TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT
TIGAPULUH
Geographical location : 102°13 - 102°45 E ; 0°40
- 1°30 S
Administrative Location : Provinsi Riau and Provinsi Jambi
Area : 144,223 hectares
Temperature : 28° - 37° C
Rainfall : 1,600 mm/year (on average)
Altitude : 60 - 734 masl
Best time to visit : March - July
(Bukit Tigapuluh National Park) form part of a mountains chain, that
has 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. This
park also home of 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) and many more. It is also protecting the hydrology of 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 relatively in natural condition.
The communities living around the Park comprise several tribes with
relatively intact traditions and cultures, namely Suku Anak Dalam and Suku Talang
Mamak. Suku Talang Mamak community, in particular, believes that the hills and
plants in this area wield magical powers over their lives. Such a perception
implies that they are actively participating in guarding and protecting the
hills and plants of this Park.
Interesting 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.