10 Best Places To Experience The Wildlife In Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the top tourist destinations in Asia due to the number of islands having dramatic scenic views, landscapes, beaches, and some active volcanos. With a huge number of islands, there are several ous places where you can enjoy the wildlife in Indonesia. You will be surprised to know that around 90% of the Islands in Indonesia are inhabited by wildlife.

The Indonesian archipelagos are diverse in biodiversity with numerous wildlife species including some rare and endangered species. If you are a wildlife geek and love getting close to wildlife or just prefer to spot some of the rare species then take a look at the top 10 national parks where you can experience the unique wildlife in Indonesia.

Also Read:15 Amazing And Unusual Facts About Indonesia That Will Make You Crave For A Trip

10 National Parks To Spot Wildlife In Indonesia

1. Kerinci Seblat National Park

Kerinci Seblat National Park is one of the most diverse national parks to spot plenty of wildlife in Indonesia. The World Heritage site by UNESCO, the national site spreads up to 14,000 km square. It is one of the most protected areas that preserve tigers. The tiger remains active in 83% of the park alongside other species.

Some other big cats you can find here include leopard, clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, and marbled cat. The National park also houses some of the endangered species such as the Sumatran elephant, Sumatran Muntjac Deer, Sumatran Dhole, Malay sun bear, and others.

Entry Fee: 731 INR

Location: Sumatra, Indonesia

2. Komodo National Park

The Komodo National Park is not only a wildlife destination but also one of the top tourist attractions in Indonesia which you must visit. The site has been listed among the World Heritage sites by UNESCO. This is only the second place in the world where you can spot the world’s largest lizard, also known as the Komodo Dragon.

The National Park was founded in the year 1980 and since then it not only preserves the giant lizard but also various other wildlife species. Here you will find more than 30 mammals, 37 species of reptiles, over 120 birds, and over 1000 fish species. Some of the top species you can spot here are dolphins, Timor deer and turtles, and dugongs.

Entry Fee: 1083 INR

Location: Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

3. Lorentz National Park

Yet Another National Park listed in UNESCO World Heritage. Lorentz National Park is the largest protected area in entire Southeast Asia. The tallest island peak in the world “Mount Carstensz Pyramid” or “Gunung Puncak Jaya” lies in this park. Here you can find more than 630 birds and over 120 mammals species.

Apart from the diverse wildlife, the national park also has several isolated tribes that date back to 1000 years. Not only you can spot the wildlife in this national park but you can also climb the world’s highest island peak. Make sure you are well prepared before heading to climb the mountain.

Entry Fee: 731 INR

Location: Papua Province, Indonesia

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4. Meru Betiri National Park

Opened in 1982, Meru Betiri National Park is situated within the highlands of Indonesia. It is basically a marine area that houses sea turtles, Javan leopard, Sumatran Dhole or Wild Dog, Wild Boar, and others. The territory of this national park spreads around 580 km square.

It is one of those national parks where you can spot endangered wildlife in Indonesia. Some of the top endangered species are Javanese flying squirrels and Rafflesia Zollingeriana. The sea turtles are the major tourist attraction in this marine park which can be found laying eggs during the night.

Entry Fee: 800

Location: Kabupaten Jember, Jawa Timur

5. Baluran National Park

Situated in one of the main islands of Indonesia” Java”, the Baluran National Park is a rich biodiversity that is home to River Klokoran and River Bajulmati. The National park covers an area of 62,000 acres and has an extinct volcano that stands at the top of Buraran Mount.

Some of the major species you can spot here include Javan Mouse-deer, Fishing cat, Javan Lutung, Japanese Wild Buffalo, Indian Muntjac, alongside some bird species such as Rhino Hornbill, Pied Hornbill, Jungle Fowl, and Peacock.

Location: Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia

6. Mount Leuser National Park

Widely popular as the “Gunung Leuser National Park, the national park lies in the heart of Indonesia. It is the only place in the world that houses the original Orangutans along with several other animal species including rhinos, elephants, leopard cats, macaques, and tigers.

While most of the tourists come here to witness the wildlife, Mount leuser is also popular among the trekkers. This is the darkest and most dense forest among all National Parks in Indonesia. Here you can also find the rare Indonesian birds such as black bittern, Oriental Honey Buzzard, and crested partridge.

Entry Fee: 731 INR

Location: Kabupaten Langkat, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

7. Ujung Kulon National Park

The Ujung National Park was initially established in 1992 with the aim of protecting the bulls and rhinos. It also accommodates several other species but the one-horned rhino is the major tourist attraction. Here you can spot animals like leopards, coyotes, deer, anteaters and langurs.

The national park has very little human interference, thus it is one of the most well preserved national parks in Indonesia. The national park has around 700 species of flora out of which 57 are rare in Java province. Some of the popular species of flora include Cleidion spiciflorum, Knema globularia, Batryohora geniculata and Heritiera per coriacea.

Entry Fee: 750 INR

Location: Banten, Indonesia

8. Alas Purwo National Park

Alas Purwo is another best place to explore the wildlife in Indonesia. Apart from the diverse wildlife, the park also offers spectacular scenic views. The national park is combined with mangrove forests, and coral fringed beaches. This is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Indonesia where thousands of birds and turtles reside.

Just like other national parks of Indonesia, it is also a home to various endangered as well as some rare species. Some of the popular species include Bateng, green peafowl, green and hawksbill turtles, red junglefowl and silvered leaf monkey. This is basically an ancient forest of Indonesia which you should not miss while on a tour to Indonesia.

Entry Fee: 800 INR

Location: Banyuwangi, Kabupaten Banyuwangi, Jawa Timur

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9. Tanjung Puting National Park

Another national park that accommodates Orangutans but not in the original form, unlike Gunung Leuser National Park. You will also find various locals species like bearded pigs, pythons,s, and many more. It is yet another mangrove forest in Indonesia that also has a beach. There is a variety of conservative facilities in this park along with a research center.

You can spot a huge number of orangutans at Camp Leakey which was established in 1971 for those orangutans who were rescued from home captivity. You can explore this national park on foot by heading towards that surrounded by tropical rainforests.

Location: Teluk Pulai, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

10. Bunaken National Park

The famous marine national park of Indonesia, Bunaken National Park represents the tropical water of Indonesia. The marine is rich in coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, seagrass, and mangrove forests. The Bunaken National Park is believed to be the densest place in the world for marine biodiversity.

Apart from having diverse marine wildlife, the national park also has more than 20 sites for diving with each site having a different level and depth. If you are looking for the best marine national park in Indonesia then this is the best place for you.

Entry Fee: 250 INR

Location: North Sulawesi, Indonesia