UJUNG KULON NATIONAL PARK THE LARGEST TROPICAL RAIN FOREST ECOSYSTEM IN WEST JAVA INDONESIA

Ujung Kulon National Park is representative of an awfully the tropical rain forest a fantastic ecosystem remaining lowland and the largest in West Java, and is an ideal habitat for the survival of endangered Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Sondaicus) and other endangered species. There are three types of ecosystems in national parks is the marine ecosystems, coastal and terrestrial ecosystems.

 

Diversity of plants and animals in Ujung Kulon National Park began to be known by the researchers, botanists Netherlands and the UK since 1820.

Approximately 700 species of plants is well protected and 57 species including such rare; merbau (Intsia bijuga), palahlar (Dipterocarpus haseltii), bungur (Lagerstroemia speciosa), cerlang (Pterospermum diversifolium), ki hujan (Engelhardia serrata) and various types of orchids .

Wildlife in Ujung Kulon National Park consists of 35 species of mammals, 5 species of primates, 59 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 240 species of birds, 72 species of insects, 142 species of fish and 33 species of coral. Endangered and protected other than Java Rhino, there are banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus), ajag (Cuon alpinus javanicus), surili (Presbytis comata comata), lutung (Trachypithecus auratus auratus), rusa (Cervus timorensis russa), macan tutul (Panthera pardus), kucing batu (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis), owa (Hylobates moloch), dan kima raksasa (Tridacna gigas).

 

Ujung Kulon National Park is an interesting natural attractions, the beauty of the various forms of symptoms and the natural uniqueness of the cascade rivers, waterfalls, white sand beaches, hot springs, marine parks and cultural heritage / history (statue of Ganesha, the Mount Panaitan Island Mercury). All of which create an unforgettable experience for the visitor and hard to find elsewhere.


Species of interest in the Ujung Kulon National Park both living in the sea or rivers, among others, butterfly fish, badut fish, bidadari fish, singa fish, kakatua fish, glodok and sumpit fish. Glodok and sumpit fish are two types of fish that is very strange and unique that glodok fish have the ability to climb trees, while the sumpit fish have the ability to spray water over a height of more than one meter to shoot prey (small insects) that are in leaf which branches protrude above the water.

Ujung Kulon National Park with Krakatau Nature Reserve is a national asset, and has been designated a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991.

To enhance the ability of Ujung Kulon National Park management as a World Natural Heritage Site, UNESCO has provided financial support and technical assistance.

Communities living around the national park is famous for its tribal art Banten "debus". The community of followers of Islam, but they still retain the customs, traditions, and culture of their ancestors.

 

Inside the park, there are places that are sacred to the interests of different religious beliefs. The most famous as a pilgrimage destination is the cave Biosciences Sirah, which is located at the western end of the peninsula of Ujung Kulon.


Some sites / attractions to visit:
 

Tamanjaya and Cibiuk. The main entrance to the facility, information center, guest house, dock, hot springs.
Kalejetan beaches, coral beds, Cibandawoh. The phenomenon of the southern ocean waves and sandy beaches thick, observation of flora and fauna.
Peucang island. White sand beaches, coral reefs, clear blue waters ideal for swimming events, diving, fishing, snorkeling and ideal place for animal observation in their natural habitat.
 

Copong reefs, Citerjun, Cidaon, Ciujungkulon, Cibunar, Tanjung Screen, and Ciramea. Explore the forest, river canoeing, sea grass grazing animals, waterfalls and turtle nesting place.
Handeuleum Island, Cigenter, Cihandeuleum. Observing animals (bull, boar, deer, Javan traces and various species of birds), canoeing rivers in the mangrove forest ecosystem.
Panaitan island, and the Mount of Mercury. Diving, surfing, and cultural / historical.

The best visiting season: April  till  September.

To Getting Ujung Kulon National Park

Jakarta - Serang (1 1/2 hours via toll road), Serang - Pandeglang - Labuan (1 1/2 hours) or  
Jakarta - Cilegon (2 hours via toll road), Cilegon - Labuan (1 hour) or  Bogor - Rangkasbitung - Pandeglang - Labuan (4 hours). 

