The 5 most beautiful national parks in Indonesia

With its 17,500 islands, Indonesia is the largest island nation in the world. These islands are characterized by a huge variety of cultural offerings, tropical rainforests, picturesque rice terraces and dream beaches in the most diverse colors. In addition, Indonesia inspires with impressive volcanic landscapes, imposing temples and its unique and diverse wildlife. All animal-loving travelers should not leave Indonesia before visiting one of the national parks. We have selected the most impressive ones for you.

Komodo Island

A visit to Komodo Island will certainly not be forgotten so quickly. Besides the dream beaches, which are surrounded by crystal clear water and offer the possibility to swim with manta rays, there is also an animal surprise on land. Namely, in the dense jungle of the island live the last real dragons, the Komodo dragons. But the giant lizards are not the only reason why a visit to the national park, which is located between Sumbawa and Flores, is worthwhile: numerous maned deer (the main food source of the monitor lizards), wild boars, Javanese monkeys and even water buffalo and wild horses also live in the national park.

Gunung Leuser National Park

It continues animal in the Gunung Leuser National Park, which is one of the largest nature reserves in all of Indonesia and a refuge for many endangered species. This national park of Indonesia is located on the island of Sumatra. The main attraction there is one of the last large orangutan populations. Orangutans are the largest arboreal mammals alive today, as well as the only remaining great apes in Asia.

In different trekking routes there is the possibility to observe our "closest relatives" in the wild and even to spend the night in the jungle. The orangutans are very accustomed to humans, so they like to pose for the tourists and sometimes come very close to them. However, since they are wild animals, the monkeys should not be fed under any circumstances and you should always meet them with caution.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is the largest volcanic region in the province and covers a huge area of 800 square kilometers in the center of East Java. The name is composed of the names of the volcanoes Bromo, which is inactive and surrounded by a white cloud of smoke, and Semeru, which is an active volcano that also erupts regularly. However, the volcanoes are easy to tell apart, as Semeru emits a white cloud of smoke into the air every 20 minutes, and Bromo volcano consists only of an inactive crater. The inhabitants of the region are called the Tengger people.

The so-called "Tengger Sand Sea" with its large area is a perfect place for walking, riding a horse or the fastest option - just rent a jeep to explore the surroundings. For adventurers, there is also the possibility to hike to the top of Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru, which are among the highest mountains in Java.

Bunaken National Park

The small island of Bunaken is located just under 3 km north of the mainland North Sulawesi. To explore this national park of Indonesia, at least a pair of diving goggles should be in your luggage. The marine national park is home to over 300 coral and 3,000 fish species, which is a unique experience for all diving and snorkeling fans. The island attracts especially with ingenious vertical steep walls, which can rise several hundred meters into the depth. It is also home to many blue ringed octopus and various shark species, such as: gray reef sharks, black tip reef sharks and whale sharks.

Besides the breathtaking underwater world, a visit to the small village of the island is definitely recommended! The only about 1000 local inhabitants of the island are very open to tourists and extraordinarily hospitable.

Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park is located on the southwestern tip of the island of Java, about 300 kilometers from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. It is considered the first national park in Indonesia and in its paradisiacal nature, characterized by rainforests, mangrove groves and a beguiling variety of flowers, hundreds of animal species have found an ideal habitat. The main attraction of the park are the largest animals on Java, the extremely rare Java rhinos. With a little luck you can see them, as well as leopards and crocodiles. Besides the rich flora and fauna on land, the impressive, colorful underwater world with magnificent coral reefs off the coast is no less impressive.

These were our recommendations of the most beautiful and species-rich national parks in Indonesia! You want to learn more about this great island world? Then check out our impressive Indonesia trip an. From our local experts you will get a unique and unfiltered insight into the island landscape in and around Bali.