Lambusango Forest

Untouched Ecosystem and Karst Landscape

Lambusango Forest covers an area of over 65,000 hectares, comprising production forests, protected forests, and wildlife reserves. Topographically, the area is dominated by low hills to mountains with unique karst rock formations. The soil here is rich in minerals, fostering dense vegetation with giant trees featuring buttress roots that soar up to 40-50 meters.

The main uniqueness of Lambusango lies in its status as a "natural laboratory." Unlike forests in Kalimantan or Sumatra, the forests in Buton are part of the Wallacea zone, an evolutionary transition region that has produced species found nowhere else on Earth. Walking under the canopy of Lambusango gives the sensation of being in an ancient world, where the sounds of nature are not just background noise but a symphony that dominates the sense of hearing.

Biodiversity: A Paradise for Birdwatchers and Primates

For animal lovers, Lambusango Forest is the "holy grail" for observing endemic wildlife in its natural habitat. One of the stars here is the Tarsius tumpara and Tarsius fuscus, the world's smallest primates with large eyes that are active at night (nocturnal). Among the trees, lucky visitors may spot the Buton Black Macaque (Macaca ochreata brunnescens) foraging in the forest canopy.

Besides primates, Lambusango is a paradise for *birdwatchers*. The forest is home to the Sulawesi Hornbill, whose wingbeats sound like an engine from afar, and the Yellow-crested Cockatoo (*Cacatua sulphurea*), whose existence is increasingly threatened. On the forest floor, you might encounter the Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), the dwarf buffalo characteristic of Sulawesi, which is shy and rarely seen outside this protected area.

Outdoor Activities and Adventure Experiences

Lambusango Forest is not just a place to see, but to experience through various outdoor activities:

1. Jungle Trekking: There are designated trails, ranging from easy paths for beginners to multi-day expedition routes. Trekking here is physically challenging due to high humidity and sometimes slippery terrain, but the views of epiphytic vegetation and forest orchids will reward the effort.

2. Night Safari: This is the most popular activity. With the help of local guides and flashlights, visitors are taken into the forest after sunset to look for Tarsius emerging from tree hollows.

3. River and Waterfall Tours: Within the Lambusango area, clear rivers flow through the forest. Some spots have hidden waterfalls with natural pools surrounded by green moss, offering refreshment after hours of walking.

4. Conservation Education: Visitors can learn directly about reforestation processes and the identification of endemic trees with foresters and local communities who protect this forest.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to explore Lambusango Forest is during the dry season between June and September. During this period, the hiking trails are drier, and the risk of leech (pacet) attacks is significantly reduced. Additionally, in the dry season, animals tend to gather near water sources, making them easier to observe. If you visit during the rainy season (January - April), the forest will feel more dramatic and lush, but the terrain will become very challenging and slippery.

Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

Lambusango Forest holds a crucial status on the global conservation map. This area has long been a site for international research, including collaborations with organizations like Operation Wallacea. Protection efforts here involve indigenous communities through the "Hutan Desa" (Village Forest) and "Hutan Kemasyarakatan" (Community Forest) systems. This approach ensures that the developing tourism is sustainable and provides direct economic benefits to the surrounding residents, thus encouraging them to protect the forest from illegal logging or poaching.

Visitors are strongly urged to adhere to the Leave No Trace principles: do not leave trash, do not take any flora, and do not feed wild animals to preserve their natural instincts.

Accessibility and Facilities

To reach Lambusango Forest, the main entrance is usually through Baubau City, the largest city on Buton Island. From Baubau, the land journey to the forest's buffer villages like Labundo-Bundo Village or Lambusango Village takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles.

Facilities within the forest are very limited and are intentionally kept minimal to preserve the natural environment. However, in the buffer villages, adequate facilities are available, such as:

• Homestay: Residents' homes converted into accommodations for tourists, offering an authentic cultural experience.
• Local Guides: It is highly recommended to use the services of local guides who have in-depth knowledge of the routes and animal behavior.
• Information Center: There are simple guard posts and information centers managed by forestry authorities or local communities.

Lambusango Forest is a destination for those seeking tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the modern world. It offers the luxury of the purest air, honest natural sounds, and encounters with unique creatures that bear witness to Earth's evolutionary history. Visiting Lambusango is not just a trip, but a journey to re-appreciate humanity's position as a small part of a large ecosystem that must be protected.