Islands, Volcanoes, and Komodo Dragons: Discover the Natural Wonders of Indonesia
There are an incredible 56 national parks in Indonesia, so you could visit a different one of these fascinating natural wonders each week of the year and still not have seen them all. From majestic volcanic landscapes to species-rich coral reefs, these protected areas offer a glimpse into the breathtaking diversity of this archipelago.
In our detailed article, we take you on a journey to 21 of the most impressive national parks Indonesia has to offer. Dive into the fascinating world of tropical rainforests, encounter exotic wildlife such as orangutans, Komodo dragons, Sumatran tigers, or Javan rhinos, and discover the unique culture that shapes this island chain. Are you ready to explore the wonders of Indonesia’s national parks?
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Table of Contents
The Top 21 Most Beautiful National Parks in Indonesia at a Glance
Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park
4,8
“Here, the Earth seems to end and Mars begins.”
 | Location | Jawa Timur, Java, Indonesia |
 | Landscape | Volcanoes, caldera with sea of sand, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and tropical rainforest |
 | Area | 503 km² |
 | Animals | Javan leopard, marbled cat, Asiatic wild dog, crab-eating macaque, sambar deer, 160 bird species including Javan hill-partridge, Javan hawk-eagle, Javan frogmouth, Javan myna, and crimson-winged woodpecker. |
 | Plants | Javanese edelweiss, Casuarina junghuhniana, 200 endemic orchid species |
 | Best travel time | April to October |
The Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park (Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru) rewards early risers. The alarm clock rings at half past three. Then, in the darkness, you drive with a Jeep and a speedy driver across the sand sea of the Tengger Caldera towards Gunung Pananjakan, the famous viewpoint overlooking the Tengger Massif, with the active Mount Bromo as its star.
It’s best to wrap yourself in a warm sarong like the locals while you wait for the first rays of sunlight. At this time, temperatures can drop to 4°C, which is very cold by Indonesian standards.
And then the spectacle begins: The sun peeks out from behind the mountainous ring that surrounds the vast caldera, bathing Bromo, Batok, and the mighty Semeru in the background in a magical red. A sight that seems to come straight from Mars, not from this world.
Back at the sand sea, covered with ash from previous eruptions of the constantly active Gunung Bromo, you switch from the Jeep to a horse. Riding past the Hindu temple Pura Luhur Poten, you head to the crater rim of Bromo. After covering the last part over steep steps, you look down into the smoking and bubbling entrails of the volcano and sense the sheer power of nature.
Once a year during Yadnya Kasada, the Tengger, the indigenous people of the area around the national park, come to this place and throw offerings, including live animals, into the mouth of the volcano. They aim to appease the god Sang Hyang Widhi (equated with Brahma) and pray for a good harvest.
The Tengger are descendants of the last remnants of the Hindu Majapahit Empire, which at its height ruled over the entire Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia, and parts of present-day Thailand. As Islam advanced on Java, their ancestors took refuge in the barren mountains of the Tengger Massif.
The national park also includes the active stratovolcano Gunung Semeru, the highest mountain in Java at 3,676 meters, which erupts an ash cloud approximately every 20 minutes.
Climbing Semeru is one of the most exciting trekking routes on Java. It is challenging but does not require professional skills. The route starts in the village of Ranu Pani in the lush green heart of the national park and can be completed in at least two days.
However, note that you must apply for a climbing permit in advance. Additionally, the mountain is closed to climbers for a few weeks starting in January each year to allow nature to recover. The same applies to periods of increased volcanic activity.
When visiting Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, you must not miss the Tumpak Sewu waterfalls. They are located on the southern edge of the national park and offer one of the most beautiful panoramas in Indonesia. The “Thousand Waterfalls,” as they are translated from Javanese, flow through dense jungle greenery while the mighty Semeru stands watch in the background.
Getting to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park: The nearest airports are Surabaya (SUB) and Malang (MLG), from which you can reach the national park in about 2 to 3 hours. There are three routes to the park:
- The first route goes from Probolinggo on the north coast through fertile slopes to Cemoro Lawang, a village on the edge overlooking the sand sea.
- The second route also starts in the north from Pasuruan to Tosari, an ideal starting point to experience the volcanic ensemble at sunrise. The viewpoint Bukit Cinta is, for example, just a 20-minute drive away.
- The third route is the least used and starts in Malang west of the national park and leads via Tumpang to the village of Ngadas. It is a good starting point to either travel to the Semeru basecamp in Ranupane or cross Laut Pasir to view Bromo from the less common southern perspective.
Our recommended tour for Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park
Bromo Sunrise & Madakaripura Waterfall from Surabaya or Malang
Active, adventurous travelers will enjoy this trek to Mount Bromo from Surabaya or Malang. The tour starts at midnight so you can reach Bromo in time to …
Indonesia
Top 7 Sustainable Hotels Near Mount Bromo
Komodo National Park
4,7
“On the islands of the last dinosaurs, you travel to a land before our time.”
| Location | Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Rugged volcanic islands, savanna, cloud forests, mangroves, coral reefs |
| Area | 1,817 km² |
| Animals | Komodo dragon, flying foxes, Timor deer, long-tailed macaques, civets, 12 land-dwelling snake species and several aquatic snake species, 79 bird species including the yellow-crested cockatoo, white-bellied sea-eagle, and Flores crow, over 1000 fish species including whale sharks, sunfish, and manta rays, 260 coral species, various whale and dolphin species, dugong |
| Plants | Various grasses, lontar palms, Schleichera, tamarind, Java olive tree, rattan |
| Best travel time | Mid-April to November |
When you disembark at Loh Buaya (Crocodile Bay) on Rinca Island in the Komodo National Park (Taman Nasional Komodo), you’ll feel like you’re in Jurassic Park. Passing through a large stone gate flanked by giant Komodo dragon statues, you’ll embark on a journey to a land before our time. Soon, you’ll spot the last living “dinosaurs” lounging in the shade of sparse trees in the savanah landscape of the island or ambling about.
However, always be cautious, as the world’s largest lizards (up to over 3 meters in length) can be lightning-fast. For this reason, the ranger accompanying you through the national park always carries a long forked stick to fend off the animal if necessary.
Komodo dragons live in the national park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on five islands – Pulau Komodo and Pulau Rinca house the largest populations, while Pulau Padar, Gili Motang, and Nusa Kode have only a few of these fascinating creatures. Additionally, outside the national park’s boundaries on Flores Island, in the nature reserves Wae Wuul, Wolo Tadho, Riung, and Tujuh Belas Pulau, around 2,000 Komodo dragons live – more individuals than on Komodo Island itself.
But the national park offers many more natural treasures beyond the “Komodo dragons”. Especially impressive is anchoring near Pulau Kalong at dusk. As the sun dips below the horizon, you can witness a unique spectacle: thousands of flying foxes take to the air from their sleeping trees and caves to embark on their nightly search for fruit and flower nectar.
Are you an experienced diver? Then a liveaboard diving safari in Komodo National Park is probably already on your bucket list. Here, the Pacific and Indian Oceans meet, and the tidal differences create some of the strongest currents in the world. With experienced dive guides, a current dive in Komodo National Park becomes an unforgettable experience. On this “underwater highway,” you have the chance to observe spectacular marine life, such as manta rays, Mola Mola, or whale sharks. Even an extremely rare megamouth shark has been filmed by divers off Komodo.
But even snorkelers will find plenty to enjoy. Around the smaller islands of the national park, such as Pulau Kelor or Pulau Papagarang, there are coral reefs teeming with marine life.
The perfect selfie spot can be found on Padar Island. The rugged island is one of the most famous photographic motifs in Indonesia. Additionally, the famous Pink Beach is located on the island, known for its fine pink sand.
Getting to Komodo National Park: Komodo National Park is usually visited from Labuan Bajo. The former fishing village has its own airport, Komodo Airport (LBJ), which is served daily from Bali. Alternatively, you can combine your visit to the park with an overland tour of Flores, ending in Labuan Bajo. Another option is a multi-day boat journey from Bali, passing through Lombok and along the coast of Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo.
To explore the national park itself, the best option is to charter a boat with a captain and crew and experience the wonders of the national park over 3 days and 2 nights. Alternatively, there are also day tours from Labuan Bajo.
Our recommended tour for Komodo National Park
Private boat trip Komodo 2 or more persons for 3 days 2 nights, Kelor, Rinca, Kalong, Padar
Discover the wildlife and landscapes of the Komodo Islands and surrounding areas on this 3-day boat excursion. Board a private ship and spend your days exploring the islands of Kelor, Rinca, Kalong, Padar, Punya, and Kanawa …
Indonesia
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Top 8 Sustainable Hotels in Labuan Bajo
Tanjung Puting National Park
4,7
“Take a boat trip to the last orangutans of Borneo.”
| Location | Kalimantan Tengah, Borneo, Indonesia |
| Landscape | River systems, Tropical lowland forests, Sundaland heath forests, Freshwater swamp forests, Peat swamp forests, Mangrove forests, Coastal forests, and Secondary forests |
| Area | 4,150 km² |
| Animals | Bornean orangutan, Proboscis monkey, Bornean gibbon, sun bear, mouse deer, Bornean bearded pig, Sunda gharial, saltwater crocodile, Asiatic softshell turtle, water monitor, 260 bird species including the Storm’s stork, black hornbill, Bornean crestless fireback, Bornean frogmouth, and Oriental darter |
| Plants | Tropical pitcher plants, screw pine, Asian spider lily, mangroves, nipa palm, shorea, agarwood, and more |
| Best travel time | May to October |
In the Tanjung Puting National Park (Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting), a truly unique adventure awaits you. On a Klotok, a traditional wooden houseboat, you’ll leisurely cruise along the Sekoyer River, passing through nipa palm groves and the lush jungle of the peat swamp forest in Kalimantan — as the island of Borneo is known in Indonesia.