Then continue to
 

Labuan - Sumur (2 hours), Sumur - Peucang Island (1 hour by motor boat fishing) or  
Labuan - Pulau Peucang (4 hours by fishing boat) 

Here are several routes to reach the National Park Ujung Kulon:
 

1. Anyer beach. From this beach cruise takes about 5 hours with a wooden boat / fishing boat similar to that already modified. When the twin-engine speedboat may be achieved in just 3 hours. Widely available at  Anyer beach simple hotel to the five-star hotel when needed to stay before sailing to the Ujung Kulon National Park. Anyer beach is the nearest beach to reach from the capital Jakarta.
2. Carita Beach location is still one of coastline with beaches Anyer approximately 20 km to the west. Facilities at the beach almost as Anyer and Carita.
 
3. Labuan. Is a city district as well as traditional natural harbor for local fishermen. When using a wooden boat, you can save on shipping of at least 5 hours to 4 hours. Labuan is also contained in the Office of the Ujung Kulon National Park  so at work, a lot of information you get there.
 

4. Panimbang. District town 25 km after Labuan. Here also the traditional port of local fishermen. Departing from here just to save a few tens of minutes rather than departing from Labuan.
5. Tanjung Lesung. Is an integrated tourism area is managed in a planned manner.     Now there are at least 2-star hotel. Travelers departing from here are usually uses a twin-engine speedboat. Distance of about 2 hours. Rent a boat is certainly more expensive when compared with timber ships.
 

6. Sumur. Is the last city district that borders the Ujung Kulon National Park. Distance of about 240 km from Jakarta . Well with a boat cruise of the timber approximately only 2 to 2.5 hours. There is also a cheap lodging in Sumur.
7. Taman Jaya. Wells entered the district. Is one of the villages are directly in contact with Ujung Kulon National Park boundary. There are inexpensive seaside inn is clean with a friendly family service. To one of the forest at the End of Kulon enough to walk about 30 minutes you can already see the Tropical Forest. If lucky, you'll still be able to see Java gibbons (Hylobates Moloch). 
  

Many birds visit the forest researchers around Taman Jaya. If using wooden boats reach the island Handeuleum only taken 1 hour and Peucang island less than two hours. When you have quite a long time, trekking through the woods for 3 days, you can reach the island Peucang with the most memorable experience for all hapir appeal Ujung Kulon can you Meet. In the course of at least the required 2 night stay at the Shelter / Post resting in the middle of the Park.
Obviously there are many ways to Ujung Kulon National Park. Those who have a private yacht, can go directly from Jakarta even from Singapore or Malacca 

SENGGIGI BEACH, TWILIGHT AND ROMANCE

Senggigi Beach is a favorite destination for the traveler during a visit to Lombok because has an awfully romantic a fantastic twilight. This place is always visited by tourists because of its beauty. In addition to the traveler, Senggigi Beach was also the main attraction for newlyweds. Beautiful beaches with perfect twilight make a special place for a honeymoon. Its beauty will add to the romance of your holiday.

For those of you newlyweds, traveling to the Senggigi Beach is very nice. This beach has clean white sand. The waves were calm, plus a sloping beach will pamper you with a partner. Playing on the beach like a little child, will add to the cheerful atmosphere you both.

One more interesting thing is the beauty of the twilight had felt on Senggigi beach. Beauty of the sun that went into the contest be a wonderful attraction and affection for the miss. Looking out to sea through the orange sun rays increase the romance in Senggigi beach. Just sitting in the beach with a sunset drink while feeling able to momentarily relieve the boredom caused by daily activities.

 

Wait until dusk, golden yellow light will add a romantic atmosphere. Dusk at Senggigi Beach is famous for its beauty. Do not forget, to capture the moment into the camera.

