You are knowledgable for knowing the fact that Indonesia is not only diversed in culture but also in nature. Indonesia has the third largest forest area in the world with over 82 hectares area. The flora and fauna species are also diversed. The latest 2018 data shows that Indonesia has over 25,000 species of flora and a total of over 200,000 species of fauna.
The diversity hands a heavy job to Indonesia as the government and citizens need to work hand in hand to preserve its beautiful nature. A way to achieve it is by creating a national park that preserves the ecosystems in the forest areas.
Rather than simply seen as a preservation area, national park is also used for research and tourist attraction. Visiting national park will be on the list of those who wish to have an adventurous journey on the islands of Indonesia. The beautiful scenery, the sound of the nature, and all blend together and create a harmony that takes you back to the mother nature.
There are lists of wonderful national parks in Indonesia. From national parks in Bali and Nusa Tenggara, national parks in Sumatra, national parks in Kalimantan island, and national parks in Maluku and Papua. The beauty of Indonesia’s nature lies in every corner of the 17,000 islands in Indonesia.
But one that we are going to discuss more today is three wonderful national parks in West Java. If you wish to have an adventurous journey in Indonesia, you’ll definitely need to visit them.
1. Ujung Kulon National Park
Ujung Kulon National Park is one of the best national parks in Indonesia. It’s the home to the endangered, rare species of one-horned rhino. Since this is the only place where the species is preserved, the one-thorned rhino is also the icon of Ujung Kulon National Park.
The ecosystems in this national park are truly diversed. You can find savana, beaches, and even river in this one particular national park. The savana is inhabited by cows, buffalos, bulls, peacocks, and the icon one-horned rhinos. If you are observant and like to see the deeper inhabitants of the savana, then you can also see many little creatures.
The river in this national park is Cigenter River. You can have a river track tour with an accompany of a local guide. In the tour, you can learn many things about the ecosystems in the forest. Then, as you walk along, you can arrive at the beach, which is another ecosystem in the national park.
The beach is decorated with white sand, shady trees, and beautiful coral reefs. The atmosphere is so calming and refreshing, so you can take your time and immerse yourself with the nature spirit. Visiting Ujung Kulon National Park is one of the must-things to do in Ujung Kulon, West Java.
2. Gunung Halimun Salak National Park
Gunung Halimun Salak National Park is located in between two regions in West Java, which are Bogor and Sukabumi Regencies. It’s named as Gunung Halimun since the area is usually shrouded in mist that’s locally known as halimun. There is line of mountains or gunung in this national park.
The mountains are Gunung Halimun Utara, Gunung Sanggabuana, Gunung Halimun Selatan, and Gunung Salak. You can definitely try to hike these mountains. Besides the mountains, this national park is famous for its tropical rain forest landscape with numerous beautiful waterfalls to visit.
The beauty of the waterfalls can even hypnotize you feel like they are the most beautiful ones that you could find in Indonesia. Even though there are many more waterfalls in West Java to visit and other regions in Indonesia. On your way to the waterfalls, you’ll need to go through rocky road. And as you’ll be shaded by the green trees that offer you peacefulness.
As you’re getting closer to the waterfall, you can hear the calming, exciting sound of the waterfall that could surely wipe away all your tiredness. You can also see the beauty of Ratu Crater in this national park.
A one day tour wouldn’t be enough to explore what lies inside this national park. Therefore, you can also camp there! It’s super exciting to have the nature sound wakes you up right in the morning and the beautiful scenery that welcome your day. Sounds great, right?
3. Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park
Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park is the oldest national park in West Java as well as in Indonesia. It has around 21,975 hectares area. The name is derived from two mountains that are located inside the national park. They are Gunung Gede and Gunung Pangrango.
These two mountains are the favorite ones to hike in West Java. The top of the mountains are overgrown with beautiful Edelweiss plants. If you search on Instagram, you’ll find that there are many people who love this site and want to come back over and over again to enjoy its beautiful scenery.
The mountains are not the only attraction. There are also beautiful waterfalls in this national park. There are a total of 17 waterfalls that you’ll need to spare more days in order to explore all of them. There is also lake called Telaga Biru Lake that’s famous for its crystal clear-blue water.
There are also bicycle rental near the area of the national park. So if you feel like a national park exploration with a bike will do, then you definitely need to rent one! The national park is also completed with beautiful caves such as Lalay Cave and Gumurug Cave.
This national park is just a complete adventure where you can find many things at once. Since you can’t finish your adventurous journey in this national park in one day, you can camp there for another day. Charging your energy with the nature spirit will surely hit differently!
Exploring national parks surely never feels boring. This list of wonderful national parks in West Java definitely need to be added into your bucket list. Especially if you are an adventurous type. Well now, which national park do you plan to go first?