During the multi-day trip, you’ll witness an impressive biodiversity along the riverbank, one that is hard to match. You’ll see groups of proboscis monkeys in the treetops. These fascinating primates, whose males have a distinctive pear-shaped nose, are ruminants and are found exclusively on Borneo.
You will also encounter hornbills, forest kingfishers, Sunda gavials, and water monitors during your river journey. But the most breathtaking moment will come when you spot your first wild orangutan (Indonesian: Orang = human, hutan = forest), skillfully swinging through the trees and bushes along the riverbank.
The largest remaining population of orangutans in the world lives in the Tanjung Puting National Park, which has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr. Biruté Galdikas, who came to Tanjung Puting in 1971 and is considered a pioneer of orangutan research, countless orphaned or captive orangutans have been rehabilitated and released into the wild in the national park over the past decades.
The researcher is part of the famous trio known as “Leaky’s Angels,” alongside Jane Goodall (chimpanzees) and Diane Fossey (gorillas). The paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey supported Dr. Galdikas’ studies of orangutans in their natural habitat. This is also why she named her research outpost deep in the Tanjung Puting jungle “Camp Leakey.”
Camp Leakey is one of the places where you will stop during your river expedition, allowing you to trek on foot along boardwalks and trails through the swampy jungle and observe rehabilitated orangutans and their natural behavior at the feeding station. This encounter with the great apes is a deeply moving experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Your experiences in the Tanjung Puting National Park will undoubtedly turn you into an advocate for the protection of orangutans. These animals are severely endangered due to the ongoing destruction of the rainforest. During your trip on the Sekoyer River, you will see gigantic palm oil plantations on the right bank outside the national park. For the oil palms that provide raw materials for fast food and cosmetics, the last forests of Borneo are being legally and illegally cleared. Wild orangutans that stray into these plantations in search of food are often brutally killed, even though they are protected by strict conservation laws.
This is why ecotourism is of great importance. The money that stays in the region allows us, as sustainable tourists, to help shift the local population’s mindset toward greater conservation.
Getting to Tanjung Puting National Park: The best way to reach the national park in Central Kalimantan is via Pangkalanbun Airport (PKN). From there, it’s only a 15-minute drive to the harbor of Kumai, where the Klotoks depart. The tours in the national park typically last two to five days. You’ll sleep on the boat under a clear starry sky and wake up to the magical sounds of the jungle.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Tanjung Puting National Park
Borneo
Orangutan Houseboat Sekonyer River
Our recommended tour for Tanjung Puting National Park
4-day private Orangutan and Primate Tour through Borneo from Pangkalanbuun
This private tour aboard a houseboat offers an opportunity to meet one of our closest relatives, the orangutan, in its natural environment. Travel from Pangkalanbuun over four days on various rivers, and observe…
Ujung Kulon National Park
4,4
“Visit the last home of the Javan Rhinos.”
| Location | Banten, Java, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Peninsula and offshore islands with coastal forests, mangroves, freshwater swamps, tropical lowland rainforests, and grasslands |
| Area | 1,229 km² |
| Animals | Javan rhinoceros, banteng, Javan gibbon, Javan surili, Dhole, Javan leopard, Java mouse-deer, fishing cat, Asian palm civet, Javan porcupine, pangolin, dolphin, dugong, sea turtle, 114 bird species including the green peafowl, the pink-headed imperial pigeon, the banded broadbill , and the jungle crow |
| Plants | Some endemic plants of Ujung Kulon include: Botryophora geniculata, Cleidion spiciflorum, Heritiera percoriacea, and seashore nutmeg |
| Best Travel Time | May to September |
If you paddle along the Cigenter River in the Ujung Kulon National Park (Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon) by canoe, you have a unique chance to spot the world’s rarest large mammal. The national park is the last remaining home of the critically endangered Java rhinoceros, which often visits the riverbank of the Cigenter.
“Ujung Kulon” means “western end” in Sundanese, as the oldest national park in Indonesia is located at the westernmost tip of Java. In 1992, Ujung Kulon was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it not only shelters Java rhinos but also harbors the largest remaining lowland rainforest on Java.
Other noteworthy habitats include mangrove forests and wetlands, which are ideal for bird watching, as well as beaches with coastal forests. The southern beach is another spot where Java rhinos are sometimes sighted. More often, however, you’ll find footprints and droppings of these elusive animals. The best chances for spotting them are during the dry season from April to October.
In the 1960s, there were only 25 rhinos left in Ujung Kulon. According to recent counts with wildlife cameras, around 75 rhinos, including some juveniles, now live in the park. A smaller population of the species lived in Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam, but the last remaining member of this population and its entire subspecies were wiped out by poachers in 2010. There are also no specimens in zoos, as the animals do not tolerate captivity. The last captive Java rhinoceros died in 1907 at the Adelaide Zoo in Australia.
The national park rangers can also organize jungle treks (one-day or multi-day). Some of the trekking routes open to visitors lead to Tanjung Layar, the westernmost tip of Java, where you can also find a lighthouse, to Ciramea beach, where sea turtles lay their eggs, and to Karang Copong on Peucang Island, home to more than 60 bird species.
Another highlight of your visit to Ujung Kulon National Park is a visit to the Cidaon clearing, one of the park’s most popular destinations. Here, you can observe a colony of wild cattle (Banteng), which visit this spot daily to graze.
The national park also includes the islands of Panaitan and Krakatau in the Sunda Strait. The latter was almost completely destroyed in 1883 by the explosive eruption of the volcano of the same name. The Krakatau eruption was so devastating that the shock wave circled the earth seven times and triggered a tsunami up to 40 meters high, claiming nearly 40,000 lives. The explosion, with a force equivalent to up to 100,000 Hiroshima bombs, is considered the loudest sound ever perceived by humans. Today, a new highly active volcanic island called Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) rises from the center of the submerged caldera of the volcano.
The Ujung Kulon peninsula was devastated by the Krakatau eruption. The Java rhinos repopulated the peninsula after this event, but human settlers never returned in large numbers, creating a safe haven for wildlife and the foundation for the national park.
Before visiting Ujung Kulon National Park, please check for any volcanic activity warnings regarding Anak Krakatau for safety reasons, as past eruptions of the young volcano have led to meter-high tsunamis in the area of the national park.
Getting to Ujung Kulon National Park: The nearest airport is Soekarno Hatta International Airport (CGK), located in Tangerang City, west of Jakarta. From there, it’s about a 4-5 hour drive to Labuhan. In Labuhan, the park service provides permits for visiting the national park. The best entry point to Ujung Kulon is Taman Jaya, further south of Labuhan. From there, you can either rent a boat or, accompanied by a ranger, hike through the park on foot. If you’re interested in Krakatau, a motorboat ride takes about two hours.
Our recommended tour for Ujung Kulon National Park
3-day private tour of Ujung Kulon National Park
The Ujung Kulon National Park is part of the Krakatoa volcanic island group. The Ujung Kulon tour program is best suited for a longer trip to engage in activities such as jungle trekking, canoeing…
Bunaken National Park
4,6
“The Diver’s Paradise at the Northern Tip of Sulawesi.”
| Location | Sulawesi Utara, Sulawesi, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Volcanic and coral islands, surrounded by diverse coral reefs and deep drop-offs. |
| Area | 891 km² |
| Wildlife | Approximately 390 coral species and 3,000 fish species, including grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, whale sharks, giant manta rays, and giant moray eels. Also, sea turtles, dugongs, and mollusks such as the nautilus or giant clams. On land, you can find Celebs crested macaques, Sunda sambars, Sulawesi bear cuscuses, 112 bird species including Sulawesi Swiftlets, Sulawesi masked owl, Sulawesi scops owl, and yellow-cheeked lorikeet. |
| Plants | Seaweeds and seagrasses like caulerpa, halimeda, padina pavonica, and halassia hemprichii. Mangroves and palm species like sago and coconut palms can be found on the islands. |
| Best Travel Time | May to August |
The Bunaken National Park (Taman Nasional Bunaken) in the heart of the unique Coral Triangle offers an underwater world like no other. Bunaken attracts visitors from all over the world to marvel at the diversity of several hundred coral species. Access is easy as Bunaken is just a stone’s throw from Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi.
The national park spans 890 km² and includes not only the banana-shaped Bunaken Island itself but also the neighboring islands Manado Tua (a prominent, extinct volcano in a conical shape), Siladen, Mantehage, Nain, and Nain Kecil.
What makes Bunaken National Park so special? The abundance of corals and fish. A whole 70% of all fish species in the Indo-West Pacific can be found here. The clarity of the water is equally impressive (during the dry season, visibility of up to 35 meters is common). In some places, the reef drops off steeply as a dramatic underwater wall.
