61060 or 61173



52

Bantimurung Balusaraung National Park

Why is it special?

In 1857, leading British naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace discovered wonders beyond

his imagination as he travelled into the interior of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. He found

himself surrounded by thousands of enchanting butterflies of various sizes and colors.

Fascinated by the scene, he dubbed the area ―the Kingdom of Butterflies‖ and later spent

most of his life in this region to enjoy and examine the 150 species of butterflies not found

elsewhere. Today the area is known as the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, which is

not only the scene of butterflies but also of magnificent caves and a stunning waterfall.

Located in the Maros regency in the province of South Sulawesi, the Bantimurung

Bulusaraung National Park is a mere 50Km from Makassar or 20Km from the Sultan

Hasanuddin international airport.

The Bantimurung National Park has a total area of approximately 43,750 hectares

and is divided into three major types of ecosystems, namely the karst ecosystems, a lowland

forest ecosystem, and a lower montane forest ecosystem. The valleys of limestone hills and

steep karts walls with tropical vegetation have made Bantimurung an ideal habitat for

various rare and endemic species of butterflies, birds and insects.

Although there are not as many butterflies today as there were during Wallace‘s

expedition, visitors can still observe the wide variety of butterflidx within the Butterfly

Conservation Captivity managed by the Center for Butterfly Breeding.Among various

species of butterflies found here are: the Troides halipron, Papiliio Pofites, Papiliio Satapses,

Papiliio blumei and Graphium androcles. One of the rarest and biggest butterflies of the

world, the papillo androcoles are also found in this National Park. This unique species has

the tail similar to swallows. Within the national park, visitors can also find a butterfly

museum which houses thousands of unique and rare butterflies that have and still inhabit

the area. Among other fauna found in the area are: the Kuskus (Phalanger celebencis),

Tarsiers (Tarsius sp.), Monkeys (Macaca Maura), hornbills (Ryticeros cassidix, Peneloppides

exahartus), and Weasels (Macrogofidia mussenbraecki).

By the butterfly center, the fascinating Bantimurung waterfall draws visitors with

its powerful rush of water and refreshing atmosphere. This is a favorite holiday destinaton

especially on weekends.

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/481/makassar

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The word Bantimurung itself is derived from two Bugis words: Benti meaning water,

and Merrung meaning roaring. Therefore meaning roaring waters. Others also suggest that

the name Bantimurung comes from the words Banting Murungor smashing one‘s gloom,

meaning that here visitors can release their sadness or depressing thoughts through

refreshing nature.

With a height of 15 meters and a 20 meters width, the Bantimurung waterfall can

only be described as one of nature‘s finest artwork, where waters rush down through its

multi levels rocky streams, decorated by colorful surroundings.

The hills of Bantimurung-Bulusaurung National Park also hold wonders in some of its

astonishing caves. The most notable of these caves are the Goa Mimpi (dream caves) and

Goa Batu (the Stone Cave). Inside these caves, visitors can marvel through their interiors

filled with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites. The dreamlike crystal clear stalactites and

stalagmites earned the cave its popular name, the dream cave or Goa Mimpi. Among these

caves are found prehistoric ―hand stencils‖, similar to the rock art of Australia.

Hiking through 10 meters ascending stairs, visitors can discover another amazing

cave, the Stone cave, or Gua Batu. Aside from offering hiking challenges, Goa Batu also

present enchanting sceneries of small waterfall, and a 30 meters long intriguing cave.

To Do

The Bantimurung Waterfall is a marvel on its own. Situated not too far from the

entrance, visitors can simply enjoy its breathtaking scenery before they jump in to the

crystal clear rejuvenating waters. The Butterfly Conservation captivity and the butterfly

Museum are a must, since butterfies are the main attraction always associated with

Bantimurung. Those who seek adventure can explore the Karst hills and several astonishing

caves found within the national park.

Getting there

Located only 20 Km from Hasanuddin Airport, the national park can be reached from

the airport by local public transportation called pete-pete for about 30 minutes. The pete-

pete will charge about IDR 5.000. If you travel from Makassar, you can catch a public bus

or DAMRI, from the Makassar Mall in the direction of Maros for about one hour and costs

IDR8.500. From Maros, take the same pete-pete that also goes to the airport.

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In The Thick of the Jungle at Tangkahan

Village

Why is it special?

Often referred to as the

hidden paradise of Sumatra,

Tangkahan‘s lush jungle and

topography makes it a marvelous

tourist spot that remains largely

undiscovered. This village in the

incredible Gunung Leuser

National Park is located on the

junction of two rivers, Batang

Serangan and Buluh. The park is

one of the world‘s most biologically diverse conservation areas, home to some of the

planet‘s most endangered species.

