Nature and the environment
National parks, volcanoes, wildlife, earthquakes and conservation.
Gunung Halimun Salak National Park: West Java
Gunung Halimun Salak National Park is the largest remaining primary lowland forest in Java and first established in 1992.
Tanjung Puting National Park: Kalimantan
Tanjung Puting National Park is the largest and most diverse protected example of coastal tropical heath and peat swamp forest.
Jambi and Surrounds: Sumatra
The city of Jambi is the capital of the Jambi province. Being located on the Batanghari River it is a thriving port and a connecting one for ships and other trading vessels usually carrying timber.
Five Great Reasons to Visit Indonesia
Indonesia is a vast archipelago with over 17,000 islands and rich not only in cultural treasures but also a country steeped in history.
Adventure on the Mahakam River: Kalimantan
The archipelago of Indonesia is an adventurers delight and also for those travellers who want to get off the beaten tourist path and immerse themselves into different cultures as well as engaging in…
Fifteen Great Reasons to Visit Malang: East Java
When you travel across Java there are many beautiful cities and large towns but none are as cool and delightful to walk around as the second largest city in East Java , Malang .
National Parks in Sulawesi
Across Indonesia there are several national parks that are not only beautiful and surreal to a certain aspect some are also a great attraction for divers and lovers of the oceans.
Komodo Dragon on the Verge of Extinction: East Nusa Tenggara
If you travel to East Nusa Tenggara then a visit to Komodo island is a must even if only to experience the other fauna and flora in the Komodo National Park .
Asia for Animals Conference: Sanur, Bali
All of us, at one time or another, have just gazed in awe at the beauty of the animals and birds in their natural environment upon our travels in Indonesia .
Jungle Ulua Fishing Adventures
I can recall many times when I lived in Cairns, Queensland, in Australia and going out in a boat owned by a friend of mine to do some big-game fishing .
Bandar Lampung: South Sumatra
A majority of travellers that enter Sumatra generally bypass Bandar Lampung and go direct to Palembang or Bengkulu or one of the other major cities.
The Island of Sulawesi
An island with the central areas being rugged mountains, Sulawesi has a distinctive shape with four large peninsulas.
From Bali to Flores the Adventurous Way
“ We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open .” - Jawaharial Nehru On my upcoming…
Togean National Park: Central Sulawesi
The Togean island chain is an ecological wonder located in Tojo Una-Una regency, Central Sulawesi , about a 10-hour journey from Palu .
Kelimutu Lakes: Flores, East Nusa Tenggara
Located some 60 kilometers to the east of Ende , Flores , East Nusa Tenggara , there are three lakes of three different colours that are collectively known as the Kelimutu Lakes .
Committed to Preserving Nature: Sulawesi
The number of Indonesians concerned with preserving North Sulawesi's flora and fauna -- one of the country's most precious natural treasures -- has been rising amid the uncontrollably high rate of…
Halmahera Fairy Birds: Halmahera, Maluku Islands
Halmahera fairy birds -- Wallace's Standardwing Bird of Paradise , Semioptera Wallacei -- danced beautifully in the sky above White Land Hill on Halmahera Island , North Maluku, that morning before…
The Magic of Mount Kawi: East Java
Mount Kawi , a major tourist destination near Malang city in East Java , is renowned for attracting fortune seekers.
Deer Population Under Threat: West Nusa Tenggara
Due to widespread illegal hunting practices and rapid deforestation, the population of wild deer ( cervus timorensi ) in West Nusa Tenggara province is rapidly shrinking.
Istana Kelinci: Bogor, West Java
Welcome to Istana Kelinci (Bunny Palace), a kennel for rabbits in Bogor famous among pet lovers and research students. Located in a neighborhood on Jl.
Swift Breeding Spots Relocated: Batam, Sumatra
Batam municipality plans to relocate swift breeding businesses to outlying islands to reduce noise pollution in the city and prevent the islands from being misused by foreign parties.
Riverboarding: Bandung, West Java
It was cloudy in Bantar Caringin village, Saguling, Rajamandala, West Bandung regency, last Sunday and Citarum River was flowing with greater force due to an early morning downpour.
