Wakatobi National Park

Wakatobi National Park has very high marine resource potential, in terms of both species and uniqueness, with enchanting submarine landscapes. In terms of configuration, the marine waters of the Park generally start flat and then slope seawards, with sheer precipices in some parts. The water depth varies, the deepest parts reaching 1,044 metres with sand and coral at the bottom.

This Park has 25 chains of coral reefs, and the total circumference of the coral islands is 600 km. There are more than 112 species of coral such as Acropora formosa, A. hyacinthus, Psammocora profundasafla, Pavona cactus, Leptoseris yabei, Fungia molucensis, Lobophyllia robusta, Merulina ampliata, Platygyra versifora, Euphyllia glabrescens, Tubastraea frondes, Stylophora pistillata, Sarcophyton throchelliophorum, and Sinularia spp.

There are about 93 species of ornamental and commercially valuable fish, including the napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), peacock grouper (Cephalopholus argus), bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis), titan triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens), two-spot snapper (Lutjanus biguttatus), spotted rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus), tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus), ovalspot butterflyfish (Chaetodon specullum), beaked coralfish (Chelmon rostratus), longfin bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus), one-spot snapper (Lutjanus monostigma), and gold-banded fusilier (Caesio caerularea).

Among the recorded species of sea bird are the brown booby (Sula leucogaster plotus), Malaysian plover (Charadrius peronii), common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis); while certain species of turtle can also be seen, such as the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and Pacific ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea).

The indigenous people who live around the Park belong to the Bajau tribe. Mention is made in the writings of ancient Chinese and European explorers of these legendary sailors who had managed to reach the distant shores of Merqui, Johor, Singapore, Sulawesi and Sulu. Of all the traditional seafaring communities throughout southeast Asia, only the Bajau have held on to their way of life. Locals spear-fishing on the sea bed without the aid of diving equipment are still a common sight.

Hoga Island (Kaledupa Resort), Binongko Island (Binongko Resort), and Tamia Resort are interesting places to visit, especially for diving, snorkelling, marine tours, swimming, camping and cultural visits.

Best time of year to visit: April to June and October to December.

How to reach the Park: From Kendari to Bau-bau by speedboat (twice a day), 5 hours; or by ordinary boat, 12 hours. From Bau-bau to Lasalimu by car, 2 hours, and then by speedboat to Wanci, 2.5 hours. Wanci is the first point of entry to the Park.

Office: Jl. Dayanu Ikhsanudin, Bau-bau
Buton, Southeast Sulawesi
Tel./Fax. : +62-402-25652

Designated : Minister of Forestry SK.No.393/Kpts-V/96,
a total area of 1,390,000 hectares
Location : Regency of Buton (Province of Southeast Sulawesi)

Temperature 19° - 34° C
Altitude 0 - 3 m asl.
Wind speed 12 - 20 knot
Salinity 35 0/oo (on average)
Geographical location 123°20' - 124°39' E; 5°12' - 6°10' S

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Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park

Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park comprises sub-montane rain forest, mangrove forest, coastal forest, savanna, and freshwater swamp forest ecosystems.

The savanna vegetation of this Park is unique, being a combination of grassy plains with fan palms, thorny bamboo, bushes and other plants growing along the rivers that flow through the savanna.

There is a remarkable variety of plants in this Park. It has been recorded that there are at least 89 families, 257 genera, and 323 species of plant such as lara (Metrosideros petiolata), sisio (Cratoxylum formosum), kalapi (Callicarpa celebica), tongke (Bruguiera gimnorrhiza), fan palm (Borassus flabellifer), and lotus (Victoria sp.).

Various species of bird also inhabit the Park: 155 species have been recorded, of which 32 are endangered and 37 are endemic. Those 155 bird species include the maleo fowl (Macrocephalon maleo), lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus), woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus episcopus), collared kingfisher (Halcyon chloris chloris), sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita triton), vinous-breasted sparrowhawk (Accipiter rhodogaster rhodogaster), Sulawesi black pigeon (Turacoena manadensis), and Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica).

The eastern tarsier (Tarsius spectrum spectrum) and black-crested macaque (Macaca nigra nigra) are among the primate species to be found here. Endangered and protected animals in the Park include lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), mountain anoa (B. quarlesi), water-hagedis dragon (Hydrosaurus amboinensis), small cuscus (Strigocuscus celebensis celebensis), Timor deer (Cervus timorensis djonga), Sulawesi palm civets (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii musschenbroekii), and babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa celebensis).

