The Best National Parks, Nature and Wildlife in Indonesia

Indonesia has some incredible wildlife, birds and nature to explore. Our guide showcases the highlights.

Indonesia offers the wildlife and nature enthusiast some of the most diverse flora, fauna, wildlife and birds in the world - much of it endemic. The country is one of only 17 mega diverse countries in the world with large areas of rainforest, many protected marine parks and over 500 National Parks.

There are many threats to the future of the wildlife in Indonesia, mainly due to the impact of human intervention such as deforestation, palm oil extraction, poaching, wildlife animal trading and mining. Although these activities threaten many species, there is a strong conservation community in Indonesia helping preserve the nature and wildlife, enabling some wonderful experiences for the traveller. 

Here are some of the highlights you can see on a wildlife tour.

The Komodo Dragon

For many the komodo dragon is the star attraction, These enormous lizards inhabit Komodo Island in Komodo National Park, a boat ride away from Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. They are up to 3 metres long, incredibly strong and able to  be a predator to animals much larger than themselves, such as cattle. Experiencing the giants close up (and safely) is quite memorable. Komodo National Park also has some well-protected coral reefs; if you take an overnight boat, they will stop at a remote beach so you can enjoy snorkelling.

Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan - Orangutans

Located in Kalimantan is on the Indonesian side of the island of Borneo, Tanjung Puting National Park is a land of drylands, forest, swamps, mangroves and coastal beach forest. You can travel by boat on the Kumai and Sekonyer rivers to reach Camp Leakey (established in 1971 by Dr Birute Galdikas), one of three centres set up to protect orangutans and return them to living in the wild. The expanding palm oil industry and deforestation is a threat to the wildlife. However, the naturalists are fighting back and a vast area around Camp Leakey remains magically untouched and where you can get involved in the work of the camp supporting orangutans, as well as spotting many other species including crocodiles, clouded leopards, and the long-nosed, potbellied proboscis monkeys. It is a wonderful experience to visit the remote station by boat and immerse yourself in the forest and mangroves - and the wonderful orangutans. 

Tangkoko National Park - the Pygmy Tarsier

Located near the city of Manado in the north of the island of Sulawesi is Tangkoko National Park, home to the world’s smallest primate - the elusive pygmy tarsier. Only 4 inches in height, they are not easy to observe, but a guided trek in the park is still a wonderful experience as you will see many other mammals, birds and flora. It is well worth the visit.

Kerinci Seblat National Park

Located on the western side of Sumatra, Kerinci Seblat National Park was home to the now extinct Sumatran tiger. However, it is still well worth visiting as you will be able to see the sumatran rhinoceros, the sunda clouded leopard, sumatran elephants as well as a vast array of birds.

Ujung Kulon National Park - Java

Located in the extreme south-western tip of Java on the Sunda shelf, Ujung Kulon National Park’s flora, fauna, wildlife and bird species was heavily influenced by the devastating Krakatau volcano eruption in 1983 that created unique geology and habitat. It is the only place in Indonesia to observe the one-horned Javan rhinoceros. There are only about 60 individuals left, making it one of the rarest mammals in the world. A visit here also enables observation of other rare and endangered species such as the javan leopard, silvery gibbon, and teddy bear-like javan lutung, wild dog, leopard cat, fishing cat, Javan mongoose and several species of civets.

Marine Parks - for snorkelling and diving 

Located off the coast of Papua, Raja Amat has become one of the world’s most sought after diving and snorkelling destinations. The archipelago is a protected marine park, meaning the colourful reefs and sea-life, such as large manta rays are left alone to thrive. You can choose to stay in a dive resort or take a boat trip exploring the islands. 

Bunaken National Park is one of Indonesia’s richest diving sites off the coast of North Sulawesi. Wakatobi National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and is a marine park which sustains the life of hundreds of species, from coral reefs and fish to seabirds.