Bunaken Timur, right off the east coast of the island, is considered by many to be the best dive site in all of Indonesia. Here you’ll find the highest coral biodiversity in the entire Bunaken area.
Other top dive sites include:
- Sachiko: Here you’ll encounter wire corals, Napoleon wrasse, and numerous green sea turtles.
- Lekuan: An impressive vertical wall that houses both small creatures like sea slugs and frogfish as well as larger marine life like barracudas and reef sharks.
- Pangulingan: This exciting dive site offers the chance to see schools of snapper, jacks, tuna, and sometimes hammerhead sharks as you move through the current.
- Bualo: This dive spot features some great overhangs, caves, and caverns, and the opportunity to discover pelagic species as well as small critters.
- Siladen Wall: A gentle current carries divers along this coral wall, characterized by good visibility.
The steep drop-offs and occasionally strong, rapidly changing currents mean that many of the roughly 20 dive sites around Bunaken Island are more suitable for advanced divers. However, there are also beginner-friendly dive sites, and all dive schools offer introductory dives and Open Water Dive courses.
If you also want to be active on land, consider an early morning hike up the extinct Manado Tua Volcano. Enjoy spectacular views of the volcanoes and islands of North Sulawesi.
Fortunately, threats to the Bunaken Marine Protected Area, such as dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, or coral mining have largely been contained, but we must remain vigilant to preserve this Garden of Eden underwater in all its glory.
TIP: You can ideally combine your stay in Bunaken National Park with a visit to the Tangkoko Nature Reserve. There you can observe Sulawesi tarsiers and Celebs crested macaques. Tangkoko is only 60 km from Manado and can be reached from Bunaken in about two hours.
Getting to Bunaken National Park: You can reach Bunaken by boat in just 30 to 60 minutes from Manado. Most resorts and hotels arrange transfers from Manado Airport (MDC) for their guests. Alternatively, public boats depart daily (except Sundays) from the “Kalimas” boat terminal in Manado heading to Bunaken.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Bunaken National Park
Sulawesi
Bunaken Cha Cha Nature Resort
Our recommended tour for Bunaken National Park
Dive at 3 Spots in Bunaken National Park
You will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the port. From there, a boat will take you to Bunaken Island, where you will enjoy a dive session with a professional instructor. After this great experience, there will be a break for a delicious lunch on Bunaken. Afterwards, you will continue your diving adventure with two more dives and …
Indonesia
Top 8 Sustainable Hotels in Bunaken National Park
Gunung Leuser National Park
4,6
“The Last Natural Habitat of the Sumatra Orangutans.”
| Location | Aceh and Sumatera Utara, Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Mountains and hills in the northern part of the Bukit Barisan mountain range. Several rivers. Habitats range from coastal ecosystems to tropical zones and subalpine mountain ecosystems. |
| Area | 8,302 km² |
| Animals | Sumatran orangutan, Sumatran elephant, Sumatran ziger, Sumatran rhino, siamang, white-handed gibbon, Sumatran serow, sambar deer, sun bear, clouded leopard, saltwater crocodile, 337 bird species including Bronze-tailed peacock pheasant, Sumatran green pigeon, Sumatran frogmouth, Sumatran treepie, and rhinoceros hornbill. |
| Plants | Flora includes about 10,000 plant species, including the spectacular rafflesia arnoldii and amorphophallus titanum, the largest and tallest flower in the world. |
| Best Travel Time | Late April to early October |
The Gunung Leuser National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser) is the northernmost national park in the Barisan Mountains and is one of the three reserves listed as a World Heritage Site under the nature monument of the “Tropical Rainforests of Sumatra“.
It also functions as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with the goal of preserving its impressive array of endemic species, including Sumatran orangutans, Thomas’s leaf monkeys, hornbills, sun bears, unique butterflies, as well as some of the last populations of Sumatran elephants, Sumatran tigers, and Sumatran rhinos.
A jungle trek is an absolute must. Encountering orangutans in the wild could become one of the most impressive experiences of your life. It is estimated that around 10,000 orangutans still live in the Gunung Leuser National Park area. To visit the park, local guides are necessary as the trails are unmarked and challenging.
- Bukit Lawang: It is highly recommended to take a trekking tour with one of the official Orangutan Rehabilitation Center Rangers, as there can be issues with guides feeding the orangutans to ensure tourists get a sighting. There have been instances where guides have fed orangutans with human food during a trek to make the wild animals pose for tourists. Some orangutans have become sick or died as a result. You should never approach the animals, call them, or feed them, even if your guide casually tells you it’s okay.
- Ketembe: Here you can see truly wild orangutans (in Bukit Lawang, the orangutans are all semi-wild or rehabilitated). It is not unusual to also see other mammals such as gibbons, barking deer, civet cats, binturongs, kanchil, and Sunda leopard cats. There are also Sumatran elephants, tigers, and rhinos, but these are extremely rare to spot. On a 2- to 3-day expedition, you can trek to hot springs in the jungle and camp there. The treks are not very strenuous as the focus is on wildlife spotting, not hiking.
It is also possible to climb the 3,466-meter-high Gunung Leuser, after which the park is named. The trek from Kedah (near Blangkejeren) to the summit of Gunung Leuser and back takes a total of 14 days. You will experience tranquility, seclusion, and pristine nature with jungles, rivers, and a beautiful mountain landscape untouched by commercial tourism. Since the trek is about 70% in alpine regions, you won’t see much wildlife but will experience exciting flora.
The park is home to nearly 4,000 plant species, including impressive dipterocarpus and rare Rafflesia blooms.
This paradise is, however, threatened by oil palm plantations, illegal logging, population pressure, and poaching. Although conservation measures have improved, there is still much work to be done.
Getting to Gunung Leuser National Park: The best starting point for visiting the park is the village of Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra – accessible via Medan Airport (KNO). Alternatively, the village of Ketambe is a good access point to the park – reachable via Alas Leuser Airport (LSR) in Kutcane.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Gunung Leuser National Park
Sumatra
EcoTravel Cottages Bukit Lawang
Our recommended tour for Gunung Leuser National Park
Tour Package 4 Days 3 Nights in Bukit Lawang
A visit to Gunung Leuser National Park to look for orangutans is a must if you are in Sumatra. Leave the logistics to the experts and relax with this 3-night package including transfers directly from your hotel in Medan in the capable hands of an experienced local guide. You will enjoy …
Indonesia
Top 8 Sustainable Hotels in Bukit Lawang
Kerinci Seblat National Park
4,9
“Discover the largest flower in the world, in the largest national park of Sumatra.”
| Location | Jambi, Sumatra Barat, Bengkulu, and Sumatra Selatan, Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Southern part of the Bukit Barisan mountain range, mainly consisting of volcanoes. The highest volcano in the range is Kerinci. Other topographical features include several rivers, caves, waterfalls, hot springs, and the largest caldera lake in Southeast Asia. The park’s ecosystems include lowland and mountain rainforests, tropical pine forests, peat swamps, and freshwater swamps. |
| Area | 13,895 km² |
| Animals | Sumatran tiger, Sumatran elephant, Sunda clouded leopard, marbled cat, leopard cat, Asian golden cat, Sumatran muntjac, sun bear, black-and-white tapir, 371 bird species, including the very rare Sumatran ground cuckoo, which is one of 17 endemic species in Kerinci-Seblat National Park. |
| Plants | Over 4,000 different plants, including the titan arum, rafflesia arnoldii, Kerinci Pine (Pinus merkusii kerinci), dipterocarpaceae, and 300 orchid species. |
| Best Travel Time | May to September |
The Kerinci-Seblat National Park (Taman Nasional Kerinci Seblat) is the largest national park in Indonesia after the Lorentz National Park in Papua and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Tropical Rainforests of Sumatra.”
The park is named after the imposing Gunung Kerinci, which, at 3,805 meters, is the highest active volcano in Indonesia. From the village of Kersik Tuo, you can embark on a two-day expedition to the summit – an unforgettable adventure that rewards you with breathtaking views of the Sumatra rainforest.
The national park is home to impressive 85 mammal species, including five endemic and 23 endangered species. Notably, the population of the Sumatran tiger is significant here, making the park one of the world’s most important tiger conservation areas.
For bird lovers, the Kerinci-Seblat National Park is a true paradise. Here, you can admire most of the endemic bird species of Sumatra, including the Schneider’s pitta, the Salvadori’s pheasant, and the Sumatran ground cuckoo, which was long thought to be extinct before being rediscovered in Kerinci-Seblat.
In the midst of this unique natural world, you’ll encounter the impressive giant rafflesia (Rafflesia arnoldii), which boasts the largest and heaviest single flowers in the plant kingdom. Equally fascinating is the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), also known as the corpse flower, which forms the largest unbranched inflorescence in the plant world, reaching up to three meters in height.
The national park also includes numerous lakes worth exploring, including Danau Tes, Danau Dua, and Danau Gunung Tujuh – the highest caldera lake in Southeast Asia.
If you stay in Sungai Penuh, be sure to take a night safari in the dense forest of Bukit Tapan. You can get help from the national park office or your hotel in renting a car. The night drive offers a rare opportunity to experience the tropical rainforest in the dark and perhaps spot some of its inhabitants – Sumatran tigers, Asian golden cats, sun bears, tapirs, civet cats, and rare serows have been spotted on such night drives.