Interesting locations/attractions:

Pulau Harapan II: located in the centre of Rawa Aopa, a good place for viewing the natural panorama of the swamp and watching water fowl spy on fish, and boating.
Lanuwulu Beach: travelling downriver by boat to the beach, mangrove forest, swimming and marine tours.
Mt. Watumohai: climbing and camping. On the slopes of the mountain, there is a savanna plain where hundreds of deer can be seen grazing, along with other animals and birds.

A cultural attraction outside the Park is the Tolaki Festival, held in Kendari in December.

Best time of year to visit: June to October.

How to reach the Park: Kendari-Lambuya-Aopa-Lanowulu by car, 4 hours (" 145 km); or Kendari-Punggaluku-Tinanggea-Lanowulu by car, 2.5 hours (" 120 km); or Kendari-Motaha-Tinanggea-Lanowulu by car, 3 hours (" 130 km).



Office: Lanowulu, Tinanggea
Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi
Tel./Fax. : +62-408-21377

Declared : Minister of Forestry, in 1989,
a total area of 96,804 hectares
Designated : Minister of Forestry SK.No.756/Kpts-II/90,
a total area of 105,194 hectares
Location : Regencies; Kendari, Buton, Kolaka (Province of Southeast Sulawesi)

Temperature 23° - 30° C
Rainfall 1,500 - 2,000 mm/year
Altitude 0 - 981 m asl.
Geographical location 121°46' - 122°09' E; 4°00' - 4°36' S

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Taka Bonerate National Park

Taka Bonerate National Park is home to the third biggest atoll in the world after Kwajifein in the Marshall Isles and Suvadiva in the Moldiva Isles. The total area of the atoll is about 220,000 hectares with coral reefs spreading over 500 km².

The topography of the Park is unique. The atoll consists of a chain of islands of dry coral and a large flat sunken reef, forming a large number of islands. The coral islands are interspersed by narrow, deep, sheer-walled straits. On the coral flats there are small, deep pools surrounded by coral reefs. At low tide, dry land is clearly visible, dotted by water flooding into the small pools.

The plant species inhabiting the coastal areas are dominated by coconut tree (Cocos nucifera), pandan laut (Pandanus sp.), cemara laut (Casuarina equisetifolia), and ketapang (Terminalia catappa).

Among the more than 261 identified species of coral are Pocillopora eydouxi, Montipora danae, Acropora palifera, Porites cylindrica, Pavona clavus, Fungia concinna, etc. Most of the corals have formed either atolls (barrier reefs) or fringing reefs. They are all beautiful and in relatively pristine condition.

There are about 295 species of coral fish and several species of fish which are of high economic value for consumption, like grouper (Epinephelus spp.), skipjack (Katsuwonus spp.), napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and surgeonfish (Acanthurus sp.).

Among the 244 species of mollusc are the top shell (Trochus niloticus), horned helmet (Cassis cornuta), trumpet triton (Charonia tritonis), green shell (Turbo marmoratus), fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa), and pearly-chambered nautili (Nautilus pompillius).

The species of turtle that have been recorded here include the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and common green turtle (Chelonia mydas).

There are 15 islands in Taka Bonerate National Park where visitors can enjoy diving, snorkelling and marine tours.

Best time of year to visit: April to June, and October to December.

How to reach the Park: Makassar-Bulukumba by bus, 5 hours (153 km); Bulukumba to Pamatata Selayar harbour by ferry, 2 hours; Pamatata-Benteng, 1.5 hours; Benteng-Rajuni Kecil (the nearest island) by small boat, 5 hours.

Office: Jl. S. Parman 40, Benteng
Selayar 92812, South Sulawesi
Tel./Fax. : +62-414-21565
Web site: http://www.taka-bonerate.com

Designated : Minister of Forestry SK No. 280/Kpts-II/92,
a total area of 530,765 hectares
Location : Regency of Selayar (Province of South Sulawesi)

Waters Temperature 28° - 32° C
Salinity 34 - 35 °/00
Weather clearness 80 - 100 %
Drifted oxygen 4.5 - 6.0 ppm.
Low-tide 1 - 1.5 m
Wind speed 33 - 50 cm / second
Rainy season January to March
Dry season July to September
Geographical location 120°54' - 121°25' E; 6°16' - 7°06' S

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Lore Lindu National Park

Lore Lindu National Park represents various ecosystem types, including lowland tropical forest, sub-montane forest, montane forest, and mixed forest.

The plant species that can be found in both lowland tropical forest and sub-montane forest include Eucalyptus deglupta, Pterospermum celebicum, Cananga odorata, Gnetum gnemon, Castanopsis argentea, Agathis philippinensis, Philoclados hypophyllus, medicinal plants, and rattans.

