Mount Gede Pangrango National Park

Mount Gede Pangrango Overview

Mount Gede Pangrango National Park, or Taman Nasional Gunung Gede Pangrango in Indonesian, is a breathtaking protected area located in West Java, Indonesia. Spanning approximately 58 square miles (150 square kilometers), the park was established in 1980 to safeguard its rich biodiversity and striking landscapes.

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve encompasses two majestic volcanic peaks: Mount Gede, standing at 2,958 meters (9,705 feet), and Mount Pangrango, slightly taller at 3,019 meters (9,905 feet). Situated about 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Jakarta, the park offers a serene escape from urban life and immerses visitors in Java’s natural splendor.

The terrain of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park is a captivating blend of rugged volcanic slopes, dense tropical forests, and pristine mountain ecosystems. Its landscapes include lush montane rainforests that give way to subalpine meadows and open grasslands as elevations increase.

The Cibeureum Waterfall, a stunning cascade nestled amidst the forest, is a prominent feature, along with picturesque craters such as Alun-Alun Suryakencana, a high-altitude savanna adorned with edelweiss flowers (Anaphalis javanica). The park’s streams and rivers, fed by the volcanic mountains, carve through the valleys, adding to the area’s scenic beauty.

The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it supports an impressive array of animal and bird species. Iconic mammals include the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), an endangered subspecies, and the endangered silvery gibbon (Hylobates moloch), known for its melodious calls.

Other notable inhabitants are the Javan langur, Sunda slow loris, and various civet species. Birdwatchers are equally rewarded with sightings of the Javan hawk-eagle, a striking and endangered bird of prey, as well as colorful species such as the oriental dwarf kingfisher and Sunda thrush. The diversity of life here reflects the ecological significance of the park.

Popular features of the park include its challenging but rewarding hiking trails. The summit hikes to Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango are particularly sought after, providing panoramic views of Java and opportunities to experience the park’s varied ecosystems firsthand.

Camping at sites like Alun-Alun Suryakencana is another highlight, offering visitors a chance to sleep under starry skies surrounded by nature. The Telaga Biru (Blue Lake) is another attraction, a serene pool whose shimmering colors are caused by algae. The park is also home to historical sites, such as the 19th-century observation post at Cibodas, adding a cultural dimension to the visit.

Visitors can engage with the park through hiking, camping, birdwatching, and photography. Conservation challenges include habitat fragmentation due to nearby urban development and agriculture, as well as the illegal poaching of wildlife and harvesting of plants like the endemic edelweiss. However, the park’s management has achieved successes, such as reforestation programs and community-based conservation initiatives, which involve local villagers in protecting the ecosystem while supporting sustainable tourism.

Park Map

Mount Gede Pangrango National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Mount Gede Pangrango National Park is a stunning protected area in West Java, Indonesia, known for its rich biodiversity and lush tropical landscapes. The park’s rugged terrain, volcanic peaks, and pristine ecosystems are home to a wide variety of fascinating wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Javan Leopard
The Javan leopard is a critically endangered subspecies of leopard found exclusively on the island of Java. It is known for its elusive nature and beautiful spotted coat, adapted to the dense forests of the park.

Javan Gibbon
This small, arboreal primate is recognized by its gray fur and melodious calls. The Javan gibbon plays an essential role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds as it moves through the treetops.

Sunda Pangolin
The Sunda pangolin is a nocturnal, insect-eating mammal covered in protective keratin scales. It is highly vulnerable due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.

Malay Civet
This medium-sized carnivorous mammal has a long body and distinctive markings. The Malay civet is primarily nocturnal and plays a role in controlling small animal populations.

Javan Surili
This endemic monkey has soft gray fur and a long tail. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves and fruit, and is considered an important species for forest health.

Leopard Cat
A small wild cat with striking spotted patterns, the leopard cat is highly adaptable and thrives in the park’s forests and mountainous regions.

Asian Small-Clawed Otter
The smallest otter species in the world, it is known for its playful behavior and social groups. It thrives in the park’s rivers and wetlands.

Binturong
Also known as the bearcat, this unique mammal has a prehensile tail and a musky odor that smells like popcorn. It is an omnivorous species found in forested areas.

Javan Water Monitor
This large lizard is an excellent swimmer and often found near rivers and wetlands. It is a carnivore, feeding on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Sunda Slow Loris
A nocturnal primate with large, reflective eyes, the Sunda slow loris moves slowly and stealthily. It feeds on sap, fruits, and insects and has a venomous bite for defense.

Birds

The park is also renowned for its rich avian diversity, hosting numerous endemic and migratory bird species, which attract birdwatchers from around the world.

Javan Hawk-Eagle
This iconic bird of prey, Indonesia’s national bird, is known for its striking crest and elegant flight. It is endemic to Java and a symbol of the island’s biodiversity.

Salvadori’s Pheasant
A rare and secretive ground bird, this species has a stunning plumage and prefers dense undergrowth in montane forests.

Javan Trogon
This beautifully colored bird with a green back and red belly is typically found in the lower montane forests. Its soft calls echo through the park’s valleys.

Chestnut-Bellied Partridge
An endemic species, this partridge has a distinct chestnut belly and is often heard rather than seen due to its shy nature.

Sunda Minivet
A striking bird with bright red or yellow plumage, the Sunda minivet is often seen foraging in the canopy for insects.

Javan Cochoa
This elusive and colorful bird has a mix of vibrant blue and green plumage. It prefers the dense forests of the park and is difficult to spot.

White-Bellied Fantail
Known for its lively movements and spreading tail, this bird is commonly found flitting through the understory.

Orange-Spotted Bulbul
An attractive songbird with distinctive orange markings, this species is a favorite for its melodic calls.

Rufous-Fronted Laughingthrush
A social bird often seen in flocks, it has a rufous face and rich vocalizations, making it easy to identify in the forest.

Sunda Bush Warbler
This small, drab-colored bird has a lovely, sweet song. It inhabits the montane shrubland and is often heard more than seen.