What will you see on a wildlife holiday in Indonesia?
Picture yourself standing in awe before a massive Komodo dragon, watching as it patrols the rugged islands of Komodo National Park. Its scales, spikey claws and sheer size are dinosaur-like and these prehistoric creatures look as though they’ve been plucked straight from a fairy tale. A tour of Komodo National Park is the best way to discover these deadly predators (best not to venture out alone), where you will learn what these ‘dragons’ eat, where they live and how they survive.
Indonesia wildlife holidays are also paradise for avid birdwatchers. The jungles are alive with some of the world's most colourful and exotic feathered friends and the country is home to over 1,600 bird species. From the dazzling Bali myna with its snow-white plumage and piercing blue eyes, to the flamboyant birds of paradise with their intricate dances and rainbow-hued feathers, there is so much for twitchers to tick off. The jungles are also home to some of the country’s other fascinating four-legged residents. Spend a wildlife holiday in Indonesia seeking out playful gibbons swinging through the canopy and elusive tapirs and tarsiers hiding in the undergrowth. The orangutan’s amber fur stands out among the lush greenery, seemingly waiting to be snapped by camera-wielding explorers; with such similar features to you and me, witnessing these gentle apes in the flesh is truly magical and certainly a bucket list topper.
Indonesia’s wildlife isn’t confined to solid ground. Underwater adventures in Indonesia are equally breath-taking. Diving and snorkelling here offer the chance to swim among schools of vibrant tropical fish, watch as majestic manta rays glide by and come face to face with massive whale sharks. Every dive is an opportunity to explore a different world, filled with dazzling colours and stunning marine biodiversity.
Where to see wildlife in Indonesia?
- Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo is home to the world’s first orangutan conservation and research centre which was opened in 1971. Spend a few days exploring the lizard-teeming jungle with an expert guide, keeping your eyes peeled for the elusive great ape.
- Komodo National Park needs no introduction. Home to the prehistoric-looking Komodo Dragons, this UNESCO recognised site is brimming with bucket loads of creatures to spot, alongside the spine-tingling lizards.
- Tangkoko National Park is home to the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier. Take a walk on the wild side with an expert guide and keep a look out for these large-eyed, highly camouflaged creatures. If you’re on an Indonesia wildlife holiday between February and May, you may even catch a glimpse of tiny baby tarsiers.