Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park is the first national park of Indonesia and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, owing to the largest remaining lowland rain forest in Java that it houses. This place is not just a site of natural beauty but also of importance for the study of inland volcanoes. After a volcanic eruption in 1883, the mainland part, a farmland area, was plundered and depopulated. Later, it gradually came back to its original forested state.

Landscape

 Flora and Fauna- The rarest large animals on earth, the Java one-horned rhinoceros, are precious to this national park. There are only about 50 more of them remaining.

 Climate- The climate of Ujung Kulon National Park can be classified as that of Lowland tropical rainforest.

Get In

Buy a tour package from a resort in Anyer for an easy trip into the National Park. It is a 3-4 hours’ drive from there till Peucang Island, where the accommodations are located.

For those on tight budgets, the option of public transport is also available. Buses can be boarded from Kalideres Bus Stand in West Jakarta to Labuan. From here, one bus leaves every day for Taman Jaya, the last stoppage for visiting Ujung Kulon National Park. Buses are also available every hour for Sumur, from where motorcycles called ojek can be taken.

Get Around

Availing the services of a tour guide or ranger is strongly suggested. They are aware about the camp sites and water availability. There are only two ways of getting around in Ujung Kulon National Park, by boat and on foot. There are no roads, so taking a car or any other vehicle is not possible.

Things to do and Places to see

The wildlife of this National Park comprises of Bantengs, Peacocks, Timor Deer and Wild Boar. Javan Rhinos are a rare sight but their trails can be found. Apart from the scenic views and the wildlife, there are two ancient lighthouses and a Dutch prison, which are now almost ruined.

Tourists can enjoy various adventure activities in Ujung Kulon National Park; Snorkeling, Diving, Jungle Trekking and Canoeing. Canoeing at Cigenter River is approximately an hour’s ride for exploring the river. Snakes hanging from trees and swamp crocodiles are a common sight during this river journey.