Covering part of the Park is a sub-alpine forest at an altitude of 2,000 m asl. Frequently blanketed with mist, this forest contains short trees and mosses.

The biodiversity of this Park is rich in animal species, with 117 species of mammal, 88 species of bird, 29 species of reptile and 19 species of amphibian. More than 50% of the species inhabiting the Park are endemic animals like the Tonkean macaque (Macaca tonkeana tonkeana), babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa celebensis), diannae tarsier (Tarsius diannae), lesser Sulawesi tarsier (T. pumilus), bear cuscus (Ailurops ursinus furvus), small cuscus (Strigocuscus celebensis callenfelsi), Sulawesi rat (Rattus celebensis), maleo fowl (Macrocephalon maleo), Sulawesi palm civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii musschenbroekii), gold snake (Elaphe erythrura and E. janseni), Sulawesi frog (Bufo celebencis), and six fish species, including an endemic species in Lake Lindu, Xenopoecilus sarasinorum.

Besides the riches of its natural resources, this Park also has some impressive groups of megaliths which are among the best megalithic monuments in Indonesia.

Lore Lindu National Park receives international technical assistance and has been declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 1977.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Besoa Valley: maleo habitat, megalith sites and recreation.
Lake Lindu, Gimpu, Wuasa, Bada: rowing on the lake and observing birds.
Saluki, Bada, Napu Valleys: megalith sites.
Mt. Nokilalaki, Mt. Rorekatimbo, Lariang River: mountain climbing, camping and rafting.
Lewuto Lake: vistas over the lake, ancient human remains at Moradino.
Dongi-dongi, Kamarora: camping, thermal springs, forest exploration.


One of the cultural attractions outside the Park is the Lake Poso Festival in August.

Best time of year to visit: July to September.

How to reach the Park: Palu-Kamarora by car, 2.5 hours (50 km); or Palu-Wuasa by car, 5 hours (100 km); then Wuasa-Besoa by car, 4 hours. Palu-Kulawi, 6 hours (80 km). The trip into the Park area can be made on foot or on horseback along these routes: Gimpu-Besoa-Bada, 3 days; and Saluki (Sidaonta)-Lake Lindu, 1 day.

Office: Jl. Mawar Nr. 10
Palu, Central Sulawesi
Tel./Fax. : +62-451-423608

Declared : Minister of Agriculture, in 1982,
a total area of 231,000 hectares
Designated : Minister of Forestry SK No. 646/Kpts-II/99,
a total area of 217,991.18 hectares
Location : Regencies; Donggala and Poso (Province of Central Sulawesi)

Temperature 22° - 34° C
Rainfall 2,000 - 3,000 mm/year
Altitude 500 - 2,600 m asl.
Geographical location 119°57' - 120°22' E; 1°03' - 1°58' S

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Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park

Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, formerly known as Dumoga Bone, is an area of ecological uniqueness. Its is located in the transitional zone between the Indo-Malayan geographical zone in the western part and the Papua-Australian geographical zone in the eastern part (the Wallaceae Area).

Several peculiar and endangered species of plant inhabit this Park, including the matayangan palm (Pholidocarpus ihur), black wood (Diospyros celebica), iron wood (Intsia spp.), yellow wood (Arcangelisia flava), and carrion flower (Amorphophallus companulatus). The most commonly found species are Piper aduncum, Trema orientalis, Macaranga sp., cempaka, agathis, kenanga, and various species of orchid and ornamental plants.

This Park has 24 species of mammal, 125 species of bird, 11 species of reptile, 2 species of amphibian, 38 species of butterfly, 200 species of beetle and 19 species of fish. Most of animals living in this Park are endemic species to Sulawesi, like the black-crested macaque (Macaca nigra nigra), Tomini black-crested macaque (M. nigrescens), eastern tarsier (Tarsius spectrum spectrum), Sulawesi palm civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii musschenbroekii), lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), mountain anoa (B. quarlesi), babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa celebensis), and various bird species. The mascot of the Park is the maleo fowl (Macrocephalon maleo). A species endemic to this Park is the Bone bat (Bonea bidens).

The body of the maleo is about the same size as that of a chicken, but its eggs are six times heavier. The maleo lays its eggs in the ground or sand at a depth of 30-40 cm, usually close to thermal springs: this thermal energy helps the eggs to hatch. The sight of the maleo chicks emerging from the ground, and, at one day old, running to an open space of land, and the opportunity to catch glimpses of the maleo mother digging holes, are unique attractions for visitors.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Kosinggolan: camping, climbing Mt. Poniki, observing animals and plants.
Toraut, Lombongo, Tambun: lakes, waterfalls, thermal springs, camping, climbing Mt. Padang, walking through the forest, swimming, maleo watching and cultural remains.
Matayangan: watching maleo, black-crested macaques, hornbills bathing in the river, etc.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include the Bolaang Mongondow Festival in March and the Gorontalo Festival in May.