Effected in the past by logging and poachers, today this reserve has been

transformed as an eco-reserve. The local people have acted to turn their situation around

and conserve their precious surrounds. Come and meet the elephants who together with the

rangers, patrol the forest to keep illegal loggers and poachers out.

Here the clear, bluish green river set against the panoramic view of the Sumatran

jungle creates a truly mystical atmosphere. Come and discover this hidden jungle paradise

and you won‘t regret it.

To Do

Come and experience an adventure in the jungle. Trek through rugged landscape.

Hike up muddy tracks while you try and spot exotic wildlife that makes this place its

home. For a hike with a difference, try elephant trekking where you can explore the jungle

on the back of an elephant. Swim in the pristine waters of an unspoiled jungle

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river. Experience the relaxing atmosphere of the natural surrounds, a world away from the

hustle and bustle of city life.

See the elephants of the jungle take their daily bath with a visit to the elephant

camp, a 15 – 20 minute walk from Tangkahan. Take a shower and get a massage at the

same time with a swim under a waterfall. There is a small waterfall just before the two

rivers meet. Or, if you‘ve got the energy, another larger waterfall is located about an hours

trek up the Buluh River but at times the track dissapears so you will have to walk in the

river. Listen to the sounds of the jungle as you take in breathtaking sights of unspoiled

natural beauty.

Getting there

From Medan take public transport from Pinang Baris Bus Terminal to Tangkahan.

The bus takes 4 – 5 hours. Alternatively you can hire a car or taxi to take you directly to

Tangkahan. The trip will take around three hours.

Best time to visit

The best time of the year to visit Tangkahan Village is from June to October.

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Kerinci Seblat National Park

Why is it special?

Kerinci Seblat National

Park (TNKS) is a natural

conservation area. This one and

half million hectare area is

located in four provinces; West

Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and

South Sumatra. In West

Sumatra, it covers some

260,000 hectares and is located

in Pesisir Selatan and Solok

districts.

Types of flora protected in TNKS include Kantung Semar (Nephents Ampularia),

orchids, and tropical trees among others. Types of fauna protected include Sumatran

Tigers, bears, deer, various primates and birds among others.

Types of endemic primates protected in TNKS include Simpai, Ungkou, Siamang

(Symphanlangus Syndactylus), monkeys, and long tail monkeys among others. Types of

birds protected include Rangkong, Tohtor and Kuau birds and eagles among others. Most of

these fauna are endangered species.

To Do

TNKS area in Lumpo Resort has a waterfall

called Air Terjun Lumpo which consists of three

levels with the highest level of about 80 meters

high. From Limau Gadang village border, it will take

four to five hours to travel 7 kilometers to the

waterfall. Bukit Bontak and Mount Kerinci are

located in Solok Selatan. Besides trekking, this

protected forest area can also be used for camping.

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TNKS is a special tourist destination. Meaning, TNKS is the right place for nature lovers who

love to trek across thick forest. Trekking must be accompanied by rangers assigned to each

resort station. If you like to stay overnight, visitors can also be accompanied by at least one

local inhabitant assigned to carry tents and cooking tools.

Getting there

The easiest access to TNKS in

West Sumatra is from Painan, Pesisir

Selatan district, or Solok Selatan. From

Minangkabau international airport,

visitors must go to Padang first and

continue their journey to Painan by

rented car or arranged travel by an

agent for about Rp 40,000 to Rp50,000.

In Painan, visitors must first report at

the Office of Lumpo Resort, which is

located behind Painan bus station and the market, and bring along the Entry permit to a

Conservation Area (SIMAKSI) from the Central Office of the Management of National Park II

(PTN II) in Padang.

Tips

Before visiting TNKS, visitors must first obtain a SIMAKSI permit from the Central

Office of the Management of National Park II (PTN II) at Khatib Sulaiman street no.46

Padang, Phone/Fax: +62-751-447668.

If you like to travel around TNKS off Lumpo Resort, it is best to save time by staying

in the forest so that you can enjoy the beautiful nature, flora and fauna. It is necessary for

visitors to bring extra clothes, supplies, tents, torchlights, salts for prevention against

snakes, tobacco to avoid leech bites and anti-mosquito lotion. Despite the difficult

environment, it is possible for you to visit Lumpo waterfall and return on the same day. You

can come in the morning and return in late afternoon.

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Krakatau Islands Nature Reserve: Site of

Catastrophic Volcanic Eruption

Why is it special?

In the afternoon of

26th August 1883 Mt.