The area around Muara Hemat and Birun near Danau Kerinci is one of the best places to encounter wild tigers or at least find their tracks. Here, you can also admire rafflesia, amorphophallus, and rare orchids as well as enjoy fantastic birdwatching.
Getting to Kerinci-Seblat National Park: The quickest way to reach the Kerinci area of the national park is through the international airport Minangkabau (PDG) in Padang (about a seven-hour drive). Jambi City (the capital of Jambi Province) is about nine hours away. The Bengkulu airport (BKS) is a good option for visits to northern Bengkulu (elephants) and the Curup area of the national park (rafflesia).
Way Kambas National Park
4,3
“Here the critically endangered Sumatran elephants and rhinos find their protection.”
| Location | Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Lowland rainforests, floodplain forests, coastal forests, and grasslands. |
| Area | 1,300 km2 |
| Animals | 50 mammal species, including the Sumatran elephant, Sumatran rhino, Sumatran tiger, Asian tapir, Sumatran red dog, siamang, Sunda flying lemur, slow loris, western tarsier, and binturong; reptiles such as the Sunda gharial, Sumatran gliding lizard, and tokay gecko; 400 bird species, including the white-winged duck, cerulean kingfisher, Asian woolly-necked stork, Sumatran peacock-pheasant, and Sumatran drongo. |
| Plants | Mangroves, nipa palms, syzygium, shorea, screw pines, theaceae, dipterocarpaceae, and casuarinaceae. |
| Best Travel Time | June to September |
The Way Kambas National Park (Taman Nasional Way Kambas) is one of the oldest protected forests in Indonesia. Despite severe deforestation for plantations and rampant poaching, it has preserved populations of some of Southeast Asia’s most endangered mammals.
Here you can encounter the Sumatran rhino, the Sumatran elephant, and the Sumatran tiger – impressive creatures that are among the rarest of their kind.
A special highlight of the national park is the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, where a successful breeding program for the endangered Sumatran rhinos is in place. The population of these rhinos is on the brink of extinction, with only about 80 individuals left worldwide.
Here you have the unique opportunity to get close to these majestic animals. However, please note that visits are not possible when the rhinos show signs of mating behavior to minimize disturbances.
Way Kambas National Park offers a variety of activities, including safaris along a defined jeep route, boat trips on the Way Kanan River, and hiking through the jungle on various trails. There is even a trail where, with some luck, you can spot fresh tiger tracks.
Apart from the wild Sumatran elephants in the park, the Way Kambas Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) also houses domesticated elephants. These are used by elephant handlers (mahouts) for patrols to prevent wild elephants from leaving the protected area and destroying nearby banana plantations and grain fields. In the past, conflicts between farmers and elephants have sadly resulted in fatal incidents on both sides.
Unfortunately, in the past, the domesticated elephants at the ECC were used for questionable activities such as elephant rides and elephant shows. This led to the national park not receiving approval for reopening from the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry after its temporary closure during the COVID pandemic.
Fortunately, thanks to a fundamental realignment of management since the reopening at the end of 2023, such exploitation of the elephants is no longer expected. The authorities have recognized that such activities are incompatible with the well-being of the animals and contrary to the efforts to protect biodiversity in Way Kambas.
Traveling to Way Kambas National Park: The nearest major city, Bandar Lampung, is about a two-hour drive away. The city has an airport, Bandar Udara Radin Inten II (TKG). Another option is to travel by ferry from Java to Bakauheni, and then continue by car to Way Kambas.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Way Kambas National Park
Sumatra
Radisson Lampung Kedaton
Bali Barat National Park
4,5
“A Paradise for Birdwatchers.”
| Location | Bali, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Peninsula with remnants of four Pleistocene volcanoes. Forest and savanna habitats as well as coral reef ecosystems. |
| Area | 190 km² |
| Animals | 298 bird species including the Bali Starling, the Indian whistling duck, the Sunda warbler, the yellow-throated hanging parrot, the Javan flameback, the Javan plover, and the barred dove. Mammals include the banteng, the sambar deer, the Indian muntjac, the East Javan langur, the kalong fruit bat, and the Sunda leopard cat. Reptiles include the Asian water monitor and the hawksbill sea turtle. |
| Plants | Salamander tree, Queen’s flower, sandalwood tree, candlenut tree, Schleichera, dipterocarpaceae, Garcinia dulcis, Manilkara kauki, rosewood, golden shower tree. |
| Best Travel Time | April to October |
The West Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat) spans the entire Prapat Agung Peninsula as well as large areas around the towns of Gilimanuk, Cekik, and Banyuwedang. Since 1917, when Indonesia was still a Dutch colony, this area has been designated as a protected area, before being officially declared a national park in 1995.
The park’s major highlight is the Bali starling or Bali mynah. These birds are critically endangered and are slowly recovering from near extinction in the 20th century. After a failed attempt in the 1990s to reintroduce captive birds into the West Bali National Park due to poaching, there are now three successful breeding and release programs on Bali.
The importance of efforts to protect endangered species is highlighted by the tragic fate of the Bali tiger, which was native to the areas now part of the Bali Barat National Park until its extinction in the 1930s.
The park’s official trails are best explored with a guide recommended by the national park office. Particularly popular among bird enthusiasts is the Tegal Blunder Trail, an easy two-hour hike.
The ranger checkpoint is located in the village of Slumber Klampok, about 20 minutes west of Cekik. From here, you can also take the more challenging Gunung Klatakan Trail to the southeast. This more strenuous route takes about five hours but passes through an unforgettable rainforest.
There are additional trails and opportunities for interesting hikes deeper into the Prapat Agung Peninsula. Ask the guides which ones they recommend for the current season.
The uninhabited Menjangan Island (also known as Deer Island) is a must-visit for anyone visiting Bali interested in marine life, snorkeling, or diving. Boats depart from the beach at Labuan Lalang on the northern edge of Teluk Terima Bay and can be chartered on-site. Snorkeling here is probably the best on Bali, with over 100 species of coral, clear water, and calm seas.
On the island, you’ll also find the Hindu temple Puri Gili Kencana and a huge white Ganesha statue overlooking the open sea.
Another worthwhile activity is a mangrove tour by traditional fishing boat, which takes about 2-3 hours and winds through fascinating mangrove forests where you can observe birds (like fishing lesser adjutants), amphibious mudskippers, sea urchins, starfish, and crabs.
Getting to Bali Barat National Park: The nearest airport is in Denpasar (DPS). You can travel along the northern coastal road from Lovina via Pemuteran or also from the southwest via Gilimanuk, a port town where ferries from Banjuwangi in Java arrive. All national park visitors must register at one of the two park offices. There, you can obtain visitor permits and arrange guides. The main administration is located in the village of Cekik, south of Gilimanuk. The other office is in Labuan Lalang on the north coast, from where boats to Menjangan Island also depart.
Our recommended tour for Bali Barat National Park
West Bali Jungle Trek
At the western end of the island lies the pristine beauty of West Bali National Park. Lush green forests, picturesque mountain ranges, crystal-clear blue water, and vast untouched beach stretches make this national treasure. Start the trek in the sacred temple complex of Jayaprana and hear the tragic love story …
Indonesia
Top 9 Sustainable Hotels Near West Bali National Park
Baluran Nationalpark
4,6
“Feel like you’re on safari in Africa in Java’s savanna.”
| Location | Jawa Timur, Java, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Savanna landscape, tropical rainforest, mangrove forest, freshwater swamps, and coastal forest. |
| Area | 250 km² |
| Animals | 26 mammal species, including the endangered Banteng, the water buffalo, the Javan leopard, the East Javan langur, the Java mouse-deer, and the Javan muntjac, 200 bird species, including the lesser whistling duck, the lesser adjutant, the Malay fish owl, the Oriental hobby, and the Malabar pied hornbill. |
| Plants | Over 440 plant species, including endemic species like Ziziphus rotundifolia, Azadirachta indica, and Acacia leucophloea. |
| Best Travel Time | March to October |
The locals call the Baluran National Park (Taman Nasional Baluran) “Little Africa” for a reason. From a viewing tower, you get a breathtaking view of the dramatic landscape of the Bekol Savanna in the heart of the park, with the impressive Mount Baluran in the background. It feels like you’re in the grasslands of Tanzania or Kenya. In the hot months, herds of Javan rusas, buffaloes, and the few remaining Banteng gather around a watering hole – an impressive sight.
But Baluran National Park has much more to offer. About 15 kilometers from the main entrance, you’ll find the beautiful white sand beach called Bama Beach (Pantai Bama). Mangroves line the beach, and a healthy coral reef lies a bit further out to sea. This is the perfect spot for diving and snorkeling. At low tide, you can watch the Javanese macaques fishing for crabs. During the rutting season from July to August, you can also observe the fascinating fights between the male sambar deer.
The park’s dominant feature is the 1,247-meter high Gunung Baluran, an extinct volcano that you can also climb. Although it’s not very high by Javanese standards, the view from the top rewards you with a fantastic panorama in all directions. On clear days, you can even spot Bali in the distance.
