Bukit Duabelas National Park

Lowland Forest Landscape and Ecosystem

Topographically, Bukit Duabelas National Park is dominated by rolling hills with the highest peak only around 438 meters above sea level. Although it does not have towering volcanoes, the "bukit duabelas" contour provides a dense and stunning panorama of green valleys. This region is a type of very wet lowland tropical rainforest ecosystem.

The main uniqueness of TNBD's landscape lies in its river systems. This area is the headwaters for important rivers in Jambi, such as the Batang Tebo River and the Batang Tabir River. Within the forest, tourists can find small streams with very clear and cold water, flowing between the roots of giant trees. The abundance of springs makes this area the lungs and the main water provider for Sarolangun and its surroundings.

Biodiversity: A Paradise of Endemic Flora and Fauna

The biodiversity in TNBD is extremely high. The forest is dominated by high-value commercial tree families like Dipterocarpaceae (Meranti), as well as giant trees like Sialang, which are nesting places for wild honeybees. One of the iconic flora that can be found here is the corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum), which thrives on the damp forest floor.

In terms of fauna, TNBD is a habitat for rare protected animals. If lucky, visitors can observe the tracks or presence of the Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus), and various primate species such as Siamang and Gibbon. For birdwatchers, this area is a paradise as it is inhabited by hundreds of bird species, including Hornbills whose wingbeats are often heard splitting the silence of the forest.

Unique Experience: Integration of the Suku Anak Dalam Culture

One aspect that distinguishes TNBD from other national parks in Indonesia is the presence of the indigenous Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) community, also known as Orang Rimba. For them, the forest is a "mother" that provides everything. Tourists not only enjoy the natural scenery but also have the opportunity to learn about local wisdom on how to live in harmony with nature.

Interactions with the Orang Rimba offer a new perspective on conservation. Visitors can see how they utilize forest plants as traditional medicine—there are over 100 types of medicinal plants identified in this area. The experience of seeing how they prepare medicine or build a 'sesari' (temporary shelter) is an invaluable anthropological experience.

Outdoor Activities and Adventures

For adventure lovers, Bukit Duabelas National Park offers various activities that challenge both physical and mental endurance:

1. Jungle Trekking: Traversing dense forest trails, passing large tree roots, and crossing small rivers. The trekking trails here provide a "true jungle" sensation due to the very dense vegetation.

2. Wildlife Watching: Conducted in the morning or late afternoon at specific points that are animal crossing areas.

3. Botanical Education Tour: Learning about various types of hardwood and medicinal plants under the guidance of rangers or local guides from the Suku Anak Dalam.

4. Camping Ground: Several designated spots are available for setting up tents, where tourists can experience the jungle night atmosphere with a symphony of insect and nocturnal animal sounds.

Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

TNBD was designated as a national park through a ministerial decree in 2000 with the main objective of protecting the habitat of the Suku Anak Dalam and preserving the remaining lowland forests in Jambi. This area faces significant challenges from the expansion of oil palm plantations and illegal logging on its borders. Therefore, the tourism developed here is conservation-based tourism (ecotourism). Visitors are required to adhere to strict rules: no single-use plastics allowed, no feeding of animals, and respect for the taboos or customs of the Suku Anak Dalam that apply within the forest.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bukit Duabelas National Park is during the dry season between June and September. During this period, the trekking trails are more stable and less slippery. Additionally, the river water levels are calmer, making river crossings easier during trekking. If you visit during the rainy season, be prepared for very muddy terrain and a drastic increase in leeches (forest leeches), although the forest scenery will appear much greener and fresher.

Accessibility and Facilities

To reach Bukit Duabelas National Park, the journey usually starts from Jambi City to Sarolangun Regency, taking about 4 to 5 hours by land. From Sarolangun, the journey continues to the park entrance points in several locations such as Pauh Village or Air Hitam.

Facilities within the park are still very limited and natural, which is intended to preserve the ecosystem's authenticity. There is an information center (Visitor Center) and the national park management office near the entrance. Tourists are advised to hire local guides or rangers as navigation systems within the dense rainforest can be very disorienting for beginners. For accommodation, simple homestays are available in the buffer villages around the national park, managed by the local community.

Visiting Bukit Duabelas National Park is a journey back to nature's roots. It is not just a photo destination, but a place to reflect on the relationship between humans and the earth, while enjoying the grandeur of Sumatra's legendary tropical rainforest.