One good place to enjoy the sunset at the beach is a coastal headland near Senggigi Beach Hotel, where the area is provided in the form of a sea wall by the stairs so they can enjoy lounging at the time the sun sets. And you can see also fishing attraction by locals fishermen.



To Getting Senggigi Beach

This Senggigi beach is at the western island of Lombok. This beach overlooking the Lombok Strait, which borders the island of Bali. This beach is located not so far from the city of Mataram airport or in Ampenan, only 1/2 hour drive by private car, taxi, or motorcycle. From Mataram, you ride the public transportation Sweta - Ampenan a cost of about Rp 3,000 / person. Then until Ampenan you proceed to use the public transportation route Ampenan - Senggigi at a cost of about Rp 2,000 / person.

 

Arriving in the parking lot of Senggigi Beach, you just take 5 minutes to walk to the beach. Along the road to the beach a lot of souvenir vendors, food and beverages that will offer merchandise to you. When entering the beach area, there are two large gazebo at the front entrance on the north side of the beach and the beach. Gazebo located in front of the entrance into the beach is usually used by local fishermen to rest. In the gazebo there is also snorkeling equipment rental place. Your first trigger hunger and thirst? Just stop by the gazebo to the north, lots of food and drink typical of Lombok are ready to serve your appetite.

Like to surf? Go into the south side of Senggigi Beach. Waves were challenging enough to be explored with a surf board. If you just want to canoeing fun, can stop by the side of the beach facing the Senggigi Beach Resort.

The waters in this area is relatively quiet and is suitable for canoeing. It is said that all the tourists visiting the Senggigi Beach will close its activities on the beach to watch the sunset.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL AT WEST NUSA TENGGARA

Adventure travel at West Nusa Tenggara is an awfully challenging with fantastic mountain to climb. Enchantment owned beauty of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is not just a coastal tourist destinations. The province also has a real adventure travel, especially to be very challenging mountain to climb.

 

Map of West Nusa Tenggara

What mountains are there in the province famous with the name Bumi Gogo Rancah?

Mount Rinjani 
Mount Rinjani is located to the north of Lombok and is the third highest volcano in Indonesia. Height reaches 3,726 meters above sea level. Since 1990, Mount Rinjani is expressed as the Mount Rinjani National Park.

The mountain is renowned as one of the mountain in Indonesia with the landscape and stunning beauty. During the trip, you'll pass through tropical forest. Climbing the mountain is different from climbing mountains in Java as a challenge that is difficult to predict. The first challenge, for example, you will pass the wide plains and rolling hills. Land barren, dusty, with extreme weather and rapidly changing energy will drain you.

Segara Anak Lake

In the last resting place before reaching the peak, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Segara Anak is vulkanis formed by the eruption of this mountain. From this place, you need the travel time of approximately seven hours to reach the summit of Mount Rinjani.

To get to Mount Rinjani, can access through the city of Mataram by the three hiking trails. First, the path Sembalun, from Mataram to the Village Sembalun for 4-5 hour trip to use the vehicle. Sembalun to the top of Rinjani during the seven-hour drive away. Second, Senaru path, from Mataram to Senaru Village, Bayan District, during the 3-4 hour trip to use the vehicle. Then Senaru to the top of Rinjani for 9-10 hours on foot. Third, Torean path, from Mataram to Torean for 4-5 hour trip using public transportation. Then, towards the summit of Rinjani Torean for 8-9 hours on foot.

Mount Tambora
Mount Tambora is a volcano on Sumbawa Island has reached the height of 2.851 meters above sea level. After the largest eruption on, leaving a panorama of Mount Tambora unique and charming natural charm.

Internationally, Tambora was an awfully famous as The Greatest a fantastic Crater in Indonesia or a mountain that has the largest crater in Indonesia. Width along the crater of Mount Tambora crater with a circumference of seven kilometers along the 16 kilometers and has a distance between the peaks on the basis of crater 800 meters deep.

 

Mount Tambora area is divided into two sites of conservation, namely North Tambora Wildlife Reserve with an area of ​​30 hectares area of the peak of Mount Tambora. There, you can more freely  views of an awfully fantastic crater, the desert, the ocean sea, and island Satonda.

