Baluran National Park

East Java, Indonesia

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Baluran National Park, often dubbed the “Little Africa of Java,” is a striking expanse of wilderness located on the northeastern tip of East Java, Indonesia. Spanning approximately 25,000 hectares, the park is dominated by the extinct Mount Baluran and features a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, including savannas, lowland forests, mangroves, and coastal areas.

Its most iconic landscape is the Bekol Savannah, a vast, golden grassland dotted with acacia trees that evokes the African plains and serves as a dramatic backdrop for wildlife viewing. The park is a haven for biodiversity, home to over 400 plant species and a wide array of fauna. Among its most notable residents are the endangered banteng, or wild Javanese cattle, which have become a symbol of the park.

Other mammals include Javan leopards, muntjac deer, wild boars, and long-tailed macaques. Birdlife is equally rich, with more than 190 species recorded, such as green peafowl, hornbills, and the lesser adjutant stork. The coastal areas, particularly around Bama Beach, offer pristine white sands, coral reefs, and opportunities for snorkeling and birdwatching.