Krakatau suddenly erupted

with such cataclysmic force

that its boom could be heard

in Burma to far away

Australia. The next day,

massive volcanic materials

blasted so high causing a

gaping gash in its crater and the mountain imploded and sank. The boiling sea brought

about huge tsunami waves of more than 10 meters high, devastating the towns of Banten

and Anyer on Java and Lampung on Sumatra, wiping out their entire population. The

tsunami waves spread throughout the Indian Ocean, and was said to be felt even as far

away as France. While Krakatau‘s volcanic ash was reported to circle the earth‘s

atmosphere, creating spectacular sunsets around the globe for two years.

Today, where once stood the mighty Krakatau volcano, a number of idyllic small

tropical islands are left in the Sunda Straits between the island of Java and Sumatra. These

are the Krakatau islands which consist of Rakata or Krakatau Besar (Large Krakatau),

Panjang or Krakatau Kecil (Small Krakatau),Sertung and the Anak Krakatau (The

child of Krakatau). While the islands of Rakata, Sertung and Panjang are remnants of the

ancient Mount Krakatau, Anak Krakatau is an active volcano that surfaced only in 1927 and

incredibly, still continues to grow as a result of volcanic activities below.

Administratively, the Krakatau Islands are located within the sub-district of Rajabasa,

South Lampung, in Lampung Province on Sumatra. But, in fact they form part of the Ujung

Kulon – Krakatau Nattional Park, which is recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage site.

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/discover-indonesia/region-detail/28/lampung

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As the site of one of the most

catastrophic natural disasters in the

world, the Krakatau Islands are

considered today as a massive natural

laboratory. Encompassing a total area of

13.735,10 hectares, they comprise

11.200 hectares of marine reserves and

2.535,10 hectares of land reserves, the

Krakatau Islands bear considerable

importance to scientists in Geology, Biology and volcanology. For general visitors,

nonetheless, the sheer view and incredible history of volcanic activities of the islands are

surely something worth travelling for. Information on accessibility can be found on how to

get there. Terms and procedures on entering the nature reserve are available at tips.

Setting foot on an active volcano is certainly a one of a kind sensation, and if

fortunate enough, visitors can watch as the Anak Krakatau volcano presents its active side.

―Born‖ in 1927, the young volcano still frequently ejects smoke, lava and other volcanic

materials as it continues to grow higher. The marine environment around the island offers

its own attraction as it holds no less than 50 species of fish that live among its unspoilt coral

reefs. Read more on the dramatic history of Mount Krakatau under Related Attractions:

History of Krakatau.

The island- group along with its marine environment was declared by the Dutch

Colonial government as a nature Reserve since 1919, encompassing a total area of 2.405,10

hectares. The Krakatau Islands were later in 1984 incorporated into the Ujung Kulon

National Park located on the western part of Java. In 1990, the Directorate General for

Forest Protection and Nature Conservation of the Ministry of Forestry assigned the

management of the Krakatau Islands Nature Reserve to the Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya

Alam or the Natural Resources Conservation Office of Lampung, on Sumatra, with the aim to

protect and preserve its integrity as an important conservation site for science and

education. In the same year the nature reserve was expanded by the Ministry of Forestry to

cover the total area as known today.

In 1991, UNESCO acknowledged both Ujung Kulon National Park and the Krakatau

Islands Nature Reserve as an integrated UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.

Krakatau is also commonly known in the English-speaking world as Krakatoa. This

may have been attributed to a sub-editor at ―The Times‖ who may have typographically

swapped the 'a' and 'o' of the Portuguese spelling as he interpreted a telegraphic report on

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/621/krakatau-islands-nature-reserve-site-of-catastrophic-volcanic-eruption/getthere

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/621/krakatau-islands-nature-reserve-site-of-catastrophic-volcanic-eruption/getthere

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/621/krakatau-islands-nature-reserve-site-of-catastrophic-volcanic-eruption/tips

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/621/krakatau-islands-nature-reserve-site-of-catastrophic-volcanic-eruption/article/77/history-of-the-once-mighty-mount-krakatau

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/394/ujung-kulon-national-park

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/394/ujung-kulon-national-park

60

the massive eruption of 1883. Furthermore, the 1969 Academy Award nominated movie,

―Krakatoa, East of java‖ ,-which is geographically misleading, - also aided in popularizing the

Krakatoa misspelling .The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program cites the

Indonesian name, Krakatau, as the correct name but says that its spelling as Krakatoa is

also often used.