If you’re looking for a real adventure, the water sources at Manting and Air Kacip offer the best chance to see one of the elusive Javan leopards. The nocturnal clouded leopards can also be observed in Baluran National Park. For such a nocturnal excursion, you will need a special permit from the park administration.
Getting to Baluran National Park: To reach the national park, located in the regencies of Banyuwangi and Situbondo, you can either drive from Surabaya (Airport SUB) or take a ferry from Bali (Airport DPS) to Banyuwangi. The entrance and visitor center of Baluran National Park is located on Indonesian National Route 1 near the village of Wonorejo. This is also where you pay the national park fee.
Our recommended tour for Baluran National Park
Amazing Banyuwangi: Beach, Mount Ijen, and Baluran National Park Tour
Discover the magical beauty of East Java with this tour package. It takes you to the famous beaches of Banyuwangi, Djawatan Forest, Mount Ijen, and Baluran National Park. Bring your camera and …
Kelimutu National Park
4,7
“The mystical land of the three-colored crater lakes.”
| Location | Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Hills and mountains including the Kelimutu volcano with its three crater lakes |
| Area | 54 km² |
| Animals | 19 bird species including the Flores green pigeon, Wallace’s scops owl, Flores jungle flycatcher, Flores minivet, and Flores hawk-eagle. There are four endemic mammal species including the paulamys naso and Hainald’s Flores Island Rat. |
| Plants | For example, begonia kelimutuensis, albizia montana, homalanthus giganteus, putranjiva roxburghii, ardisia humilis, eucalyptus urophylla and ficus villosa. |
| Best Travel Time | Mid-April to November |
In the Kelimutu National Park (Taman Nasional Kelimutu), Mount Kelimutu rises majestically over the landscape at 1,639 meters above sea level. The three fascinating summit crater lakes, Tiwu Ata Bupu, Tiwu Ko’o Fai Nuwa Muri, and Tiwu Ata Polo, form the heart of the smallest national park in Indonesia.
The western Tiwu Ata Bupu usually appears almost black, while Tiwu Ko’o Fai Nuwa Muri and Tiwu Ata Polo share a common crater wall and typically shine in turquoise green and red colors.
The colors of the lakes undergo unpredictable periodic changes related to volcanic activity and resulting circulation at the lake bottoms. Each lake has its own connection to the activity of the underlying volcano, causing the colors to change independently of each other.
The ideal time to visit this breathtaking natural setting is at sunrise. But dress warmly, as it can be quite chilly in the early morning hours. Fortunately, fresh coffee is served at the viewpoint to warm you up and invigorate you.
For the local Lio people, Kelimutu holds great spiritual significance. They believe that the souls of the deceased wander here. The souls of the young find refuge in the warmth of Tiwu Koo Fai Nuwa Muri (Lake of Young Men and Women), those of the elderly in the cold Tiwu Ata Bupu (Lake of the Old), and those of the evil people in Tiwu Ata Polo (Cursed Lake).
During the annual ‘Feed the Spirit of the Ancestors’ ceremony on August 14th, the Lio, accompanied by traditional dances, leave precious offerings like pork, betel nuts, rice, and other valuables on ceremonial stones next to the lakes.
But not only Kelimutu itself is impressive; the surrounding nature also offers some attractions. Waterfalls like the picturesque Marundao Waterfall and hot springs such as the Ae Wau Spring, fed by the Kelimutu lakes, invite exploration. The sulfurous water of the hot springs is also said to have healing properties for skin diseases.
Right next to the Kelimutu National Park visitor parking lot, you’ll find an arboretum, where you can discover an impressive variety of almost 80 different tree species native to Kelimutu National Park.
Getting to Kelimutu National Park: The nearest airports are Maumere (MOF) and Ende, with Ende (ENE) offering regular flights from Bali. From Ende, a picturesque approximately two-hour drive takes you to Moni, the town at the foot of Kelimutu, where cozy accommodations await you.
From Moni, it takes just 30 minutes to reach the Kelimutu visitor parking lot, from where a short but impressive 1.5-kilometer hike leads you to the summit of Gunung Kelimutu.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Kelimutu National Park
Flores
Bintang by Tobias Lodge Cafe & Restaurant
Our recommended tour for Kelimutu National Park
Flores Tours: 2 Days Breathtaking Kelimutu Lake Tour
You will be picked up from Ende or Maumere airport. The tour includes accommodation, a comfortable car with an English-speaking driver/guide, and meals. The highlight of this trip is your visit to the famous Kelimutu volcano with its three-colored lakes. …
Karimunjawa National Park
4,7
“The Pearl of the Java Sea.”
| Location | Jepara, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Hilly islands with lowland rainforests, coastal and mangrove forests, surrounded by seagrass beds and coral reefs. |
| Area | 1,101 km² |
| Animals | In the water: Over 90 coral species, 242 ornamental fish species, Triton’s trumpet, nautilus, horned helmet, green sea turtle, and hawksbill sea turtle. On land: White-bellied sea eagle, green imperial pigeon, red-breasted parakeet, lemon-bellied white-eye, Sunda pangolin, Sunda sambar, Long-tailed macaque, and Malayan pit viper. |
| Plants | Seaweeds and seagrasses, mangroves, fagraea elliptica, pemphis acidula, cordia subcordata. |
| Best Travel Time | April to October |
Are you ready for an adventure in the tropical paradise of Java? The Karimunjawa National Park (Taman Nasional Karimunjawa), consisting of 27 islands and an impressive marine reserve of 110,000 hectares, awaits you.
The islands, of which only five are permanently inhabited, are home to some of the most stunning white sandy beaches you can imagine. Whether at Pantai Bobby, Pantai Ujung Gelam, Pantai Batu Topeng, or Sunset Beach – here you’ll find the perfect spot to relax.
For snorkeling enthusiasts, there are numerous spots along the fringing coral reefs where you can dive into the fascinating underwater world and perhaps even find Nemo.
And for diving enthusiasts, the wreck of the 1960-sunken SS Indonor is a real highlight. It has now become an artificial reef inhabited by numerous nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, crocodile fish, and parrot fish.
A special experience awaits you at the “Konservasi Penyu Taman Nasional Karimunjawa” – a turtle rescue station. Here, during the hatching season from around April to October, you even have the opportunity to release baby turtles into the wild.
There is also a protection facility for blacktip and whitetip reef sharks on Pulau Menjangan Besar. However, as the sharks are kept in small tanks where visitors can swim with them for a fee, we cannot recommend this facility.
For nature lovers, the mangrove boardwalk on the main island is an absolute must. Here you can experience the unique flora and fauna of the Karimunjawa mangrove forest up close on wooden walkways.
Getting to Karimunjawa National Park: Regular ferries connect Jepara, Semarang (Airport SRG), and Kendal. Only during the monsoon season from December to February might there be disruptions for a day or two due to high waves. The best option is the speedboat, which takes you from Jepara to Karimunjawa in just two hours.
Our recommended tour for Karimunjawa National Park
Karimunjawa Archipelago 3-Day Snorkeling Tour
Experience island hopping in the Karimunjawa Archipelago on a 3-day snorkeling tour from Jepara. You’ll walk past mangrove trees, snorkel in the sea, and stay in a hotel – breakfast, lunch, and dinner included …
Indonesia
Top 10 Sustainable Hotels on the Karimunjawa Islands
Gunung Merbabu National Park
4,7
“Climb the Volcano of the Javanese edelweiss.”
| Location | Jawa Tengah, Java, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Inactive stratovolcano with cloud and mist forest |
| Area | 57 km² |
| Animals | Javan leopard, long-tailed macaque, muntjac, Sunda porcupine, and Asian palm civet, as well as 73 bird species, including the Sunda minivet, Javan cuckooshrike, Sunda warbler, pygmy bushtit, Sunda pygmy woodpecker, and Javan myna. |
| Plants | Javanese edelweiss, acacia species, casuarinas, albizia lophanta, engelhardtia serrata, tea shrubs, and Merkus pine. |
| Best Travel Time | May to October |
The Merbabu National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Merbabu) is a protected area surrounding the dormant Merbabu Stratovolcano and is one of the most popular hiking destinations on Java.
The ‘Mountain of Ash‘, as Merbabu is translated from Javanese, is closely associated with Mount Merapi, which rises on its southeastern side. Between Merbabu and Merapi lies a broad saddle at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Here, the idyllic village of Selo is nestled amidst fertile farmland.
Several prominent peaks crown Mount Merbabu: Puncak Suwanting (3,017 m), Puncak Syarif (3,137 m), Puncak Triangulasi (3,142 m), and Puncak Kenteng Songo (3,142 m).
- From the Northeast, you can reach these peaks from the village of Kopeng, either via Thekelan or Wekas.
- From the Northwest, you can access the Syarif peak from the village of Timboa.
- Alternatively, you can climb the mountain from the Southeast starting from the village of Selo or from the Southwest starting from the village of Suwanting.
Along the hiking routes, you’ll find campsites where you can experience one of the magical sunrises or sunsets from one of Merbabu’s peaks.
In the midst of the dense forests of Merbabu National Park, you can observe an impressive variety of wildlife – from long-tailed macaques and Javan surilis to plantain squirrels, Javan palm pit vipers, and majestic Javan hawk-eagle. Stunning waterfalls and the blooming beauty of Java edelweiss also line the hiking trails to the summit!