Frog without Lungs Discovered in Kalimantan
A frog has been found in a remote part of Indonesia that has no lungs and breathes through its skin , a discovery that researchers said could provide insight into what drives evolution in certain…
Horse milk Cures: Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara
Spurred by the Dompu regency administration, sales from miracle-working horse milk , and an increase in tourism have helped raise living standards for the people of Sumbawa Island , West Nusa…
Crawling Fish: Ambon, Maluku Islands
Indonesian seas and jungles harbour a realm of species unique to the archipelago. There are even places on these islands where man has not yet put down his foot and embarked on a journey of…
Sumatran Tiger Population Depleted: Sumatra
The population of the Sumatran Tiger ( Phantera Tigris Sumaterae ) in the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) has continued to decline, a foreign nature conservation worker said.
BMG to Operate Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre
Recently when I visited Bali we had a few weeks of intensely thunderous weather. Quite out of context for that time of the year.
The Environment and Indonesia
For centuries, the rich natural resources of the Indonesian archipelago have been exploited.
Snakes in Indonesia
Mention the word ‘ snake ’, and generally 95% of people run for the hills!. This is probably the worst thing you could do as you will arouse the snake’s attention.
The Miracle of the Aloe Vera Plant: Bali
I can walk out into my garden right now and gaze upon extremely large aloe vera plants , and although I was aware to a certain extent of the healing power of the plants, I didn’t realise just how…
Conservation Group Fights Illegal Trade: Bali
The Bali Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) runs regular operations to detect the manufacture and sale of tortoiseshell products, its officers say.
Climbing Mountains in Indonesia
When I write ‘ climbing mountains ’, I don’t mean the likes of Everest or Mount Kinabalu , but rather those volcanoes, distinct or otherwise, located across the archipelago.
New Bird Species Discovered
We are always hearing about the plight of endangered species on this planet but at last there is good news of a new bird species being discovered.
The Sale of Shell Products Goes On and On and On
I have mentioned in a previous article how I find the increase in wildlife trafficking disgusting and deplorable.
Indonesia to Build Four Nuclear Plants
I have opposed it, I have marched in rallies against it, and I deplore it. I am talking about Nuclear Energy . The idea of building nuclear plants in a volatile volcanic zone is totally absurd.
Orangutan Outreach
As most of you know, my two passions in life are the environment and wildlife , especially orangutans.
Attempt to Smuggle Seahorses Foiled: Jakarta, West Java
The trafficking of wildlife is an increasing world-wide problem and there is big money for those involved.
Saving Orangutans in Indonesia
It is a well-known fact that orangutans are one of the planet's most endangered species .
Pollution on the Streets: Bali
Let’s face it, mass tourism has produced a lot of problems for the ‘paradise island’ and none more so then the crap that is spat out of exhaust pipes.
The Hills and Mountains Around Bandung: West Java
The hills and mountains that surround Bandung are sometimes somewhat humorously and affectionately referred to as the " guardian angels of Bandung ".
Mount Rinjani for World Heritage List Next Year: Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara
Lombok Island's Mount Rinjani National Park may well join UNESCO's World Heritage List next year because of the incredible symmetry the park provides between nature and local culture.
Bali Orchid Garden
Located on Jalan Bypass Tohpati can be found a spectacular place to visit – the Bali Orchid Garden .
Moving Mountains: Bangli, Bali
The river cliff of Buruan village in Gianyar , Bali , is slowly being hacked away, cut into blocks and carted two kilometers uphill.
Marunda Fishermen: North Jakarta, West Java
An old Indonesian children's folksong goes " Nenek moyangku orang pelaut, gemar mengarung luas samudra, menerjang ombak tiada takut, menempuh badai sudah biasa ." The lyrics can be translated as "My…
Denpasar City Pollution: Bali
Having just spent two months on holiday with my wife in Bali , we had on occasions to go to Denpasar albeit reluctantly. I actually found the pollution there worse than in Yogyakarta .
Jakarta Green Monster: Ragunan, Jakarta, West Java
The existence of wetlands in a metropolis like Jakarta is crucial to the wellbeing of the city and its residents.
The Bogor Botanical Gardens: Bogor, West Java
When it comes to any form of horticulture then I am there. I am what you call a keen gardener.
Baturaden: Central Java
Indonesia is a country renowned for its fabulous and sometimes all too volatile mountains and volcanoes.
Environmental Project Underway: Pasuran, East Java
State company Perhutani , in charge of managing teak forests on Java Island, is creating a seven-hectare arboretum in East Java to help raise environmental awareness in the region.
World Conference on Waste: Bali
Indonesia will host an international environmental conference in June to address efforts to reduce exports of hazardous waste from industrialized nations to developing countries.
Krui People Preserve Environment: West Lampung, Sumatra
The sun was just beginning to set when a man in his 30s climbed a Damar pine , carrying a rattan basket on his shoulder.