To Do

Marveling at the remnants of the Mighty Mount Krakatau, and observing its

successor ―Anak Krakatau‖ are certainly top activities in your priority list. While you are

within the area, you can also explore its unique collection of flora which consists of: 206

kinds of Fungi, 13 kinds of Lichenes, 61 Pteridophyta and about 257 kinds

of Spermatophyta. You may also come across some of the animals that inhabit the harsh

terrain of the volcanic islands including various snakes, lizards, sea turtles, bats and others.

Here are other activities that you can do around the nature reserve complex:

Sertung Island

Here, aside from admiring the stunning scenery, visitors can swim, dive, and surf on

its water.

Rakata (Krakatau Besar) Island

Visitor can enjoy existing wall climbing as an addition to the varying water

activities.

Panjang (Krakatau Kecil) Island

On the south west of the island you can find an unspoiled coral reef along with its

beautiful collection of fishes and other marine life.

Anak Krakatau Island

The main attraction of the entire nature reserve, Anak Krakatau offers its own

sensation for scientists and general visitors alike. Aside from scientific research and

observations, visitors can simply set foot on the beach and feel the hot black volcanic sands

on beneath your feet. Try scaling this new volcano to the top where you can now find fresh

vegetation that has started to grow on this once barren land.

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Getting there

Given its central location, the Krakatau Islands are accessible both from the island of

Sumatra and Java. From Sumatra the main entry point is Bandar Lampung, the capital of

Lampung, while from Java, the nature reserve is accessible from the country‘s capital

Jakarta, through the province of Banten.

From Bandar Lampung

From Bandar Lampung you can take a bus from Rajabasa or Panjang terminal in the

direction of Kalianda, South Lampung districts for approximately 45 minutes. There you can

continue your trip by public transportation mini buses (angkutan kota) taking about 10

minutes to Canti Village. Once you are in Canti village, heads to its pier where you can rent

a fast boat (Jetfoil) or regular motor boats. If you use a fast boat, the journey will take

approximately 90 minutes to get to Krakatau Islands Nature Reserve, while using regular

motor boats, the trip will last approximately 150 minutes.

From Jakarta

The fastest way to get to the islands from Jakarta is by chartered Jetfoil or fast boats

or alternately cruise ships from Tanjung Priok Bay straight to the Krakatau Islands. If you

are adventurous enough, you can take the public transportation route. Start by taking a bus

at the Kalideres Terminal in direction of Merak Harbor in Banten Province which will take

roughly about 1.5 hours. From the Merak Harbor you will need to take a ferry across the

Sunda Straits that will take you to Bakauheni Harbor on Sumatra. Depending on the weather

and traffic conditions, the ferry ride will take about 1 to 2 hours. From The Bakauheni

Harbor you can charter public transport that will take you to Port Tanjung Bom. From

Tanjung Bom you can find many rented boats that can take you to Sabesi Island as a transit

point before heading to Krakatau Island. From Sabesi Island to Krakatau Islands is about a 2

hour boat ride.

Tips

According to the Law, visitors must first obtain a Conservation Site Entry Permit

(Surat Ijin Masuk Kawasan Konservasi/SIMAKSI) before they can enter the Krakatau Nature

Reserve. Without holding SIMAKSI, visiting Krakatau Nature Reserve is an illegal action.

Krakatau SIMAKSI can only be obtained at the Nature Resources Conservation Agency of

Lampung (BKSDA Lampung) with the contact address provided at the main page, or for

further information regarding the SIMAKSI you can contact:

Mr. Ari Rakatama

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/607/bandarlampung-sumatra-s-southern-gateway

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/474/jakarta

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Phone : +62 721 703882 or +62 813 69455403

Email : [email protected]

Documents Requirements for Krakatau SIMAKSI:

1. Research / Survey Objectives:

Application Letter

Copy of Applicant‘s ID Card / Passport

List of the Name and Nationality of All Visitors

Research / Survey Proposal

2. Educational Objectives:

Application Letter

Copy of ID Card Applicant

List the Name and Nationality of All Visitors

All of the requirements are to be submitted to the BKSDA Lampung at least seven

days before entering the site. Other requirements will be determined later after studying the

proposal activities, according to regulations.

Contact

BALAI KSDA LAMPUNG

Jl. Z. A. Pagar Alam IB - Bandar Lampung

Telp/Fax. (0721) 703882

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Website: http://www.krakatau.or.id/




http://www.krakatau.or.id/

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Reference: The Ministry of Forestry, Republic of Indonesia

http://www.dephut.go.id/INFORMASI/TN%20INDO-ENGLISH/tn_index_English.htm

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia

http://www.indonesia.travel

Regional Tourism Offices all over Indonesia

http://www.dephut.go.id/INFORMASI/TN%20INDO-ENGLISH/tn_index_English.htm

http://www.indonesia.travel/

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