Access and transportation to the Mount Tambora could be taken from the Branch Banggo, Studio District, Hamlet Pancasila during the 2.5 hour trip to use the vehicle.


 
Nanga Doro 

Nanga Doro is a traditional resort areas in the mountains near the famous Hu'u with hot springs, the temperature may reach 80 degrees Celsius. This place is really suitable to rest and relax sore muscles after a full day of surfing.

  



Tete Batu Mountain 

Tete Batu Mountain lies at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level with views of beautiful countryside and the air cool and clean and fresh so you will feel relaxed and comfortable. In addition, villagers are also friendly and welcoming.

If you still want to move on to other attractions at the foot of Mount Rinjani, Tete should stop at the rock because this place was in the middle of the path to some attractions, like Niagara Aiktemer, Brain Kokoq, Village Pringgasela, and Suradadi.
 
Bukit Malimbu 

Malimbu hill is a plateau which is the canal area of ​​Senggigi beach. This place is a very beautiful place with stunning natural scenery.

On this hill, you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets with views of Mount Agung, Bali, and a row of islands in the northern island of Lombok. Natural beauty and amazing panoramic hill location makes it ideal for photographers to try out his abilities.

Landscape of this hill has to offer is quite diverse, ranging from the blue beach, waves, the sunset, the green mountains, up to a row of small islands. Lots of monkeys that roam the hills because it is still a lot of big trees.

Access and transportation to the  Malimbu Hill can be started from Mataram for 30 minutes using a personal vehicle two or four wheels. 

KOMODO ISLAND HABITAT NATIVE ANIMALS DRAGONS

Komodo Island is known as a habitat for native animals dragons. Komodo dragons ( Varanus Komodoensis Ouwen) is awfully fantastic the largest lizard in the world, and can be found in the Komodo National Park, West Manggarai Regency, East NusaTenggara Province, Indonesia. 

Komodo Island is the westernmost tip of East Nusa Tenggara Province, bordering the province of  West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia


  



About Komodo Dragons

Ancient animal was formerly greatly feared by many people, because of the large tail can knock down a buffalo, horses, and deer with a single flick. Had 4 feet big, very sharp teeth 26 each measuring 4 cm, and a red forked tongue. Not only that, a large and powerful jaws capable of swallowing a variety of animals in one fell swoop.

He was able to find prey in tens km from the front. Komodo has a sharp smell and bite of the deadly bacterial toxins in the saliva to paralyze their prey. After a bite, then it follows prey already hurt for days, until finally did die, and then he ate it.  

Komodo dragons are known to swim champion and that's how he then did explore the islands around Flores. Normally dragons mating season is from May to August. At the time of the breeding season it becomes difficult to see dragons in Komodo National Park. 

Komodo dragons likes hot and dry place, live in the savanna, or tropical forest habitat at lower elevations. When night comes, Komodo dragons hide in holes in the 1-3 meter while warm the body from the cold night.  

Komodo dragons are carnivorous reptiles at the top of an ancient food chain. Komodo dragons prey such as goats, deer, wild boar, and birds. In certain circumstances, can behave Komodo dragons prey on cannibalism with another. In searching for prey Komodo dragons saliva or can rely on the toxic in every bite that can kill their prey slowly. By relying on the sense of smell on his tongue, the Komodo dragon can smell carrion prey as far as 9 kilometers. In addition, the Komodo dragons are also capable of running 20 miles per hour within a short distance, climb trees, swim and even dive.

This ancient reptile eat by tearing large chunks of meat and then swallow it whole. If difficulty in swallowing, komodo dragons usually emphasize carcass meat into a tree.  

Komodo dragons can eat prey up to 80% of the amount of their own body weight in one fell ravenously. Komodo dragons breathe through a small channel under the tongue, which relate directly to his lungs. This allows the komodo dragon to breathe while its jaws remain fully occupied by its prey.