The Komodo Dragon
The primitive komodo started to gain popularity after being discovered by Dutch state official, Lt. Van Steyn van Hensbroek , in 1911 .
Humboldt Penguins at Taman Safari Indonesia
Taman Safari Indonesia animal park has added collection of 12 Humboldt penguins ( Speheniscus humboldti ) to its collection. The penguins arrived Feb. 1 from Tokyo Sea Life Park.
Protecting the Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve: West Java
The morning sunshine is unable to penetrate the thick pidada trees ( Sonnieratia caseolaris ) in Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve .
The Rivers and Lakes of Papua
Virtually all tourists who come to West Papua travel to the Baliem Valley in the highlands.
Reviving Eco-Tourism: Wonosobo, Central Java
Wonosobo , a regency in the hills of Central Java, is striving to revive its eco-tourism industry by focusing on a regreening program.
Lore Lindu National Park Okay for Ecotourism: Sulawesi
Central Sulawesi , the once-restive province of sectarian conflict in Poso , has great potential to be developed as the country's newest attraction in ecotourism .
Owa Jawa Monkeys Return to Forest
The Cikananga Animal Rescue Center in Sukabumi turned over six Owa Jawa monkeys (Hylobates moloch) for rehabilitation before their release back to the forest.
Mount Kelud - Part II: East Java
As nature is hard to predict, so is Mount Kelud , East Java's charming yet baffling volcano. The Center for Volcanology and Mitigation of Geological Disasters has stated that Mt.
Brahminy Kites Endangered in Indonesia
Brahminy kites , mostly seen in tall trees around the park, particularly along the Katingan and Sebangau rivers , are protected and an important part of the forest ecosystem.
Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park – A Biosphere: West Java
Indonesia is renowned for its National Parks . I have trekked and camped in quite a few during my time in Indonesia and each time I never seem to be amazed at the beauty of each park.
The Wallace Line
Alfred Russel Wallace , the so-called father of animal geography, formulated his ideas on evolution by natural selection while observing and collecting wildlife in the islands of Southeast Asia.
Mount Kelud - Part I: East Java
Mount Kelud is like a close friend to those living on the slopes of the smoldering volcano.
Turtle Conservation: Karimunjawa, Central Java
The turtle population in Karimunjawa archipelago , north of Central Java , has been decreasing due to local people's consumption of turtle meat and eggs, while the sea reptile's habitat has also been…
Bird Watching and National Parks the Ecotourism Drawcard
Bird watching has become an exciting ecotourism activity in Sebangau National Park , Central Kalimantan , with 106 bird species recorded in the 568,700-hectare forest conservation area.
Ecologist Helps Environment
For ecologist Elizabeth Linda Yuliani , the rich ecosystem of Lake Sentarum National Park in West Kalimantan is highly enjoyable because the surrounding provides breathtaking views to explore.
Kapoposang National Marine Park: South Sulawesi
Kapoposang National Marine Park may not be as well-known as other celebrated diving resorts , like Bunaken of North Sulawesi or Raja Ampat in Papua , but it is equally beautiful and offers an…
Rapid Deforestation a Serious Threat: Palemabang, Sumatra
The Palembang Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has said that tropical forests in Sumatra are under extreme threat from illegal logging .
Ambon Island
Ambon is the capital city of Maluku as well as the main administration point for the Moluccas.
Expanding the Forest for the Environment: Padang Tegal, Bali
The usually quiet Monkey Forest turned into a bustling field of activity on Sunday morning as the people of Padang Tegal celebrated the launching of the Tree Adoption Program , aimed at expanding the…
Day-of-Silence Campaign
Actually it has nothing whatsoever to do with Nyepi which is observed every year in Bali .
Flores Islands
Lying between Sumbawa and Timor islands is Flores , one of the Lesser Sunda Islands in East Nusa Tenggara . Maumere is the largest town.
Sulawesi Island
The island formally known as the Celebes , Sulawesi , is not unlike the other larger islands in the archipelago as far as travelling is concerned – you need at least three months to explore it and…
Exposing Deforestation in Papua
The province of Papua is the largest of all the provinces in Indonesia. Incredibly, more than 75% of it is still covered by dense tropical forest making it an amazing an interesting place to visit…
Trekking in Indonesia
Without a doubt, trekking in the islands of the archipelago is the most rewarding experience.
Survival of the Orangutan
Orangutans are one of the most endangered species on earth. According to Charles Darwin and the Darwinian Theory , apes are our closest relations.
