The park is renowned for its butterfly diversity, hosting over 230 species, including the rare Papilio blumei. Beyond butterflies, the park shelters numerous endemic species including the Sulawesi bear cuscus, tarsiers, and various bat species inhabiting the cave systems. Bird enthusiasts can spot hornbills, kingfishers, and various endemic avian species.
The park's vegetation varies from lowland rainforest to karst-adapted plants, with over 400 documented plant species. Notable species include various figs (Ficus spp.), orchids, and endemic plants adapted to limestone environments. The forest canopy reaches heights of 30-40 meters, creating distinct ecological zones that support diverse wildlife communities.
The park's most distinctive feature is its extensive karst landscape, covering approximately 43,750 hectares. These dramatic limestone formations were created through millions of years of erosion, resulting in a complex network of caves, underground rivers, and towering cliffs. The Maros-Pangkep karst system within the park is among the second-largest in the world after South China's karst region.
The park gained international recognition when British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace visited in 1857, dubbing it the 'Kingdom of Butterflies' due to its remarkable butterfly diversity. Officially established as a National Park in 2004, the area has long been sacred to local Bugis and Makassar communities. Traditional customs and beliefs about the karst landscapes and caves continue to influence local culture today.
Key attractions include the spectacular Bantimurung Waterfall, extensive cave systems like Gua Mimpi and Gua Pattunuang, and the Butterfly Museum showcasing local species. The park offers various hiking trails, cave exploration opportunities, and cultural sites. The combination of karst landscapes, waterfalls, and biodiversity makes it one of Sulawesi's most important conservation areas and tourist destinations.
Bantimurung Bulusaraung experiences a tropical monsoon climate typical of South Sulawesi, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C year-round. The park sees distinct wet and dry seasons, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between November and April. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) when trails are less slippery and waterfalls are still flowing but more manageable for viewing.
Indonesia
-5.0330°, 119.7330°
2004
437
Known as the Kingdom of Butterflies, this park features spectacular karst formations and waterfalls. It is famous for its diversity of butterfly species and was studied by naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. The park contains extensive cave systems and unique limestone landscapes.