7 of the Best Wildlife Encounters in Indonesia

Indonesia is an impossibly diverse country, home to over 17,000 islands. Each of these islands is individual in its own way, and as you would expect from such diversity, a range of unique and spectacular wildlife live across them.

An excellent destination for animal lovers, Indonesia is home to the world’s largest lizard, the rare Sumatran tiger, adorable wide-eyed tarsiers, and so much more. Here are 7 of the best wildlife encounters you can experience in Indonesia.

Meet Komodo Dragons in Komodo National Park

As the name might suggest, Komodo National Park is home to the magnificent Komodo dragon — the world’s largest lizard. These extraordinary reptiles can grow up to 3 metres in length and weigh as much as 70 kilos. Seeing them in the wild is a once in a lifetime experience, and easily one of the best wildlife encounters in Indonesia.

Komodo National Park, which includes the islands of Komodo, Padar and Rinca, is the only place in the world where these lizards reside. Luckily, getting to the park is easily organised from the Indonesian island of Flores — most people use the port town of Labuan Bajo as a base to take day trips into the park. Trekking tours are a great option, where local guides are able to track these mighty lizards.

Trek with Orangutans in Borneo

There are only two places in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild: Borneo and Sumatra. Both destinations offer a great opportunity to encounter orangutans in their natural environment, so it’s up to you which you may prefer to visit. That being said, the Tanjung Puting National Park in central Borneo is a great choice.

There are a variety of organised “orangutan treks” that take you into the jungle in search of these wonderful primates. Your chances of seeing them are pretty high, and you might also encounter species such as gibbons, macaques, sambar deer and proboscis monkeys. Sun bears and clouded leopard also reside in the park, although sightings are rare.

Spot Tarsiers in Sulawesi

Located in northern Sulawesi, the verdant Tangkoko National Park is one of the best places in the whole province to spot wildlife. Comprising of rolling hills and green valleys, the park is home to hundreds of species, including crested black macaques and maleo birds.

It’s also home to the spectral tarsier — arguably the star attraction of the whole park. These nocturnal forest-dwellers are one of the smallest primates in the world, weighing just 170g on average. They don’t come down from the treetops until dusk, so it’s worth doing an overnight wildlife tour for your best chance of seeing them.

Search for Rhinos in Java

The Javan Rhino is one of the most critically endangered rhino species on the planet. They once flourished from northeast India to southeast Asia, but due to poaching, habitat loss and disease, only about 70 of them remain. They’re now all confined to the Ujung Kulon National Park on the southwest tip of Java, making it the only place in the world where you can see them.

Interestingly, these relatively small rhinos have unusually short horns compared to other rhino species, and females lack them altogether. While they are very rare, it’s possible to find them on specialist tracking expeditions in the National Park.

Go on Safari at Baluran National Park

Located on the eastern edge of Java, the Baluran National Park has a dry climate, particularly when compared to the lush greenery that covers most of the island. In fact, it’s made up of 40% savannah, appearing not unlike the plains you might expect to see in the Serengeti. It’s little wonder why this picturesque national park is nicknamed “Little Africa.”

Here, a diverse range of species roams free: water buffalo, boar, mouse deer, muntjac deer, fishing cats, hornbills, leopards and more. Opt to go on a safari through Baluran National Park, where you’ll be able to witness the breathtaking diversity of the area’s wildlife.

Track Tigers in Sumatra

The Sumatran tiger is the world’s smallest species of tiger. It also has darker orange fur and stripes that are closer together than other tigers, enabling it to camouflage into its dense rainforest habitat.

Sadly, the Sumatran tiger is critically endangered, with habitat loss and poaching having wiped out most of the population. The Kerinci Sablat National Park on the western edge of Sumatra is the last remaining refuge for these rare cats, providing sanctuary within its thousands of square miles of thick rainforest.

These are very elusive creatures and sightings are rare, but there are organised jungle treks that take you through prime Sumatran tiger habitat. You’ll spot one if you’re lucky, and might also encounter species such as gibbons, monkeys, hornbills and sun bears.

Snorkel with Vibrant Marine Life in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is widely regarded as one of the best diving locations in the world, and certainly the best in Indonesia. Translating to “Four Kings,” the Raja Ampat archipelago comprises of jungle-covered islands, all surrounded by the warm, clear waters of the Dampier Strait.

The conditions of the ocean here have created the perfect environment for corals and marine life to thrive. And indeed, the sheer diversity of this pristine habitat is astonishing. Almost 1,700 species of fish live here, as well as a variety of marine mammals, so keep your eyes peeled for whale sharks, reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins and more.

---

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren.

Hotels – Booking.com
Hostels – Hostelworld
Cheap flights – Skyscanner
Travel insurance – World Nomads
Outdoor gear – Decathlon / GO Outdoors
Cycling gear – Chain Reaction Cycles

Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!