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With more than 17,000 islands (17,508 to be exact) visitors to Indonesia
can only expect the wide and marvelous array of flora and fauna that
every island has to offer.
Being mainly of mountainous terrain, a lot of Indonesia’s terrestrial
animal population is endemic; living on just one particular island or
area. There have been theories of a now submerged Sunda Shelf
that helped these animals migrate. Well, whatever it was, they sure do
make for good wildlife tours around Indonesia!
Wildlife
They’re big, scaly, and when they’re hungry, you better not be in their
sights. The Komodo Dragons or the giant lizards found only on the
Island of Komodo have long been the subject of
 behavioral
studies. After all these years, scientists have hit on their behavioral
pattern already: eat, sleep, hunt, eat again, and sleep again. Exciting
huh? Nevertheless, these creatures can be pretty awesome upon first sight
growing up to three meters in length and 140 kilograms in weight. And
no, they don’t breathe fire.
The one-horned Java rhinoceros can only be found on the western
tip of Java. Having once been under the threat of extinction, their
numbers now continue to flourish in the Ujung Kulon Nature Reserve.
The Orangutan, also known as the “Man of the Forest,” is found on
Kalimantan and Sumatra. Careful, they spit.
Other known species scattered round the country are the banteng wild
ox of Java, the rusa deer, the dwarf buffalo or “anoa,”
babi-rusa (small wild pig with curved tusks) and civet cats
found in Sulawesi.
All these are protected under the administration of the Directorate
General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHPA.)
Volcanoes and Krakatoa
One of the most volcanic and seismically active regions in the world,
Indonesia is home to 400 volcanoes, 128 of which are still active. The
best known of these are the twin volcanoes Gede and Pangrango
in West Java, Semeru and Kelud in East Java, Merapi
in Central Java and Rinjani in Lombok.
There have also been occasional expeditions to the snow-covered summit
of Jayawijaya Range Carstensz Top at Irian Jaya. But of all of
these, nothing beats the reputation of Krakatoa in the Unda
Strait between Java and Sumatra. Its calamitous 1883 eruption where the
Indonesian island of Rakata almost vanished, was commemorated in 1983.
Tourists wanting to take in a bit of mountaineering may ask around for
scheduled climbs at the mountaineering clubs in Jakarta, Bandung, and
other big cities and university towns.
Krakatoa
Flora
Lying within the botanical region of Melanesia, Indonesia boasts of over
40,000 species of plants or about 10-12% of all the plant species in the
world. These are mainly used in the traditional Indonesian herbal
medicines or as part of the traditional rituals and ceremonies.
Nature Reserves
Entering nature reserves usually require government permits. Ask your
travel agents if they can facilitate these. Facilities in the reserves
are generally under developed with transportation being on foot or
horseback. Some of the more important reserves are:
Gunung Leuser
Found in North Sumatra, the Gunung Leuser reserve has two research
stations that function as orangutan rehabilitation stations. A boat trip
on the Alas River is also a good way to see the rain forest home of
endangered species of rhinos, orangutans, tigers and elephants. Gibbons,
forest deer, hornbills and otters may also be seen on occasion.
Penanjung Pangandaran
An ideal spot for bird watchers, Penanjung Pangandaran includes beaches,
coral gardens, caves, and an old Japanese World War II fortress.
Meru Betiri
 The
last refuge of the nearly extinct Java tiger. Coffee plantations abound
in the lowland and thick forests of Meru Betiri. Turtle rookeries may
also be found on Sukamade Beach. Two species of the parasitis
rafflesia flower may also be found around the area.
parasitis rafflesia
Tangkoko-Dua
Saudara
Tangkoko-Dua Saudara showcases interesting volcanic scenery and
wildlife, which include anoas, macaques, tarsiers,
pygmy squirrels and hornbills. Megapode birds lay their
eggs in areas of volcanically heated sand.
Tanjung Puting
Found in Central Kalimantan, the trip to the reserve includes an
interesting boat trip on the Kumai and Sekunir Rivers.
Various water fowl, swamp forests full of avian life, and the occasional
Bornean proboscis monkeys visible from the riverine trees and identified
by their huge, pendulous noses are just few of the sights one can expect
to see on the trip and around the reserve. Early reservations are
required to stay on in the reserve guesthouse. Bring canned food along
for your stay.
Lore Kalamanta
A nature trek on foot, tourists may expect to see fine lowland and
mountain forests, streams, and wildlife which includes the anoa
(dwarf buffalo), babi-rusa, and black macaques. There are
no facilities in the area though accommodations may be found in
occasional villages of the Western Toraja people.
What to bring:
Insect repellent, sunscreen, change of clothes, comfortable
shoes/sandals, necessary medicines, canned food, first aid kit for
camping treks, camera, and a good hat.
Ask your travel agent to facilitate the necessary permits, trekking
schedules, and reservations way ahead of time to avoid any hassle.
Visit beautiful Indonesia today! |
