Bukit Barisan Selatan is a crucial habitat for several endangered species, including Sumatran rhinos, tigers, and elephants. The park hosts approximately 450 bird species, making it one of Sumatra's most important bird areas. Notable residents include the Sumatran ground-cuckoo, rhinoceros hornbill, and various primates like siamangs and leaf monkeys. The park's waters support diverse marine life, including sea turtles that nest along its beaches.
The park harbors an exceptional diversity of plant life, with over 4,000 species identified including 100 varieties of palm trees and numerous endemic species. The vegetation varies by elevation, from lowland rainforest to montane forest and coastal vegetation. Notable species include the giant Rafflesia arnoldii, producing the world's largest flower, and various species of orchids. The park also contains valuable timber species like Dipterocarp trees and medicinal plants used by local communities.
The park encompasses a dramatic landscape formed by the Barisan mountain range, featuring volcanic peaks, steep valleys, and coastal plains. The terrain rises from sea level at the Indian Ocean to 1,964 meters at its highest point, Mount Pulung. The park's geology is characterized by volcanic and sedimentary rocks, with numerous rivers carving through the landscape. This varied topography creates diverse microclimates and habitats, contributing to the park's rich biodiversity.
Established in 1982, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra.' The park's name means 'South Barisan Mountains,' referencing the Barisan mountain range that runs the length of Sumatra. Historically, the area has been home to traditional communities and has faced ongoing conservation challenges from illegal logging and agricultural encroachment. The park plays a crucial role in preserving Sumatra's unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Key attractions include the Way Heni River, known for its pristine waters and potential for wildlife spotting, and Tanjung Belimbing beach, an important sea turtle nesting site. The park offers spectacular viewpoints along the Barisan Mountains and contains numerous waterfalls. Traditional villages near the park boundaries provide cultural interest, while research stations offer insights into conservation efforts. The park's combination of mountains, rainforest, and coastline creates unique opportunities for eco-tourism and scientific research.
Bukit Barisan Selatan experiences a tropical rainforest climate with high annual rainfall averaging 3,000mm. The park has two distinct seasons - a drier period from April to October and a wetter season from November to March when monsoon rains are frequent. Temperatures remain fairly constant year-round, typically ranging from 22-28°C (72-82°F), though it can be cooler at higher elevations. The best time to visit is during the dry season when trails are more accessible and wildlife viewing opportunities are optimal.
Indonesia
-5.3170°, 104.0330°
1982
3568
This park is part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra World Heritage site. It protects significant populations of Sumatran rhinos, elephants, and tigers. The park spans a long stretch of the Bukit Barisan mountains and includes diverse ecosystems from coastal areas to mountains.