7 Must-Visit National Parks in Indonesia, From Java to Bali

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When it comes to top-rated national parks in Indonesia, iconic destinations like Komodo National Park, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, and Baluran National Park often steal the spotlight due to their diverse features. While the archipelago boasts 54 officially designated national parks, only a handful have earned enduring popularity by striking the perfect balance between accessibility and awe-inspiring adventure. 

Best National Parks in Indonesia 

According to travel experts from Wonderful Indonesia, Lonely Planet, and BBTF, the best national parks in Indonesia offer an unbeatable blend of dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife, and enchanting experiences. Read on to discover their breathtaking wonders. 

1. Komodo National Park, Flores 

Located in the heart of Indonesia's stunning island of Flores, the Komodo National Park is a deserving contender on the list. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is not just a haven for adventurers, but the only place on Earth where you can walk alongside the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. 

Beyond its rugged hills and mangrove forests, the park’s turquoise waters conceal an underwater paradise, boasting nearly 80% of the world’s coral species.

2. Baluran National Park, East Java

Deep in Bayungwangi lies the “Little Africa” of Java, preserving vast savannahs of 273 square kilometers. It is easy to befriend wildlife here, as the golden tropical grassland is home to deer, peacocks, water buffalo, leaf monkeys, Javanese warty pigs, fruit bats, and many other protected wild cats. To form a special bond with them, consider booking an overnight trek with local park rangers. 

3. West Bali National Park, Bali

If escaping the hustle and finding peace in nature sounds like your ideal getaway, then West Bali National Park should be your go-to national park in Indonesia. Established back in 1917, this hidden gem has quietly captivated travelers with its secluded coastal charm and secret beaches. From sweeping mangrove views and dense lowland rainforests to sun-drenched savannahs, this park delivers a bold blend of ecosystems that is far from ordinary.

4. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java 

For seasoned travelers and avid hikers, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park offers a safe yet exhilarating adventure across otherworldly terrain. Set your alarm for 3:30 a.m., and you will be rewarded with a surreal sunrise casting golden light over Mount Bromo’s crater from an elevation of 12,060 feet. While the park is not known for its wildlife, the haunting beauty of billowing sulfur smoke and lunar-like landscapes makes every step a fulfilling journey.

5. Gunung Palung National Park, West Kalimantan 

Moving further to West Kalimantan province, explorers can find Gunung Palung National Park, home to a fascinating array of wildlife. Rare species like wild orangutans call this 1080-square-kilometer national park their natural habitat. They live in a peaceful harmony with the environment and many other wild animals, including white-handed gibbons, proboscis monkeys, sun bears, and Horsfield’s tarsiers. 

6. Alas Purwo National Park, East Java 

Famous for its ancient meditation caves, Alas Purwo National Park is brimming with Hindu temples. Many locals and Hindu devotees believe the area was the “First Forest” to emerge from the seas, which is why this lowland area of forests and mangroves has considerable sacred places at some of its corners. 

7. Gunung Leuser National Park, North Sumatra 

Sitting comfortably between two provinces, North Sumatra and Aceh, Gunung Leuser National Park stands as the largest intact area of virgin forest among other Sumatra regions. This vast and verdant sanctuary offers a glimpse into Indonesia’s wild heart, where elusive creatures like tigers, rhinos, orangutans, elephants, and sun bears still roam freely, occasionally revealing themselves to the lucky few who venture deep into its lush embrace.

From the sprawling savannahs of Baluran to the mystical rainforests of Gunung Leuser, these national parks in Indonesia invite you to explore some of the most biodiverse corners on the planet. 

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