To visit the park, an online registration is required.
Getting to Merbabu National Park: The Merbabu National Park borders the regencies of Boyolali to the east and south, Magelang to the west, and Semarang to the north. You can easily reach the starting points for hiking routes to Gunung Merbabu in Kopeng or Selo by bus, car, or motorcycle from all major cities in Central Java, such as Yogyakarta (Airport YIA), Semarang (Airport SRG) or Solo (Airport SOC).
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Gunung Merbabu National Park
Java
Sunsetfalls Gardens and Resort
Our recommended tour for Gunung Merbabu National Park
Mount Merbabu Camping 2 Days 1 Night from Yogyakarta
Embark on this guided tour to the volcanic Dieng Plateau in Central Java. You will rise before dawn and hike to the summit of Sikunir Hill to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Afterwards, you will visit …
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Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park
4,7
“Explore the blooming twin volcanoes.”
| Location | Jawa Barat, Java, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Two stratovolcanoes connected by a mountain saddle. Steep slopes with fast-flowing mountain streams and waterfalls. Low montane, montane and subalpine mountain forests (elfin forests) can be found here. |
| Area | 243 km² |
| Animals | Javan gibbon, Javan surili, Javan ferret-badger, Javan leopard, Asiatic wild dog, Oriental shrew, Javan thick-thumbed bat, Javan mastiff bat, Bartels’ flying squirrel, 277 bird species including the grey-cheeked green pigeon, Salvadori’s nightjar, the volcanio swiftlet, Javan scops owl, the Javan trogon, the brown-throated barbet, the Javan bulbul, and the Javan munia. |
| Plants | 870 flowering plant species, many of which are documented only here, 170 fern species, up to 200 orchid species. |
| Best travel time | May to October |
The Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Gede-Pangrango) is the most visited national park in Indonesia, thanks to its proximity to the bustling metropolis of Jakarta.
Several routes lead through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, allowing you to climb the twin volcanoes with peaks Gede (2,958 m) and Pangrango (3,019 m). The two volcanoes are connected by a ridge that extends at an altitude of 2,400 m above sea level.
What makes this national park special is the impressive diversity of plants that makes the mountain forests bloom. In the montane and subalpine forests, from an altitude of 1,500 m up to the peaks of Gede and Pangrango, an impressive 870 species of flowering plants and 150 fern species have been counted. No less than 200 orchid species adorn this mystical landscape, and of the 68 mountain plant species, 9 are found exclusively on Gunung Gede.
Between the crater rims of Gunung Gede and the extinct Gunung Gumuruh extends a bleak highland valley called Alun-alun Suryakancana. Here you will find a beautifully blooming landscape of thousands of Javanese edelweiss plants.
Not only because of the diverse flora but also for the acclimatization of culturally imported plants to Indonesia, the Cibodas Botanical Garden was established at the foot of Gede by Dutch colonialists in 1852. They had already cultivated coffee here for the first time in 1696, which became Java’s most prominent export product. The botanical garden with its nearly 11,000 plant specimens is definitely worth a visit.
The national park also offers a wealth of other natural beauties, including waterfalls like the Cibeureum Waterfall, lakes like Situ Gunung Lake, hot springs, and the longest suspension bridge in Southeast Asia (243 m).
Getting to Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park: The national park is located between the cities of Bogor, Sukabumi, and Cianjur, about 60 km south of the capital Jakarta. The nearest airports are Jakarta (CGK) and Bandung (BDO). There are four main entrances to the park: From Cibodas, Gunung Putri (village Sukatani), and Selabintana, each starting a hiking route to the peaks. The Situ Gunung entrance, on the other hand, leads you to a lake area mainly used for local recreation.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park
Java
Novus Giri Resort & Spa
Our recommended tour for Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park
Situ Gunung Waterfall & Sukabumi Suspension Bridge
Explore the jungle and waterfalls of Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park from Jakarta. Walk along the longest suspension bridge in Southeast Asia, Situ Gunung, and see …
Gunung Rinjani National Park
4,7
“Experience the birth of a volcano in Rinjani’s great crater lake.”
| Location | Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Active volcanic complex with a large crater lake in the caldera. A new volcano is forming at the eastern edge of the crater lake. Hot springs. Tropical rainforest, mountain rainforest, and subalpine cloud forest. |
| Area | 413 km² |
| Animals | Java palm civet, Java muntjac, East Javan langur, Javan pangolin, rusa deer, Sunda porcupine, 119 bird species including the Sunda teal, Sunda cuckoo-dove, Flores hawk-eagle, Lombok scops owl, Timor kingfisher, helmeted friarbird, yellow-cheeked cockatoo, Lombok honeyeater, and Sumbawa thrush. |
| Plants | Mahogany species such as aglaia argentea and toona sureni, fig species such as banyan and ficus superba, Javanese edelweiss, pterospermum javanicum, Vanda orchids, and the endemic forest orchids perisstylus rinjaniensis and perisstylus lombokensis. |
| Best Travel Time | May to September |
The Gunung Rinjani National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani) on Lombok protects the area around Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano at an impressive 3,726 meters. From its summit, on clear days, you can see half of Lombok, the Gili Islands, and even as far as Bali.
In the middle of its vast 50 km² caldera lies the crater lake called Segara Anak (“Child of the Sea”), named for its remarkable color. Though the lake is 2,010 meters above sea level, its thermal water maintains a pleasant temperature of around 20-22 degrees Celsius, inviting you to take a dip.
During past eruptions, the volcano inside the caldera has formed a new small cone, called Gunung Baru Jari (“New-Finger-Mountain”), also known as Anak Gunung Rinjani (“Child of Rinjani”). The young volcano grows with each eruption, with the last one occurring in 2015.
Climbing Rinjani is quite feasible if you are physically fit. However, most visitors to Rinjani National Park do not take the challenging route to the summit but end their hike at the crater rim. From here, you get a breathtaking view of the crater lake and Mount Barujari.
Several routes are available:
- The Senaru Route is the most popular path to the crater rim of Rinjani. It starts at 600 meters in the village of Senaru and takes about 6 hours to reach the crater rim at 2,600 meters. From here, you can enjoy a stunning sunrise over Segara Anak and Gunung Baru.
- The route from the villages of Sembalun Lawang or Sajang is best suited for summiting the peak. You will camp at the base camp Plawangan II. Rest is essential before the final ascent, as it rises nearly 1,100 meters over difficult terrain.
- The Benang Stokel Trek begins in the village of Aik Berik in Central Lombok. It is famous for its two waterfalls, Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel. The trek involves a six-hour ascent through the Yazi Forest to the crater rim, followed by a three-hour descent to the crater lake. This route is more suitable for experienced hikers.
A typical hike to the crater rim takes about two days and one night. An organized trekking tour is the easiest, safest, and most popular option, but you can also arrange your own guide and rent equipment locally. According to park regulations, a certified guide is mandatory.
Besides the impressive volcano, the national park has more attractions:
- The hot springs of Aik Kalak: Three hot springs at the northern edge of the crater, holding spiritual significance for the Sasak people. Local belief says that a bath here slows aging and rejuvenates you—worth a try!
- Goa Susu (Milk Cave): One of the best-known caves on the mountain (the others being Goa Payung and Goa Manik). Like a natural sauna, Goa Susu is filled with hot steam—a popular spot for meditation.
Arrival at Rinjani National Park: The nearest airport is Lombok International Airport (LOP) in Mataram. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from the Padang Bai port on Bali to Bangsal or Senggigi Port on Lombok.
Most visitors reach the National Park via the village of Senaru in the north of the mountain, which is closer to the resorts on the west coast, including Senggigi. The other possible entry point to the National Park is Sembalun Lawang in the east. Both villages are accessible from the main road on the northern coast.
Our recommended tour for Gunung Rinjani National Park
Rinjani Summit Trekking 3 Days 2 Nights
Active travelers will love hiking to the summit of Mount Rinjani on Lombok without having to worry about organizing your own logistics. This four-day/three-night supported trek takes you to the summit, both crater rims, and …
Gunung Ciremai National Park
4,7
“Search for Java’s leopards.”
| Location | Majalengka and Kuningan, Jawa Barat, Java, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Active stratovolcano and source area for several rivers in West Java. The ecosystems include a hilly tropical zone with lowland rainforest, montane rainforest, and subalpine alpine forest. |
| Area | 148 km² |
| Animals | Javan leopard, Javan muntjac, Javan surili, Javan slow loris, Java mouse-deer, several python species, 131 bird species including the Javan hill-partridge, the Javan frogmouth, the Javan hawk-eagle, the Javan scops owl, the Javan owlet, the black-banded barbet, and the yellow-throated hanging parrot. |
| Plants | Pines, various fig species, Javan chestnut-oak (castanopsis javanica), macaranga denticulata, lithocarpus sundaicus, elaeocarpus stipularis, 40 species of orchids. |
| Best travel time | May to October |
The Gunung Ciremai National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Ciremai) in West Java is a true paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Here stands the impressive Gunung Ciremai, the highest volcano in the region at 3,078 meters.
Although it may not have gained the same international fame as some of its eastern counterparts, Gunung Ciremai National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations.
