TAMAN NASIONAL GUNUNG
HALIMUN-SALAK
Geographical location: 106°21-106°38 E ; 6°37-6°51 S
Administrative Location : Provinsi Jawa Barat and Provinsi Banten
Area : 40,000 hectares
Temperature : 30° C (on average)
Rainfall : 4,000 - 6,000 mm/year
Altitude : 500 - 2,211 masl.
Best time to visit : June - August.
(Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park) represents the ecosystem types of
lowland rain forest, sub-montana forest, and montana forest. Most of the forest
areas of this Park are situated in mountainous terrain with several rivers and
waterfalls. This park protects hydrological function for regencies of Bogor,
Lebak and Sukabumi.
Among the plants that dominate forest areas are rasamala (Altingia
excelsa), jamuju (Dacrycarpus imbricatus), and puspa (Schima wallichii). 75
orchid species grow in the park and several of them are categorized as
endangered species, including Bulbophylum binnendykii, B. angustifolium,
Cymbidium ensifolium, and Dendrobium macrophyllum.
It is home of several endangered animals like lesser Malay mouse deer
(Tragulus javanicus javanicus), Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch), Javan leaf
monkey (Presbytis comata comata), ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus
auratus), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak muntjak), panther (Panthera pardus),
and Asian wild dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus).
There are about 204 species of bird - which 90 are permanent and 35
are endemic to Java, such as Javan hawk eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi). Two species
of bird; spotted crocias (Crocias albonotatus) and red-fronted laughing thrush
(Garrulax rufifrons) are threatened from extinction. Javan hawk eagle, which is
identical to Indonesia's national symbol (Garuda), can be quite easily spotted
in this Park. With its wet climate, this Park is the source for several
year-round rivers, and it boasts eight beautiful waterfalls which have great
potentials tourism attractions.
Park form Traditional "Kasepuhan" society live around this
national park. They have preserved their unique way of life, utilizing the
surrounding forest with great wisdom and care.
With its rich variety of attractions, this park is an ideal site for
both recreation and ecotourism. The silence of the deep forest, broken only by
the whoops and singing birds and animals, offers a magnificent backdrop from
which to observe wildlife at close quarters.
This Park is equipped with a canopy trail - a walkway suspended
between trees - which offers visitors glimpse activities of birds and other
wildlife living in the forest canopy, while thundering waterfalls and pristine
rivers guarantee everyone unforgettable experiences.
Interesting locations/attractions :
Cimantaja, Piit, Cipamulaan, Cihanyawar, and Citangkolo Waterfalls :
forest exploration, plant and animal observation.
Citarik River : rafting.
Cikaniki and Citalahab : camping, canopy trail, and plant and animal
observation.
Cibedug Temple : small temple dating from the megalithic era, is
situated 8 km from the village of Citorek.
Gunung Salak (2,211 masl), Gunung Halimun (1,929masl), and Gunung Sanggabuana
(1,919masl) : exploration and mountain climbing.
Nirmala tea plantation, located at the main Cipeuteuy entrance, is an
additional attraction.
Cultural attractions outside the Park include the Seren Tahun ceremony
in July. The ceremony is held at Kesepuhan Banten Kidul and is enlivened with a
show of folk arts, from rarely-seen debus performances to angklung and other
typically Sundanese arts.