Ujung Kulon National Park

Tracing the Last Footprints of the Javan Rhinoceros: The Exotic Charm of Ujung Kulon National Park

Located at the westernmost tip of Java Island, Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) stands as the last bastion for Indonesia's ancient biodiversity. Administratively situated in Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province, this area is not just an ordinary nature tourism destination, but a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds the mysteries of the largest lowland tropical rainforest on Java Island.

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Ecosystem and Biodiversity: Home of the One-Horned Rhinoceros

Ujung Kulon's primary distinction lies in its status as the last habitat for the Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus). This animal is the rarest large mammal in the world. However, TNUK's richness extends beyond just rhinos; the area encompasses a highly complex ecosystem, ranging from coastal forests, mangrove forests, freshwater swamp forests, to lowland tropical rainforests.

Behind the dense canopy of giant trees like Meranti and Palahlar, other endemic animals such as the Javan Gibbon, Silvery Lutung, and Javan Banteng (Bos javanicus) reside. The flora diversity here is also astounding, with hundreds of species of wild orchids and medicinal plants whose originality is preserved due to very limited human access.

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Featured Destinations: From Savanna Plains to Coral Reefs

Ujung Kulon offers contrasting yet harmonious landscapes. Several must-visit spots include:

1. Cidaon Grazing Field: Located across Peucang Island, Cidaon is a vast savanna where herds of Banteng, Peafowl, and Wild Boar gather to graze. From the observation tower, visitors can witness the serene drama of wild nature under the afternoon sun.

2. Peucang Island: As the heart of TNUK tourism, this island boasts white sand as fine as powder and transparent turquoise seawater. Here, Deer and Long-tailed Macaques live side-by-side with tourists in the accommodation areas.

3. Cigenter River: Situated on Handeuleum Island, this river offers a "Little Amazon" experience. With a wooden canoe, visitors can navigate the calm river under the dense mangrove trees, while observing pythons or exotic birds perched on tree branches.

4. Karang Copong: Located in the northern part of Peucang Island, this spot is a formation of dead coral riddled with holes from the impact of waves over thousands of years. This area is the best spot to enjoy a dramatic sunset.

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Variety of Outdoor Activities

Tourists visiting Ujung Kulon are typically those seeking tranquility and pure adventure. Main activities include:

• Jungle Trekking: Traversing forest trails from the northern to the southern peninsula allows visitors to experience the humidity of primary forests and see giant trees hundreds of years old.
• Snorkeling and Diving: The waters around Panaitan Island and Peucang Island have healthy coral reefs with good visibility. Clownfish, turtles, and various colorful coral species are the main underwater sights.
• Canoeing: Exploring the mangrove labyrinth in the Cigenter River provides a quiet and profound sense of adventure.
• Surfing: For professionals, the waves at Panaitan Island (such as the One Palm Point spot) are known as some of the best and longest left-hand waves in the world.

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Conservation and Environmental Protection Efforts

As a National Park, Ujung Kulon enforces very strict regulations. The area is divided into several zones, including the Core Zone which is closed to tourists to maintain the tranquility of the Javan Rhinoceros habitat. Every visitor is required to bring back their trash and is strictly forbidden from disturbing wildlife or taking any biological resources. Monitoring is carried out regularly by rangers through forest patrols and the use of camera traps to monitor the rhino population, which is now estimated to be only around 80 individuals.

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Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching Ujung Kulon requires an adventurous spirit. The journey usually starts from Jakarta to Labuan or Sumur in Pandeglang by land for 5-7 hours. From Sumur or Taman Jaya pier, the journey continues by renting a fishing boat or speedboat for 2 to 4 hours to Peucang Island or Handeuleum Island.

Facilities within the park are very limited and environmentally friendly. Electricity is only available at certain hours (usually at night using a generator), and telecommunication signals are very minimal. Accommodation is available in the form of wooden cottages managed by the National Park authorities or private entities on Peucang Island.

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Best Time to Visit

It is highly recommended to visit Ujung Kulon during the Dry Season (April to September). During this period, sea waves in the Sunda Strait tend to be calmer, making boat travel safer. Additionally, trekking trails within the forest are less slippery and muddy, and wildlife is more frequently seen in the savanna fields to find water or graze.

Avoid visits from December to February during the west wind season, as sea waves can become very high and dangerous for small boat crossings, and high rainfall intensity can hinder forest exploration activities.

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Conclusion: A Perspective-Changing Experience

Visiting Ujung Kulon National Park is not just a tour, but a reflection on how small humans are in the face of mighty nature. Here, you won't find the luxury of star-rated hotels, but the luxury of the purest air, the orchestral sounds of nature, and a rare opportunity to witness the remnants of an ancient ecosystem that has survived the onslaught of time. Ujung Kulon is a place where time seems to stand still, and nature reigns supreme.