Mount Ciremai is an impressive solitary volcano with an east and a west crater. Even experienced hikers rave about the combination of volcanic landscape and lush rainforest that can be experienced here.
There are three popular hiking routes that lead to the summit of Gunung Ciremai:
- Cirebon Direction: The trail starts in the village of Linggajati east of Gunung Ciremai – 18.5 km.
- Kuningan Direction: The trail starts in the village of Palutungan southeast of Gunung Ciremai – 20.4 km.
- Majalengka Direction: The trail starts in the village of Apuy west of Gunung Ciremai – 16.3 km.
Due to its steepness and the slippery ground after rain, this national park is less suitable for inexperienced hikers. However, for experienced adventurers seeking a challenge, a picturesque view, an impressive double crater, breathtaking sunrises, and a sea of white clouds await.
The Gunung Ciremai National Park is also the source area for several rivers in the region, including the two largest, the Cimanuk river basin and the Cisanggarung river basin. Thanks to the abundance of water, you can also admire some waterfalls here, such as Curug Putri near Palutungan.
Among the native animal species, the Javan leopard is undoubtedly the most prominent resident of Gunung Ciremai National Park. The national park area is used by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry to release rescued leopards back into the wild after their rehabilitation process – including a recently rescued black panther.
Getting to Gunung Ciremai National Park: Mount Ciremai is located about 30 km southwest of the city of Cirebon. The nearest airport is in Bandung (BDO). However, even from the larger airport Jakarta (CGK), reaching the national park is relatively easy, as almost the entire route (to Cirebon) is via toll highways. Alternatively, you can reach Cirebon by train or bus, or take a bus to Kuningan on the southeast side or Majalengka on the west side of the volcano.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Gunung Ciremai National Park
Java
Desa Alamanis Resort Vila
Bukit Tigapuluh National Park
4,1
“100 years after their extinction, orangutans are being reintroduced here.”
| Location | Riau and Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Hilly terrain mainly covered with ever-wet lowland rainforests. |
| Area | 1,431 km² |
| Animals | Sumatran orangutan, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran elephant, tapir, sun bear, clouded leopard, Sunda leopard cat, Sunda slow loris, Malay civet, siamang, black-crested Sumatran langur, 193 bird species including the great argus pheasant, the white-rumped shama, the white-bellied woodpecker, the crested serpent eagle, the hill myna, and the helmeted hornbill. |
| Plants | Rafflesia hasseltii, dipterocarpaceae, rattan palms, palaquium gutta, devil’s tree, Dyera costulata, Koompassia excelsa |
| Best Travel Time | Early May to late September |
The Bukit Tigapuluh National Park (Taman Nasional Bukit Tiga Puluh) plays a major role in protecting endangered species.
Since 1998, the Frankfurt Zoological Society has been working to reintroduce a population of orangutans to Bukit Tigapuluh (which means “Thirty Hills” in translation). Orangutans that were kept illegally as pets are given a second chance at life in the wild. They are prepared for a life in the wild in a sort of jungle school.
The results are impressive: More than 175 of these fascinating apes already live back in Bukit Tigapuluh, and the best part is that the first offspring in the wild have recently been born – a historic event as these orangutan babies may be the first to be conceived and born in Jambi’s forests in over 100 years.
The Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, with its lowland rainforests, is also home to the Sumatran elephants and Sumatran tigers, both of which are critically endangered.
In addition to the Sumatran tiger, Bukit Tigapuluh also houses other endangered cat species, such as the Sunda clouded leopard, the marbled cat, the Asian golden cat, and the Sunda leopard cats.
Unfortunately, the park is also facing significant threats. Illegal logging and the spread of illegal palm oil plantations have already destroyed two-thirds of the park. Buffer zones and wildlife corridors are diminishing, but there is hope.
The indigenous tribes of the Orang Rimba and Orang Talang Mamak, who live in the park area, firmly believe in the magical power of the hills and plants in Bukit Tigapuluh. They actively contribute to protecting and preserving the ecosystem of this place.
Getting to Bukit Tigapuluh National Park: The park is about 250 kilometers from Pekanbaru (PKU) and 200 kilometers from Jambi (DJB). You can take a bus to Seberida and then rent a motorcycle to cover the last kilometers to Camp Granit, the only place within the park where you can stay overnight. Note that you need a special permit to enter the Bukit Tigapuluh National Park area.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Bukit Tigapuluh National Park
Sumatra
Swiss-Belhotel Jambi
Wakatobi National Park
4,5
“Dive into what Jacques Cousteau called the best diving area in the world.”
| Location | Sulawesi Tenggara, Sulawesi, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Island archipelago with 25 groups of coral reefs, including fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls. The islands are covered with lowland rainforest, lowland swamp forest, coastal forest, and mangrove forest. |
| Area | 13,900 km² |
| Animals | 396 coral species, 942 fish species, including 750 coral reef fish, Green sea turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Olive ridley turtle, 23 bird species including the Wakatobi white-eye, the brown booby, the Pacific reef heron, and the osprey. |
| Plants | Mangrove species, palm species, seaweeds, and seagrasses. |
| Best Travel Time | May to September |
Anyone who has been to Indonesia knows that Indonesians love abbreviations. “Wakatobi” is such an acronym for the four main islands of the Tukangbesi Archipelago, namely Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko.
The islands are located in the heart of the Wakatobi National Park (Taman Nasional Wakatobi), which is the second largest marine national park in Indonesia after Teluk Cenderawasih. It is known as the largest barrier reef of the archipelago, a true paradise for divers and snorkelers.
Jacques Cousteau is said to have referred to the islands, located southeast of Sulawesi, as “Underwater Nirvana“. No wonder, as the park is home to an impressive 942 fish species and 750 species of coral reef inhabitants (out of a total of 850 worldwide).
If you’re an enthusiastic diver, you’ll have your pick of over 50 fascinating dive sites. Some of the most spectacular include:
- Roma Reef, Pulau Tomia: The stone corals that resemble the Colosseum in Rome give this reef its name. Here you can observe leaf-nosed moray eel, leaf scorpionfish, winged pipefish, gobies, and rockmover wrasse.
- Zoo, Pulau Tolandono: This dive site owes its name to the variety of different species found here. You can see ghost pipefish, leaffish, frogfish, mantis shrimp, and pygmy seahorses. The “Zoo” is also great for underwater photography.
- Waha Wall, Pulau Wangi-Wangi: This impressive drop-off is blessed with many fan corals, which have become the symbol of this dive site. The spot is also suitable for drift dives and is a favorite among divers hoping to encounter larger marine creatures such as manta rays, barracudas, and passing tuna.
- Aquarium, Pulau Wangi-Wangi: This somewhat challenging dive site is aptly named “Aquarium.” Here, the vibrant underwater life includes octopuses, well-camouflaged candy crabs, snappers, groupers, and many more.
- Coral Garden, Kaledupa: A spectacular dive amidst colorful coral reefs awaits you. Here, you can observe sea pens and fish like jacks, as well as moray eels, sea snakes, marine turtles , and rays.
Between dives, you also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating local culture. For example, visit the stilt houses of the Bajo sea nomads or attend a traditional Lariangi dance, which is always performed by twelve young women in traditional dress from the Kaledupa Kingdom.
Travel to Wakatobi National Park: A charter plane from Wakatobi Dive Resort operates directly between Bali and Tomia Airport (TQQ). Alternatively, you can fly to Wangi-Wangi (WNI) via Makassar or Kendari on Sulawesi. From Bau-Bau (Airport BUW) on Buton Island, a ferry runs overnight to Wangi-Wangi.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Wakatobi Islands National Park
Sulawesi
Marind Dive Eco Resort
Our recommended tour for Wakatobi Islands National Park
Trip to Wakatobi Marine Park 14 Days
The Wakatobi Islands are a remote treasure trove of pristine natural beauty. This region in the province of Sulawesi Tenggara is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a tranquil island vacation away from the sun-seeking crowds. Wakatobi is considered one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world and offers numerous …
Gunung Merapi National Park
4,5
“Feel the thrill at the edge of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.”
| Location | Yogyakarta and Jawa Tengah, Java, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Active stratovolcano surrounded by Casuarina forests. |
| Area | 64 km² |
| Animals | Javan leopard, long-tailed macaques, Javan surili, Javan mongoose, Javan pangolin, Javanese flying squirrel, 106 bird species, including the Javan hawk-eagle, Javan kingfisher, green Javanese junglefowl, Sunda coucal, white-flanked sunbird, and the critically endangered Javan green magpie. |
| Plants | Castanopsis argentea, Vanda tricolor orchid |
| Best travel time | May to October |
The Gunung Merapi National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Merapi) protects the area around the “Mountain of Fire“, as the Merapi is translated into English.
This impressive 2,911-meter high stratovolcano is not only the most active volcano in Indonesia, but is also considered one of the most dangerous worldwide. Since the 16th century, Merapi has erupted around 70 times, devastating the surrounding area with lava, lahars, and pyroclastic flows.
Yet this destructive force also brings new life. The regular eruptions provide mineral nutrients to the soil, making the area around Merapi one of the most fertile places on Earth. As a result, Central Java is one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
History shows that living on the edge of the volcano can also be a great risk. In the year 1006, a catastrophic eruption occurred, which is blamed for the downfall of the mighty Hindu-Buddhist Mataram Kingdom. It is believed that Prambanan, the impressive Hindu temple complex, and the world’s largest Buddhist stupa, Borobudur, were covered by a thick layer of ash and debris due to this massive eruption. Borobudur fell into oblivion and was only rediscovered in 1814 under dense vegetation and sediment.
