Indonesia, with its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes, offers some of the best national parks for wildlife enthusiasts. Here’s a snapshot of the top ten parks that are must-visits for animal lovers.
1. Gunung Leuser National Park – Located in Sumatra, this park is renowned for its population of critically endangered Sumatran orangutans. Its dense rainforests are also home to tigers, elephants, and rhinos.
2. Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park** – Also in Sumatra, this park boasts a range of wildlife including the Sumatran tigers and the Javan rhino. Its rugged terrain and lush vegetation make it a haven for biodiversity.
3. Komodo National Park – Famous for its Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, this park encompasses islands with diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes.
4. Ujung Kulon National Park – Located on the southwestern tip of Java, this park is the last refuge of the critically endangered Javan rhino, along with other unique flora and fauna.
5. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park – Known for its volcanic landscapes, this park is home to diverse species adapted to its harsh environments, including various birds and reptiles.
6. Lorentz National Park – Spanning Papua, this vast park includes glaciers, mountains, and rainforests, sheltering diverse species such as the tree kangaroo and bird of paradise.
7. Baluran National Park – Often referred to as ‘Africa van Java,’ it features savannah landscapes and is home to a range of wildlife including bantengs and various bird species.
8. Tanjung Puting National Park – This park in Kalimantan is famous for its orangutan conservation efforts and offers riverboat tours to observe these great apes in their natural habitat.
9. Wakatobi National Park – Renowned for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity, this park is a top destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
10. Raja Ampat Islands – A paradise for marine life lovers, Raja Ampat’s coral reefs and clear waters are home to an extraordinary array of fish, rays, and sharks.
These parks not only provide incredible wildlife viewing opportunities but also play a crucial role in conservation efforts across Indonesia.