6 Exciting Adventures amongst the Marvelous Wildlife of Indonesia

Imagine yourself in the middle of the wilderness. You see the luscious trees stand tall. The leaves softly rustle and the wind blows against your face. As you explore deep into the forest, you hear the exotic creatures call out into the wild. Your heart is pumping with excitement. Your foot take a step forward, starting the adventure amongst the wildlife. Sounds like a scene from a movie, right? It's something you can experience right in Indonesia! Blessed with tropical rainforests, Indonesia boasts its nature and marvelous creatures. Even many of its plants and animals can only be found in this archipelago!

To give you a glimpse of the adventure you can experience, here are 6 exotic wildlife to see in Indonesia and where to see them!
 

1 | Observe Rafflesia Arnoldii at Kerinci Seblat National Park, West Sumatra

It's big. It's bright. It's the grand Rafflesia arnoldii! With the largest flower recorded at 105 cm wide and weighed around 11 kilograms, this species is not just any flower. One unique fact about this flora is its stench. Unlike pollination in other species, the Rafflesia arnoldii attracts flies, using a scent that's quite smelly. This other-worldly plant can be seen in Kerinci Seblat National Park, West Sumatra. While you're there, you can also observe the Sumatran Tiger and view the stunning landscape the national park offers! Be sure to stop by this tropical rainforest heritage in Padang, West Sumatra!
 

2 | View the Sumatran Elephant at Way Kambas National Park, Lampung

Plan your trip to visit Way Kambas National Park and have a chance to observe the endangered Sumatran Elephants in their habitat. This huge mammal stands tall to an estimated 2 meters in height and 5 tons in weight. Roaming around broadleaf and moist tropical forests, they eat various plants, even scattering seeds wherever they go. This makes the Sumatran Elephants contribute to a healthy forest ecosystem. You can observe this species and other elephants at Way Kambas National Park in Lampung, known as an Elephant Training Center. Pretty exciting, don't you think?
 

3 | Sight the Enchanting Titan Arum at Cibodas Botanical Garden, West Java

Besides the Rafflesia arnoldii, Indonesia is also home to another giant plant called the Titan Arum or Amorphophallus titanum or bunga bangkai in Bahasa Indonesia which translates to corpse flower, named for its stinky scent. With a diameter of 90 cm and height of up to 3.1 meters, this flora is easily spotted. How can it not? This gigantic plant can even weigh around 50kg, with a record-breaking weight of 153.9! Though you can find this plant in different parts of Indonesia, a recommended place for you to see this living organism is Cibodas Botanical Garden, West Java. If you're lucky, you can go there when the Titan Arum blooms.
 

4 | Spot the Javan Green Peafowl at Baluran National Park, East Java

A bird with strikingly vibrant colors? You must be talking about the Javan Green Peafowl! This species is endemic to the island of Java, seen in the open wilderness of Baluran National Park, East Java. Its habitat is in the savannah, it can fly short distances to run away from predators or to find food. Catch these beautiful birds displaying their vibrant colored tails with eyespots, also known as ornamental ocellus.

While you're there in Baluran National Park, you can also explore its lowland and mangrove forests. Sightsee other creatures like leopards (Panthera pardus), the mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus), and mangrove cats (Prionailurus viverrinus).
 

5 | Get a Glimpse of the Long-Nosed Monkey at Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan

For other animals, choosing a good spot to rest is simple. But in the peat swamp forests, the long-nosed monkeys swing through the trees to safely find a place to sleep for the night. Their lives might depend on it. In the wild, these long-nosed monkeys or Proboscis monkeys try to keep out of reach of predators that might lurk at night. Their appearance is unusual, with their long noses reaching down their face. They might look weak, but don't be fooled. Their strong arms let them swing from branch to branch.

These herbivore creatures can be spotted in Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan. There, you can try trekking Bukit Bulan or the Moon Hill, where you will sight the Sungai Bulan or Moon River. The spectacular landscape is definitely worth the adventure!
 

6 | Watch Wild Anoa at Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi

Ever sight something as unique as an anoa? These creatures with black fur and small horns are also considered dwarf buffalos. They are around 75 cm in height and weigh 150 to 300 kg. Anoa or Bubalus sp. are considered semi-solitary animals. Once they mate, they will stay together until the females give birth. And then, they separate themselves again.

Dwarf buffalos can be found in parts of Central Sulawesi, namely Lore Lindu National Park. There, you can explore its 215.000 hectares of land. Since this endangered species might be difficult to find, you can feel a spark of excitement once you spot this creature. Try and discover the adventures yourself!

It's undeniable, Indonesia offers a place to view amazing landscapes. Explore the diverse ecosystems and be a responsible traveler. Respect nature while spotting unique other-worldly wildlife. It might surprise you just how fun and exciting it would be to unveil a new world of wilderness. Plan it yourself for your future visit!

As you prepare for your adventure, you should also keep in mind the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) health protocols Indonesia strictly implements. These rules mean that you should always wear a mask when traveling around the country, constantly washing your hands, and keep your physical distance from others. The rules might seem simple, but once implemented, they will create a significant change.