Best time of year to visit: April to September.

How to reach the Park: Manado-Kotamobagu by car, about 4 hours (185 km). From Kotamobagu to Toraut by car, about 1 hour (69 km); or from Kotamobagu to Maelang by car, about 3 hours (100 km).

Office: Jl. AKD Mongkonai
Kotamobagu 95716, North Sulawesi
Tel. : +62-434-22548
Fax. : +62-434-22547

Declared : Minister of Agriculture, in 1982,
a total area of 300,000 hectares
Designated : Minister of Forestry SK. No. 731/Kpts-II/92,
a total area of 287,115 hectares
Location : Regency of Bolaang Mongondow (Province of North Sulawesi) and
Regency of Gorontalo (Province of Gorontalo)

Temperature 21° - 31° C
Rainfall 1,200 - 2,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 50 - 2,000 m asl.
Geographical location 123°08' - 124°14' E; 0°20' - 0°49' N

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Bunaken National Park

Bunaken National Park is very representative of Indonesian tropical water ecosystems, consisting of seagrass plain, coral reef, and land/coastal ecosystems.

The northern part of the Park area covers the islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Montehage, Siladen, Nain and Nain Kecil, and part of the Tanjung Pisok coastal area. The southern part of the Park covers part of the Tanjung Kelapa coast.

On land, these islands are rich in species of palm, sagu, woka, silar and coconut. Among the animal species that live on the land and the beaches are black-crested macaques (Macaca nigra nigra), Timor deer (Cervus timorensis russa), and bear-cuscus (Ailurops ursinus ursinus).

The mangrove forest of the Park contains, among others, Rhizophora sp., Sonneratia sp., Lumnitzera sp., and Bruguiera sp. This forest is also rich in species of crab, lobster, mollusc, and sea birds such as gulls, herons, sea doves, and storks.

The seaweed species that can be found here include Caulerpa sp., Halimeda spp., and Padina spp., while the dominant seagrasses, in particular in the islands of Montehage and Nain, are Thalassia hemprichii, Enhallus acoroides, and Thalassodendron ciliatum.

Thirteen species of coral have been recorded in the waters of the Park, dominated by fringing reef coral and barrier reef coral. An interesting feature is the 25-50 metre vertical coral wall which is inhabited by 13 coral genus.

About 91 species of fish live in the waters of the Park, among them being the emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator), almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana), spotted seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), yellowstripe snapper (Lutjanus kasmira), four saddle rock cod (Ephinephelus spilotoceps), pinkish basslet (Pseudanthias hypselosoma), two-lined monocle bream (Scolopsis bilineatus), etc.; and species of mollusc such as the great clam (Tridacna gigas), horned helmet (Cassis cornuta), pearly-chambered nautili (Nautilus pompillius), and ascidians.

There are five islands in the Park where visitors can enjoy diving, snorkelling and marine tours.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include the Anniversary of Manado in July and Menulude in January, in Manado.

Best time of year to visit: May to August.

How to reach the Park: The Park can be reached from Manado harbour, the Nusantara Diving Centre (NDC) Marina in Molas sub-district, and the Blue Banter Marina. From Manado harbour by motor boat to Siladen Island takes 20 minutes; to Bunaken Island, 30 minutes; to Montehage Island, 50 minutes; and to Nain Island, 60 minutes. From Blue Banter Marina heading to the recreation area on Bunaken takes 10-15 minutes by cabin cruiser. From the NDC harbour to the dive sites off Bunaken takes 20 minutes by speedboat.

Office: Jl. Raya Molas, Kotak Pos 1202
Manado 95242, North Sulawesi
Tel. : +62-431-859022
E-mail: tnb@manado.wasantara.net.id

Declared : Minister of Forestry SK. No.730/Kpts-II/91,
a total area of 89,065 hectares
Location : Regency of Minahasa and Municipality of Manado (Province of North Sulawesi)

Temperature 26° - 31° C
Rainfall 2,500 - 3,500 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 0 - 800 m asl.
Salinity 33 - 35 0/00
Weather clearness 10 - 30 m
Low-tide 2.5 m (on average)
Rainy season November to February
Dry season March to October
Geographical location 124°39' - 124°35' E; 1°35' - 1°49' N

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