Javan Rhino Observation
Javan Rhino Observation Tour is a special interest tour package organized by Ujung Kulon Eco-Tour and supported by Ujung Kulon National Park rangers. Rhinoceros Sondaicus or Javan Rhino is the rarest mammal on earth, and this species has been classified as Critically endangered by IUCN.
Today there are only around 70 javan rhinos left, and there are none in zoos or captive facilities, therefore the only possible means to observe Javan rhinoceros is through direct observation in the natural habitat. |
ITTINERARY
Day 1: Jakarta – Labuan – Legon Pakis
We have recommended that clients arrive in Jakarta the day before the tour is due to start. This makes it easier as we will start to collect all clients (from their hotels) at around 5am (time to be confirmed nearer the time), we want to start as early as possible so that we can get to the park and set up camp before dark.
So once we have collected the group together we will head towards the western tip of the island of Java and the forest park of Ujung Kulon National Park. The drive will take around 3 hours or so to get to Labuan, from here we will get along the road to Legon Pakis.
Rest of the day is free, lunch and dinner will be prepared by our staff. Overnight at Legon Pakis homestay.
So once we have collected the group together we will head towards the western tip of the island of Java and the forest park of Ujung Kulon National Park. The drive will take around 3 hours or so to get to Labuan, from here we will get along the road to Legon Pakis.
Rest of the day is free, lunch and dinner will be prepared by our staff. Overnight at Legon Pakis homestay.
Days 2-8: Javan Rhino Secret Home
For the next 9 full days we will explore the forest as we search for the Javan rhino, we will rise early each morning as we aim to find a rhino as they use the river to bath and browse on the semi aquatic vegetation. In the past this has been one of the most fruitful ways to find and see the rhino.
So by using a couple of canoes we will silently paddle up and down stretches of the Cikeusik River (and possibly other rivers nearby) for a while in the hope that we see one. We will come back to the camp for breakfast and then plan the next course of action, we will probably look to cruise the rivers at dawn and dusk and also have the opportunity to set up hides overlooking some of the wallows that the rhinos like to use.
This is an option for anyone wishing to do this and of course we can hike around and try and find fresh evidence of the rhinos as they move through the forest. As mentioned this is just an overview of what is possible and the exact day by day plan will change and be discussed and dictated by the rhino’s movements.
Alongside the rhinos there are many other species in the park, like all tropical forests there are many species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Mammal wise there are Javan gibbons and ebony lutungs (both endemic to Java) in the trees, various squirrels around, Javan small-toothed palm civets, bantengs and even leopards in the park.
However the leopards have a near mythical status here and the rhinos are seen a lot more often. It is also worth keeping an eye out in the rivers and sea as there are salt-water crocodiles here and so be careful when near the river banks and keep your hands and feet inside the canoe at all times.
We will return to the camp for our meals and of course our tents for each night. We estimate that hiking per day will be around 2-3 hours, however some days maybe longer (~6 hours) and others much shorter. (All of your meals will be prepared and eaten at the camp in between our excursions into the forest.)
So by using a couple of canoes we will silently paddle up and down stretches of the Cikeusik River (and possibly other rivers nearby) for a while in the hope that we see one. We will come back to the camp for breakfast and then plan the next course of action, we will probably look to cruise the rivers at dawn and dusk and also have the opportunity to set up hides overlooking some of the wallows that the rhinos like to use.
This is an option for anyone wishing to do this and of course we can hike around and try and find fresh evidence of the rhinos as they move through the forest. As mentioned this is just an overview of what is possible and the exact day by day plan will change and be discussed and dictated by the rhino’s movements.
Alongside the rhinos there are many other species in the park, like all tropical forests there are many species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Mammal wise there are Javan gibbons and ebony lutungs (both endemic to Java) in the trees, various squirrels around, Javan small-toothed palm civets, bantengs and even leopards in the park.
However the leopards have a near mythical status here and the rhinos are seen a lot more often. It is also worth keeping an eye out in the rivers and sea as there are salt-water crocodiles here and so be careful when near the river banks and keep your hands and feet inside the canoe at all times.
We will return to the camp for our meals and of course our tents for each night. We estimate that hiking per day will be around 2-3 hours, however some days maybe longer (~6 hours) and others much shorter. (All of your meals will be prepared and eaten at the camp in between our excursions into the forest.)
Day 8: Peucang Island
This is the climax of the whole trekking trip in Ujungkulon peninsula. We start to walk early morning following the trail through dense primary forest up and down the hilly area and crossing some small rivers.
We have big chance in this route to see wildlife such as: black monkey, wild boar, hornbill, wild buffalo, peacock and even Javan Rhino if you are lucky. We take a break while watching wildlife at the Cidaon savannah located just a few hundred meters before the jetty where our boat is to take us to Peucang Island.
We have big chance in this route to see wildlife such as: black monkey, wild boar, hornbill, wild buffalo, peacock and even Javan Rhino if you are lucky. We take a break while watching wildlife at the Cidaon savannah located just a few hundred meters before the jetty where our boat is to take us to Peucang Island.
Day 9: Peucang – Cigenter – Handeuleum
After breakfast at 8am to Handeleum island in situated among a group of small island just off the north eastern coast of the Ujung kulon peninsula, Canoes trip up the Cigenter river meander through dense overhanging rain forest for 2 hours. The habitat of Python, hornbill, type of monkey where Crocodile and Rhino are occasionally sight in this area, the many types of monkey and bird life, hornbills, pythons and monitor lizards.
Day 10: Handeuleum Island – Jakarta
After breakfast we get to Badul Island for coral reef replantation snorkeling and continue (cruising) for return trip back to Sumur. Late afternoon back to Jakarta. End the trip
Tour package including:
- Airport pickup and transport to Legon Pakis ranger’s station (and return)
- Foods during the overall trip
- Canoe rent (when applicable)
- Tent and/or sleeping mattress with mosquito net
- Park permit/ticket & insurance
- Commercial filming / photography
- Charge for cameras or other equipments
Tours will be conducted in the forest; therefore, outdoor equipment for overnight rest/ sleeping will be provided. Depending on the location, tours can be done with canoe or stay on observation tree house. Upon successful encounter with the Javan rhino, visitor will receive certificate of acknowledgment.
For further information and reservation please feel free to Contact Us
For further information and reservation please feel free to Contact Us