Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park


Bukit Tigapuluh National Park forms part of a mountain chain that has a potential diversity of endemic plants and animal species of high value.

Ecosystem types within the forest area of the Park include lowland and highland forest types with flora such as jelutung (Dyera costulata), getah merah (Palaquium spp.), pulai (Alstonia scholaris), kempas (Koompassia excelsa), rumbai (Shorea spp.), cendawan muka rimau (Rafflesia hasseltii), jernang or palem darah naga (Daemonorops draco) and various kinds of rattan.

Bukit Tigapuluh National Park has 59 species of mammal, 6 species of primate, 151 species of bird, 18 species of bat and various species of butterfly.

Not only it is a habitat of Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), sun bear (Helarctos malayanus malayanus), crested fireback (Lophura ignita), orange-bellied flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma), great argus pheasant (Argusianus argus argus), etc., the Park also protects the hydrology of the Kuantan Indragiri watershed.

Initially, the Park area consisted of protected forest and limited production forest. In spite of this, the Park's forest areas are still in a relatively natural condition.

The communities living around the Park comprise several tribes with relatively intact traditions and cultures, namely the Anak Dalam and Talang Mamak. The Talang Mamak community, in particular, believes that the hills and plants in this area wield a magical power over their lives. Such a perception implies that they are actively participating in guarding and protecting the hills and plants of this Park.

IJustify Fullnteresting locations/attractions:
Puputan Keling : beautiful views, and good for observing animals and plants.
Pintu Tujuh: caving.
Tembelung Berasap: waterfalls, bathing, and observing plants.
Batu Belipat and Batu Gatal: cultural interest. Rafting is possible along the Gangsal, Menggatai and Sipang rivers.
Kemantan: the ritual ceremonies of the Talang Mamak tribe.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include Siak Bermandah in June and Pacu Jalur in August, both held in Riau.
Hutan Taman Nasional Bukit Tigapuluh
Best time of year to visit: March to July.
How to reach the Park: Pakanbaru-Siberida, about 4 hours by car (285 km), followed by walking along HPH (forest concession) roads.
Hutan Taman Nasional Bukit Tigapuluh
Office: Jl. Raya Rengat 70, Pematang Reba
Rengat Indragiri Hulu, Riau
Tel. : +62-769-341279
Fax. : +62-769-341148
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No. 6407/Kpts-II/2002,
a total area of 144,223 hectares
Location : Regencies; Indragiri Hulu and Indragiri Hilir (Province of Riau)
Regencies ; Bungo Tebo and Tanjung Jabung (Province of Jambi)

Temperature 28° - 37° C
Rainfall 1,600 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 60 - 734 m asl.
Geographical location 102°13' - 102°45' E; 0°40' - 1°30' S