HALIMUN
In this hectic metropolitan city of Jakarta, it is not an easy thing to find areas that are still natural. Buildings and cars are everywhere. We couldn't even hear the birds anymore. When my cousins mentioned stuffs about Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, I knew that I will definitely do this trip with them. So I did. Halimun
I would consider this place as one of the most natural area that I could find near here. And what I mean by natural is, the 'you-could-meet-snakes' kind of natural. Lol. But thankfully I didn't. This trip could be considered dangerous to some people. But as long as you do this trip with guidances by the ranger (from the park), you should be fine.
Greens, greens, greens everywhere. Huge trees and fresh air all around. All you can hear is the sounds of the birds, monkeys, and the river. Not to make you guys scared or anything, but there are around 40-60 leopards here somewhere in the woods of Halimun (2003). Unlike leech, leopard doesn't show when people around.
Cikaniki Research Station
It took 7 hours from Jakarta to get to the place where we stayed; Cikaniki Research Station. There are 5 rooms consist of 4 single beds each. There's bathroom and also kitchen set in the house. No foods in the fridge though, so bring your own.
Photocred: Boas Emmanuel
This place was build by Japan Government as a token of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Republic of Indonesia. It was used by them to held a research about Elang Jawa (Javan Hawk Eagle) back in the day.
Cikaniki River
We're on the mountain guys, so the water is cold as ice. Once you're in you wouldn't want to get out. It was freezing even when the sun shines.
Curug Macan Waterfall
This is the closest waterfall from our stay. It was raining the day before, so we didn't actually explore the waterfall. We just happened to take some pictures of it before we went back home.
Canopy Trail
Roughly 200 meters from where we stay, there's a canopy bridge which elevated 20 meters from the ground. You could see various types of birds and amazing views of the trees and river. Lucky for us it wasn't windy or raining on that day. Rangers don't allow people to go up there when it's not the best weather.
Tea Plantation
Mount Halimun Salak has a huge tea plantation area. It is actually the source of one of the biggest tea brand in Indonesia ( one of my favorite tea ever ). The view of the tea plantation was breathtaking. If I had more time, I would just walk around for hours to take photos.
Photocred: Boas Emmanuel
The Team
Changeable Hawk-Eagle and also two Crested Serpent Eagles are flying from one tree to another. Always love to see how eagles fly; effortless yet so strong. Some creatures are very shy, but some isn't, like the Blue Whistling Thrush.
And one of the biggest surprise for the crew was meeting this very rare creature, pangolin (trenggiling). Too bad some of us were still asleep, including me.
So far, this place is one of the most natural place near Jakarta that I've explored. If you're a nature fan, this place is one of the best you could get here; not the safest one though. My trip team is a nature freak, so exploring this place with these guys is pure fun.
Tips for doing this trip:
1) Make sure you're riding a high ground clearance car;
2) Bring your own foods and beverages;
3) Bring your own shower tools.
Check out my crews' page for more stuffs.
Gabriel Rinaldi: IG
Labels: TRAVEL