Zamrud National Park

The Charm of Two Lakes: Sky Mirrors Above the Peat

The most iconic natural features and the heart of Zamrud National Park are the two adjacent lakes: Pulau Besar Lake and Bawah Lake. These two lakes possess a unique water characteristic, namely the reddish-black color typical of peat swamp water. Despite their dark hue, the water is crystal clear and functions like giant mirrors, perfectly reflecting the surrounding clouds and trees.

Pulau Besar Lake spans approximately 2,416 hectares and has four islands in its center: Pulau Besar, Pulau Tengah, Pulau Bungsu, and Pulau Beruk. The presence of these islands in the middle of a freshwater lake creates a very rare landscape. The vegetation around the lake is dominated by lush primary peat swamp forest, creating a gradation of green colors that contrasts with the calm, dark water surface.

Biodiversity and Peat Swamp Ecosystem

Zamrud National Park is home to rare and increasingly threatened flora and fauna. The peat swamp ecosystem here is one of the best in Indonesia. Within this dense forest, Sumatran Tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Sun Bears, and various primate species such as Siamangs and Long-tailed Macaques can still be found.

For birdwatchers, TNZ is a paradise. This area is a habitat for the Malayan Banded Pitta, which is the mascot of Riau Province, as well as various water birds like Storks and Grey-headed Fish Eagles. The unique flora is equally captivating; high-value commercial trees such as Meranti, Ramin, and Bintangur grow tall, creating a dense canopy that maintains the area's humidity.

One unique phenomenon that can be found is "floating islands." In some spots, accumulations of vegetation and peat form small land masses that do not anchor to the lakebed but float and move slowly with the wind.

Tourist Experience and Outdoor Activities

Visiting Zamrud National Park offers an experience that is both adrenaline-pumping and soul-soothing. Here are some of the main activities you can do:

1. Cruising the Lakes by Boat: The main activity in TNZ is renting a wooden boat from local residents to explore Pulau Besar Lake and Bawah Lake. Being in the middle of the quiet lake, with only the sound of splashing water and birdsong, provides a peaceful sense of isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Nature and Wildlife Photography: With its symmetrical water reflection landscape, TNZ is a dream for landscape photographers. Sunrise and sunset moments over the lake create an extraordinary spectrum of colors as golden light pierces the thin mist above the dark water.

3. Bird and Wildlife Watching: Exploring the lake shores with binoculars allows visitors to see monkeys hanging from tree branches or eagles diving sharply in search of fish.

4. Peat Ecosystem Education: Visitors can learn firsthand about the importance of peatlands in global carbon sequestration and how the water cycle works in swamp forests.

Best Time to Visit

For the best experience, it is recommended to visit during the dry season between May and September. During this period, rainfall is lower, making access to the area more stable and the skies generally clear, which is crucial for photography and lake exploration.

If you visit during the rainy season, the lake's water levels will rise, and the atmosphere will be very humid. Although the forest will appear fresher, outdoor activities may often be hampered by sudden, intense tropical downpours characteristic of Sumatra's climate.

Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

As a National Park, Zamrud is managed by the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA). This status provides strong legal protection against illegal logging and hunting practices. Conservation in TNZ is crucial because this area functions as a hydrological regulator for the surrounding areas in Siak Regency.

Visitors are strongly urged to practice the principles of Low Impact Tourism. It is strictly forbidden to litter in the lake, take flora or fauna, or create noise that can disturb the natural behavior of wildlife. Protection of peat depth is also a priority, as even minor damage to the peat layer can trigger a large release of carbon into the atmosphere.

Accessibility and Facilities

Zamrud National Park is located about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Pekanbaru City, or about 1 hour from the center of Siak Sri Indrapura City. Access to the location is currently quite good with roads passable by four-wheeled vehicles, although some points approaching the core area are still unpaved or gravel roads passing through industrial forest plantation concessions and oil palm plantations.

Due to its very natural status and focus on conservation, commercial facilities within the national park area are very limited. There are no star-rated hotels or luxury restaurants on the lake shores. The available facilities generally include:

• Simple wooden jetties for boat access.
• Information center and forest guard posts.
• Limited parking areas.

Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks from Siak City, and to ensure their vehicles are in prime condition. For accommodation, tourists usually choose lodging in Siak Sri Indrapura City, which is also a historic city with its magnificent Siak Palace.

Zamrud National Park is proof that natural wonders still exist amidst the embrace of modernity. A visit here is not just a tourist trip, but a tribute to the fragile yet incredibly beautiful balance of nature. For those seeking true tranquility and wishing to witness the wonders of Sumatra's peat ecosystem, Zamrud is a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime.