Nature Reserves of Java

Nature Reserves of Java

Indonesia has been ahead of most of the world in preserving natural wonders. In fact, 10 percent of its land area is under protection. The range of protected areas extends from volcanoes to orangutan habitats and coral reefs, nearly 200 reserves and parks.
Nevertheless, understaffing and aggressive loggers threaten many of the parks.
Local porters can be hired and park guards may often accompany visitors as guides. They should be tipped, plus reimbursed expenses. To avoid misunderstandings, it is advisable to negotiate fees clearly before setting out.
The listing below, though not comprehensive, covers some of Indonesia’s finest reserves and park.
Ujung Kulon: At Java’s western tip, Ujung Kulon is Indonesia’s first and premier reserves. You will have to be lucky to see one of the park’s 60 remaining Javan rhinos, but there are many other fascinating animals, including leopards, gibbons, long-tailed macaques, leaf monkeys, crocodiles, muntjaks, mouse deer and herds of grazing wild oxen.
There are two types of accommodation available: most visitors stay at the guesthouses on Peucang Island, but it’s also worthwile to stop over for a night or two at the older guesthouse on Handeleum Island to visit the Cigenter River, a favorite rhino haunt just across the strait. Bedding, furniture and cooking facilities are provided at both guesthouses, but you must bring your own food.
Ujung Kulon is accessible by motorbike track from Labuan via Sumur to Taman Jaya, where the park headquarters is located (about a six-hour ride). From here, it is a leisurely two day ride to Kalejetan and Peucang Island via the south coast. Or else, charter a boat from Labuan directly to Peucang or Handeleum, a five-hour voyage each way. While there, visit the volcanic Island of Krakatau, 40 kilometers (25 mil) northwest of Labuan, in the middle of the Sunda Straits separating Java from Sumatra.