Large komodo dragons can survive by eating only once a month. After the meat undigested prey, komodo dragons spewing the remains of horns, hair and teeth of their prey, in clumps mingled with foul-smelling slime, known as the gastric pellet. Usually after that, the Komodo dragon wiped his face to the ground or into the bush to clear mucus remnants still attached.

 

Like most other reptiles, the Komodo dragon reproduce by laying eggs (spawn once produce 10-15 eggs). Male komodo dragons usually fighting to get  female. One month after mating the female will find a hole in the ground to lay eggs with an incubation period of 8-9 months. Little komodo dragons will hatch cover in the trees to avoid predators and cannibalism of adult komodo dragons. Until the age of 5 years is usually little komodo dragons will live in the branches of trees by eating insects, lizards, etc. From 15-30 eggs that hatch, only 2-3 tail that eventually survived into adult komodo dragons. However, the unique facts of research in London proved komodo dragons can also regenerate by parthenogenesis, or fertilization that occurs in the absence of marriage. Parthenogenetic komodo dragons supposedly saved from extinction since thousands of years ago. But suppose the process of parthenogenesis will always produce a male Komodo dragon.

 

Habitat destruction, volcanoes, earthquakes, fires, poaching indicated to have resulted in a population of dragons to some degree vulnerable to extinction. It is estimated there are 4-5 thousand female Komodo dragon in the presence of a productive only in the hundreds. Such conditions is a challenge for the conservation of the island of Komodo National Park.

On the Komodo island, komodo dragons animals live and breed well. Until August 2009, on this island there are an estimated 1300 komodo dragons. Coupled with the other islands, such as the island of Rinca and Gili and Motang, their number totaled about 2500 birds. There are approximately 100 individuals komodo dragons in Wae Wuul Nature Reserve on the mainland island of Flores, but not including the Komodo National Park.

 

Komodo Island also holds a variety of exotic flora Sepang wood by local people used as a medicinal and dye clothing, tree or Sterculia oblongata nitak is believed to be useful as medicines and seeds are tasty and delicious like peas.

Komodo Island is also accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as in Komodo National Park area, along with the island of Rinca, Padar, Gili, and Motang island.
 


Getting Komodo Island

Labuan Bajo is the gate to enter the Komodo National Park. There are several ways that can be taken to reach Labuan Bajo, are as follows: 

Using a plane from Jakarta / Bali / Kupang using the airline Merpati Airlines (byFokker 27), GT water (ATR) and TransNusa (ATR) menuju Bandara Komodo - Flores before heading to the Port Bajo using bemo then continued across the sea to the Komodo Island or Rinca island from Labuan Bajo pier. In this dock all ships anchored large, medium, and small to Komodo Island. Luxury ship with flags and symbols of various countries freely anchored here. August is the peak current density of the park board, because of the long holiday season. On the pier you can negotiate with the owner of the vessel to charter a speed boat or boat motor. About 20 boats meet the dock every morning, some have Most Wanted by the buyer, so you should come early.  

Komodo Island is 4 hours by boat, or 1.5 hours by speed boat, pier named Loh Liang. Towards the island of high currents and waves up to 4 meters, especially in January through March. There is lodging rates start from Rp 400 thousand rupiah. But most tourists who visit the island of Komodo to spend the night in a boat / boat is equipped with toilet and kitchen. Tourist can also adjust the budget of each by using the combined land and sea.

1. Routes quickly - cheap to Komodo Island: Landing on Airport Muhammad Salahuddin - Bima - Sumbawa. After that by using bemo heading to Sape harbor to go to Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island.

2. Cheapest route to the Komodo Island: From Ngurah Rai - Bali to the port of Padang Bai, (possibly from the Port of Amed) to go to Sheet Harbour - Lombok with a ferry journey time 4 hours. Subsequently added to Labuan, east of the island of Lombok to climb to the Ferry Port Alas - Sumbawa. Of the Port continued to climb Alas bus to Bima - Raba, followed by using bemo to Sape harbor, followed by another ferry to Labuan Bejo. Usually we have to rest overnight before continuing the trip to Komodo Island.