Danau Buyan Shrinking: Bali
Every year since 2000, the water level of Bali's Lake Buyan has been falling, leaving many locals puzzled.
Red Tide
Recently in Bali there was a ‘ Red Tide ’ causing a lot of dead fish to be washed to the shores along the tourist strip of Kuta coast.
Logging Concessions in Rainforests: Harapan, Sumatra
Eighty per cent of Sumatra's rich lowland forest is estimated to have been destroyed in the past 30 years.
Mangroves Important to Indonesia
According to experts, mangroves are not getting the attention they deserve as a protective coastal barrier as mangroves are a natural way to lessen the severity of the impact (of climate change) to…
Kawah Ijen: East Java
To the west of Banyuwangi , bordering the Baluran National Park is the the Ijen Plateau .
Global Warming May Threaten Indonesia
Indonesian scientists say many of Indonesia's islands may be swallowed up by the sea if world leaders fail to find a way to halt rising sea levels.
Repairing a Sick Planet: Bali
Let’s face it, our planet is slowly - NO – dying fast, and faster than most believe are led to believe.
World Wide Fund for Nature Warns Indonesia
It’s a scary fact that global warming is as prevalent and posts more of a threat to our existence than it has ever been before.
Crazy Traffic: Bali
As most of you know who have visited Bali that the traffic along Jalan Legian is at a snail’s pace at night.
Palm Oil Production and the Environment
The farming of Palm Oil is a contentious subject in Indonesia and one that has every environmental group tearing its hair out to have some legislation passed to halt the destruction of rainforests.
Soothsayers Sought to Predict Eruption: Mount Kelud, East Java
With volcanologists apparently unable to determine the exact day Mount Kelud will erupt, villagers in the area have turned to local mystics and soothsayers for their opinions.
Mount Kelud Spews Ash: East Java
Indonesia's Mount Kelud volcano spewed ash on Sunday as clouds and fog turned daytime to dusk, sharply reducing visibility in the area.
Greenpeace Camp in Monas Park: Jakarta, West Java
Greenpeace launched the Forest Defenders Camp Satellite Station (FDCSS) at Monas Park in Jakarta yesterday.
Purbalingga Reptile and Insect Park: Kutasari, Central Java
Thousands of dried beetles and butterflies are arranged neatly in glass cases. There are also various kinds of dried grasshoppers and scorpions that have been placed artistically on shelves.
Volcanic Pressure Increases – Mount Kelud: East Java
Pressure at a simmering Indonesian volcano on Java island escalated Friday, a geologist warned, as armed police forced some defiant villagers to evacuate ahead of a potential eruption.
U.S. Citizens Petition Bali
A group of Americans have filed a petition imploring Bali's authorities to keep the island's idyllic beaches and landscapes from deteriorating, amid concerns authorities are not doing enough to save…
Mount Kelud Volcanic Eruption Imminent: East Java
Indonesia raised the alert level for Mount Kelud volcano to the highest level, as residents started fleeing amid signs an eruption could be imminent.
Bali Safari and Marine Park: Bali
Bali Safari and Marine Park , to be officially opened in Cucukan , will be Taman Safari's best park to date, marketing manager Esther Manansang said. And she should know.
Kertalangu Cultural Village: Bali
A new recreational site - Kertalangu Cultural Village - is being developed in Kesiman Kertalangu, Padang Galak, East Denpasar , by hundreds of local farmers under the coordination of the village…
Nurturing Nature: Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatra
Extending from Tanggamus and West Lampung regencies in Lampung province to Kaur regency in Bengkulu , the 356,000-hectare Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) is home to rare wildlife and…
Cashing-In on Conflict for Tourism: Poso, Central Sulawesi
After the area was rocked by sectarian conflict, the administration of Poso regency in Central Sulawesi has decided to turn to the tourism sector as one of the main drivers of development so as to…
Indonesian Nuclear Fallout a Possible Threat
I don’t know about you, but, I have seen enough documentaries regarding the nuclear fallout at Chernobyl and its affects to realise that nuclear energy does have its drawbacks. People die!.
From Jakarta to Surabaya on a 'Bebek' – Tim Hannigan
The engine of my motorbike strained as I headed through the last hairpins toward the summit of Puncak Pass .
Taman Menteng Glasshouses: Jakarta, West Java
In the past, the only reason I would go to Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto , specifically the stretch where Hotel Formule-1 is located, is the famous nasi gila -- an oily fried rice dish that is a mix of…