For the ancient Javanese, according to Hindu teachings, Merapi was the Mahameru, the center of the universe and a sacred place of the gods.
Even today, Merapi holds a special spiritual significance in Javanese culture. It is said that within the volcano lies the Kraton (Palace) of spirits and ancestors, as a counterpart to the earthly court of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Each year, during the Sultan’s coronation anniversary, offerings are brought from the worldly Kraton to the spiritual Kraton to appease the spirits in the volcano and to pray that Jogja is spared from eruptions.
Although climbing the volcano has been prohibited since 2018 due to high activity, there are still some attractions you can experience in the national park. Particularly impressive is the chance to sometimes, especially at night, witness the spectacular sight of lava flowing down the mountain. There are many viewpoints from which you can admire the mighty Merapi, but the best view awaits you from the observation tower in Kaliurang, only 7 kilometers from the crater and still relatively safe.
If you want to learn more about volcanoes, you should visit the Merapi Museum. This museum in Kaliurang is dedicated to scientific studies of volcanoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. In the Ullen Sentalu Museum, you can stroll through a beautiful garden and learn many interesting details about Javanese culture and the history of the island’s royal houses.
In the Tlogo Nirmolo Forest, you can explore some Japanese caves (Goa Jepang) used by the Japanese army during World War II to defend against Allied attacks. Not far from here, you can also visit the impressive Muncar Waterfall (Air Terjun Muncar).
And if you’re really adventurous and want to see the effects of a volcanic eruption with your own eyes, you can take part in the Lava Jeep Tour along the slopes of Merapi. The jeeps can be hired in Kaliadem and take you on an off-road adventure through the ash- and lava-devastated area.
Before visiting Gunung Merapi National Park, please pay attention to the current danger warnings, e.g. on the website of the Smithsonian Institution: Global Volcanism Program.
Getting to Gunung Merapi National Park: The best starting point for your volcanic adventure is Yogyakarta (Airport YIA). From there, you can easily reach the villages of Kaliurang and Kaliadem by bus or car, which are particularly good for observing the active volcano and offer many activities and jeep tours. Once the volcanic activity subsides and authorities allow climbing the Merapi again, the village of Selo on the ridge to Merbabu is especially recommended as a base camp.
Our recommended tour for Gunung Merapi National Park
Borobudur Sunrise from Setumbu Hill, Merapi Volcano, and Prambanan Full-Day Tour
On this trip to Mount Merapi, the Prambanan Temples, and the Borobudur Temple, see three of the best attractions in Yogyakarta. This is a private tour, so no …
Indonesia
Top 11 Sustainable Hotels in Yogyakarta
Indonesia
Top 7 Sustainable Hotels Near Borobudur
Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park
4,4
“Here you probably have the best chance of observing a Sumatran tiger in the wild.”
| Location | Lampung and Bengkulu, Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Mountains, mountain forest, tropical lowland forest, coastal forest, mangrove forest, waterfalls |
| Area | 3,555 km² |
| Animals | Sumatran elephant, Sumatran rhino, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran striped rabbit, clouded leopard, Malayan bear, Asian tapir, muntjac, gibbon, 383 bird species including the Sumatran ground cuckoo, Sumatran partridge, Sumatran green pigeon, and Sumatran leafbird. |
| Plants | Titan arum, rafflesia arnoldii, amorphophallus decus-silvae, tiger orchid |
| Best Travel Time | April to September |
The Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (Taman Nasional Bukit Barisan Selatan) extends along the southern tip of the Barisan Mountain Range and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Tropical Rainforests of Sumatra”, together with the Gunung Leuser and Kerinci-Seblat National Parks.
Here, amidst pristine nature, you will find one of the most important habitats for Sumatra’s unique megafauna. In Barisan Selatan National Park, 25% of the world’s populations of the endangered Sumatran elephant and the rare Sumatran rhino live.
The Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation is an integral part of the National Park. In this protected rainforest area, there is the highest density of Sumatran tigers in the world, with about nine tigers per 100 km2 area. Some of these majestic animals have been rescued and rehabilitated here. Protecting the tigers is of utmost priority in the Tambling Conservation Area, with strict anti-poaching measures and regular forest patrols.
Are you a surfer? Then Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is a true paradise. The coast around the town of Krui is considered a real insider tip for surfers and borders directly on the National Park to the west. Here, you can combine the ultimate surfing experience with pristine nature and wildlife observation.
Getting to Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park: Since tourist infrastructure is minimal, getting to the park can be a bit challenging. In the provincial capital of Bandar Lampung, you can obtain the necessary permits to visit the National Park and arrange further travel to smaller towns on the edge of Berisan Selatan, such as Kota Agung. There, you can book experienced guides for trekking tours in the park.
Bandar Lampung has an airport (TKG). Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Java to Bakauheni and then travel overland to the National Park.
Our recommended sustainable accommodation for Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park
Sumatra
Kambuna Bungalow
Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park
4,4
“In the second-largest karst region in the world, you will be surrounded by countless butterflies.”
| Location | Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi, Indonesia |
| Landscape | Karst mountains, 286 caves, waterfalls, lowland forests |
| Area | 438 km² |
| Animals | Over 200 butterfly species, 170 bird species including the Sulawesi hornbill, bay coucal, Sulawesi serpent eagle, Sulawesi dwarf kingfisher, and Yellow-cheeked lorikeet, Sulawesi palm civet, dwarf cuscus, Makassar tarsier, moor macaque. |
| Plants | Over 700 karst and rainforest plant species including 60 orchid species and 43 ficus species |
| Best travel time | May to September |
In the Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park (Taman Nasional Bantimurung-Bulusaraung), you will encounter a natural wonder of a special kind: the Rammang-Rammang Karst Region, which is the second largest of its kind in the world after the one in Southeast China.
As you travel from Maros towards Bantimurung, you will be accompanied by spectacular, almost vertically rising karst formations that rise majestically on both sides of the road.
The National Park Babul, as it is affectionately called by the locals, is home to no fewer than 286 caves, including 33 prehistoric caves with rock paintings up to 45,500 years old, making them older than their counterparts in Europe. These fascinating artworks depict handprints and images of Sulawesi’s wildlife, such as the Babirusa, Sulawesi warty pig, and the Anoa.
Upon entering Bantimurung-Bulusaraung, you dive into a world once referred to by Alfred Russel Wallace as the “Kingdom of Butterflies.” In 1857, the naturalist identified 256 different butterfly species here.
Since the 1970s, butterflies from Bantimurung have been exported to collectors around the world and sold locally as souvenirs, significantly impacting their population. Fortunately, today, the focus is on protecting these colorful insects. A butterfly museum and a butterfly dome invite you to explore the fascinating world of these fluttering beauties.
The impressive 15-meter-high Bantimurung Waterfall gives the park its name. “Bantimurung” means “roaring water” in the language of the Bugis. The lower part of the waterfall is a popular swimming spot for the local population, especially children who have fun drifting in inner tubes with the current.
For the adventurous, the national park offers a variety of activities. Explore the karst caves like the Dream Cave (Level: Beginner) or the impressive Leang Puteh Cave, which is 50-80 meters wide and 273 meters deep (Level: Caving Enthusiast). Climb towering karst walls or spend the night under the starry sky while camping wild.
If you prefer to explore wildlife, the Karaengta Conservation Forest is the right place. Here you can observe moor macaques in their natural habitat. In the Samangki forests, you will also encounter rare and elusive residents such as the Makassar tarsier, Ambon sailfin lizard, and numerous bird species.
Getting to Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park: From Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG), it is only 20 kilometers to the national park. Use the local transport called “pete-pete” for a journey of around 30 minutes. If you are traveling from Makassar, you can take a public bus towards Maros at the Makassar Mall – the trip takes about an hour. From Maros, you can take the same “pete-pete” that also goes to the airport.
Our Recommended Sustainable Accommodation for Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park
Sulawesi
Rammang Rammang Eco Lodge
Our Recommended Tour for Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park
1 Day Makassar Natural Attraction Tour: From Bantimurung Maros to Leang Leang
A quite natural attraction in South Makassar, spend your day exploring the Bantimurung Waterfall and Leang Leang. Both have their charm, …
ECO INFO
ECO INFOIndonesia has recognized the natural wealth offered by its 17,000 islands and began protecting its natural wonders in the form of national parks in 1980. There are now 56 national parks in Indonesia. Here are some data and facts about Indonesia’s national parks:
The oldest national park in Indonesia is Ujung Kulon National Park on Java, which was established in 1980.
The newest national park in Indonesia is Moyo Satonda National Park. It is located off the coast of Sumbawa and was declared a national park in 2022.
The largest national park in Indonesia is Lorentz National Park on Papua. It covers an area of 25,050 km2.
The smallest national park in Indonesia is Kelimutu National Park with an area of just 50 km2.
Map of the Best National Parks in Indonesia
We hope you found this list of the most beautiful national parks in Indonesia helpful. Here you can find all our articles about eco-friendly travel in Indonesia.
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