Another Way to See Ancient Animals Komodo Dragons

Rinca Island : 2 hours by boat from Labuan Bajo. In this island there is a pier Loh Buaya, where a small boat and was docked. There is a bungalow which is being renovated for a researcher or a documentary team to stay. Also available is the cafeteria and bathrooms. Tourists generally prefer to Rinca island because it is closer than the Komodo Island, and flat so that the contours of his island see more dragons.

To reach the island where dwells the dragons, Public sea transport is not available. The only way to just charter a boat from the pier of Labuan Bajo. Charge small boat with a capacity of 8 people to the island of Rinca eg cheapest Rp 600 thousand, while the island of Komodo rate of Rp 800 thousand.

 

If you choose a larger boat with a toilet and kitchen, with a capacity of 10 people charge about Rp 1 million rupiah in a full day return trip to the island of Rinca. If you want more quickly, you can rent a speed boat with a capacity of 8 persons. Only about 1 hour to reach the island of Rinca, a rate of Rp 3 million to Rp 5 million. Actually there is a cheaper way to Komodo Island is by a combination of land and sea, but of course much longer time. The terrain is challenging, and certainly more tiring. Many Caucasian backpacker, who use this route. From Senggigi Beach Lombok, they group (about 20 people) hire a boat to the Komodo National Park, at a cost of Rp 2 million means only Rp 100,000 per head.  

Sea travel by boat from the island of Lombok is taken for 3 days 2 nights, but for the backpacker long journey over the ocean it is an exciting marine tourism. The cost of aircraft that reached Rp 3 million round trip route Jakarta-Denpasar-Labuan Bajo. Estimated cost to the Komodo Island  about Rp 5 million per person for tourists from Jakarta with details are as follows :
Jkt-Denpasar round trip Rp 1.400.000

Denpasar-Labuan Bajo round trip Rp 1.600.00

Package tour 3 days 2 nights Komodo Island all in Rp 2,000,000 (include eat, stay on the boat and stay overnight in Labuan Bajo)

In 1980 the park was established to protect the Komodo dragon and its habitat. The total area of ​​the Park is at 1917 km2, is located on the border of West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara, or between the island of Sumbawa and Flores island. Komodo National Park entrance is currently located in the port area, called Loh Liang for the island of Komodo and Rinca Island to Loh Buaya, the admission price of Rp.97,000 (cost of a donation for the conservation of Rp. 75,000. - And ticket Rp. 22,000. - ). There are 277 species of animal that is a mix of animals that come from Asia and Australia, which consists of 32 species of mammals, 128 species of birds and 37 species of reptiles. Together with dragons, at least 25 species of land animals and birds including the protected animals, because their numbers are limited, or limited their deployment.

Komodo park also has beautiful marine life that consists of 385 species of beautiful corals, mangroves, and sea grass as home to thousands of species of fish, 70 species of sponges, 10 species of dolphins, six kinds of Whales, Green Sea Turtle, and various Sharks and stingray fish species. The incorporation of the northern waters of the warm waters and the waters south of the cold waters of the stream waters of the Ocean Indonesia gives a different character who produces underwater ecosystem is very rich. Many divers have to watch the underwater life of the stunning waters of the Komodo Island.

Komodo National Park region includes three major islands, ie Komodo Island - Padar Island - Rinca Island. And several small islands which, when sorted from west to east are as follows:

Small islands: Rawadarat - Stone-Sea Gililawa Gili Bugis - willingness Island - Island tatawa big - big Siaba Island - Island Mengyatan - Large Central Island - Central Island Small - Small Sebayor Island - Complete Sebayor Island - Island Mesa - Kanawa Island - 3 Island Papagarang - Papagaan Small Island - Island Panikia - Nusa Island Pimpe - Mesa Island - Kanawa Island - Big Island Pungku - Island of Bangkau.

Large islands and small islands are volcanic. The population in this area is approximately 4,000 people.