Bukit Baka Ukit Raya National Park

Bukit Baka Ukit Raya Overview

Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, also referred to as Taman Nasional Bukit Baka Bukit Raya in the local Indonesian language, spans a vast area of approximately 3,818 square miles (9,901 square kilometers).

Located on the island of Borneo, the park straddles the border between the provinces of West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, offering a unique and biodiverse haven in Indonesia’s tropical heartland. It is named after its two prominent peaks, Bukit Baka and Bukit Raya, both part of the Schwaner Mountain Range.

The park’s terrain is a captivating mix of steep hills, valleys, and dense tropical rainforest, with elevations ranging from about 492 feet (150 meters) to 7,352 feet (2,241 meters) at Bukit Raya, the highest peak in Kalimantan. The area is rich in water resources, with rivers like the Melawi and Katingan originating here, carving deep gorges and supporting lush riverine ecosystems.

The vegetation is dominated by primary and secondary rainforests, with towering dipterocarp trees, orchids, and dense undergrowth providing a vibrant green canopy. Unique plant species like Nepenthes (pitcher plants) and Rafflesia, known for their enormous flowers, add to the park’s botanical allure.

The park is a sanctuary for an astonishing array of wildlife, many of which are endemic or endangered. Visitors may encounter majestic mammals like the orangutan, Bornean clouded leopard, sun bear, and Malayan pangolin.

The dense forests are alive with the calls of diverse bird species, including the iconic rhinoceros hornbill, Crested fireback, and Bornean peacock-pheasant. Reptiles and amphibians, such as monitor lizards and tree frogs, thrive in the humid environment, while countless insect species, including vividly colored butterflies, enhance the park’s natural beauty.

Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park is a favorite among eco-tourists and adventurers. Popular activities include trekking to the summits of Bukit Baka and Bukit Raya, offering panoramic views of the untouched rainforest. Visitors also enjoy birdwatching, exploring river systems by boat, and immersing themselves in the tranquility of the park’s pristine environment.

The cultural richness of indigenous Dayak communities, who have long lived in harmony with the forest, adds a fascinating anthropological dimension to the visit. Travelers can learn about traditional Dayak customs, crafts, and sustainable practices.

The park’s management faces several conservation challenges, including illegal logging, encroachment, and hunting. However, efforts to address these issues have seen some success, such as collaborations with local communities for sustainable forest management and wildlife monitoring. Conservation programs have helped to protect critical habitats for endangered species, and eco-tourism initiatives are fostering environmental awareness while providing economic benefits to surrounding communities.

Park Map

Bukit Baka Ukit Raya National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park also boasts an impressive diversity of bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Below are some of the popular bird species found in Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park:

Helmeted Hornbill
This iconic bird is known for its large casque and loud, distinctive calls. It plays a key role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.

Rhinoceros Hornbill
One of the most recognizable hornbill species, it has a striking orange and black casque. These birds form strong pair bonds and nest in tree cavities.

Storm’s Stork
A rare and endangered stork, it is typically found in undisturbed wetlands and riverine forests. It has a striking black-and-white body with a red face.

Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle
This small but powerful raptor is known for its striking crest and sharp hunting abilities. It inhabits dense forest canopies.

Black-and-Red Broadbill
With its vibrant plumage of black, red, and blue, this bird is a stunning sight in the park’s forests. It often builds large, hanging nests over water.

Crested Partridge
A ground-dwelling bird with iridescent green plumage and a distinctive red crest. It prefers the dense undergrowth of the forest floor.

White-crowned Hornbill
This hornbill species has a white head and crest, contrasting with its black body. It is highly social and often seen in small groups.

Blue-banded Kingfisher
A strikingly colored bird, it is often found near streams and rivers, hunting for fish and small aquatic creatures.

Great Argus
Known for its elaborate courtship display, the male great argus has long tail feathers adorned with eye-like patterns. It prefers dense forest habitats.

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher
A small, colorful bird with bright orange, blue, and yellow plumage. It is often found near streams and wetlands, feeding on insects and small fish.

Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, located on the island of Borneo in Indonesia, is a vast and biodiverse rainforest known for its unique wildlife and rich ecosystems. The park is home to many iconic and rare species, showcasing the extraordinary biodiversity of Borneo. Below are some of the popular animal species found in the park:

Bornean Orangutan
This critically endangered primate is a symbol of Borneo’s wildlife. Known for their reddish-brown fur and high intelligence, orangutans are primarily arboreal and spend much of their time in the forest canopy.

Malayan Sun Bear
The smallest bear species, the Malayan sun bear has a distinctive crescent-shaped chest patch. It is an excellent climber and feeds on fruits, honey, and insects.

Clouded Leopard
This elusive and nocturnal wild cat is recognized by its unique cloud-like spots. It is an adept climber, often seen high in the trees, and is a skilled predator.

Proboscis Monkey
Famous for their long, distinctive noses, these monkeys are endemic to Borneo. They are excellent swimmers and often live near rivers and mangroves.

Binturong
Also known as the bearcat, this arboreal mammal has a prehensile tail and a unique scent resembling popcorn. It is primarily nocturnal and feeds on fruits and small animals.

Sunda Pangolin
This critically endangered creature is known for its protective keratin scales and habit of curling into a ball when threatened. It feeds on ants and termites using its long tongue.

Flat-headed Cat
This rare and semi-aquatic cat has a flattened head and webbed feet, making it well-suited for hunting near water. It primarily feeds on fish and small aquatic creatures.

Bearded Pig
Identifiable by its facial hair and long, slender legs, the bearded pig is an important seed disperser in the forest ecosystem.

Flying Fox (Large Fruit Bat)
These large bats play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal in the rainforest. They feed on fruit and nectar, often traveling long distances at night.

Reticulated Python
One of the longest snake species in the world, this non-venomous python is a skilled constrictor, preying on mammals and birds in the forest.