Skip to content
Voykit
Set your trip — dates, party, bagsPlanner

Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

National park · Indonesia

Ujung Kulon National ParkTaman Nasional Ujung Kulon

Go only with a booked guide and boat: 2–3 days from Taman Jaya or Peucang Island, April–October; skip December–February when west-monsoon waves close trails and boats.

Not field-verifiedUNESCO World Heritage 1992Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
Map to the park
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
Directions
From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

1,226 km²

approximate

Established

1992

Best months

Apr–Oct

UNESCO

World Heritage

Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
  • Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
  • Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
  • Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
  • Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
  • Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
  • Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.

At a glance

Country
Indonesia
Area
1,226 km²
The park plus the Krakatoa nature reserve and Panaitan Island; figures vary by source (check).
Established
1992
Best months
Apr–Oct
Permits
For some areas
Base
Jakarta

Ujung Kulon sits on the far south-west tip of Java, in Banten province, and was Indonesia's first national park; UNESCO listed it in 1992 for holding the largest remaining lowland rainforest on the Java plain. It is the last place on earth with Javan rhinos — a few dozen animals, camera-trapped rather than seen. There are no roads inside the park: you walk the coast or cross by boat, with a ranger or guide, and most visitors base themselves at Taman Jaya village on the mainland edge or on Peucang Island offshore.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • UNESCO World Heritage · 1992Listed for the largest remaining lowland rainforest on the Java plain.

Size and age

1,226 km² · national park since 1992

The park plus the Krakatoa nature reserve and Panaitan Island; figures vary by source (check).

This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Jakarta.

Why go

  • The only remaining home of the Javan rhinoceros, the rarest large mammal on earth.
  • Coast and lowland rainforest with no roads: everything is walked or reached by boat.
  • Banteng, peacock, Timor deer and wild boar are realistic sightings at Cidaon meadow and on Peucang Island.
  • Krakatoa and Panaitan Island fall inside the park's wider reserve area.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanAvoid
  2. FebAvoid
  3. MarCaution
  4. AprBest
  5. MayBest
  6. JunBest
  7. JulBest
  8. AugBest
  9. SepBest
  10. OctBest
  11. NovCaution
  12. DecAvoid
  • JanWest monsoon; high waves, some trails under water
  • FebWest monsoon; boats and trails unreliable
  • MarSeas easing; still wet underfoot
  • AprDry season starts; rhino-viewing season opens
  • MayDry, calm seas
  • JunDry and clear
  • JulDry; peak visitor weeks
  • AugDry; busiest and priciest
  • SepDry, fewer people
  • OctEnd of the dry window
  • NovRain returns; sea state changeable
  • DecWest monsoon; strong wind and waves

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Ujung Kulon National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Javan rhinoceros (tracks and droppings, almost never the animal)Apr–Oct · A few dozen animals remain; sightings are rare and no operator can promise one.nononoyesyesyesyesyesyesyesnono
Banteng at Cidaon meadowAll year · More reliable in the afternoon than the morning.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Green peafowlAll year · Often at the meadow edge near the forest, away from the tower.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Monkeys, Timor deer and wild boar on PeucangAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Leeches and mosquitoes in the forestNov–Apr · Worst in the wet months; cover up and use repellent.yesyesyesyesnonononononoyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Jakarta

Bus from Kalideres terminal toward Labuan, then onward transport to Sumur and Taman Jaya; the last stretch is a poor gravel road.

6–8 h

Open the page →

From Anyer

Tour pickup and boat to Peucang Island, or road transfer toward Taman Jaya.

3–4 h to Peucang

From Labuan

Buses run frequently to Sumur; from Sumur it is over an hour by road to Taman Jaya, and minibuses leave Taman Jaya for Labuan very early in the morning.

2–3 h

Zones and sectors

Zones of Ujung Kulon National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Taman JayaMainland village at the park edge: permits, guides, homestays and the start of the coastal walk.Open; the practical base for independent visitors.
Peucang IslandOffshore island with the park office, lodging, beach and easy wildlife.By boat; park-run rooms.
Cidaon meadowGrazing meadow facing Peucang where banteng and peacocks are seen from a viewing tower.By boat and short walk; best in the afternoon.
Cigenter RiverRiver canoe route through rainforest, the usual place for rhino tracks and wallows.Guided canoe only.
Tanjung LayarThe peninsula tip, also called Java Head, with ruined Dutch and Portuguese lighthouses and a working one.Walk from Cidaon, about 1.5 h, little shade.
Karang RanjangSouth-coast stretch on the Indian Ocean, the wildest part of the park.Serious trekking only, with a ranger.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 7 approximate points in Ujung Kulon National Park, north up1234567
Approximate positions for orientation only; the park has no road network.
  1. 1Taman Jaya · Village≈-6.783, 105.504Map ↗
  2. 2Peucang Island · Sleep≈-6.739, 105.255Map ↗
  3. 3Cidaon meadow · Viewpoint≈-6.762, 105.265Map ↗
  4. 4Cigenter · Trail≈-6.750, 105.401Map ↗
  5. 5Tanjung Layar (Java Head) · Viewpoint≈-6.747, 105.214Map ↗
  6. 6Karang Ranjang · Beach≈-6.842, 105.451Map ↗
  7. 7Sumur · Town≈-6.664, 105.566Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

Boat tripsEasy45 min–1 h on the waterCigenter River canoeFlat-water paddle through rainforest; rhino tracks and wallows are likelier in the April–October dry season, but a sighting is rare.Booking: Ranger required
TrailsHard2–3 daysTaman Jaya to Tanjung Layar coastal walkCamp along the coast, carry water and food, and arrange a boat pickup; the route is exposed and has no shade in places.Booking: Guide or ranger required
TrailsExpert8–12 hCigenter to Karang Ranjang to Taman JayaAbout 20 km of loose volcanic sand and flat bedrock with almost no shade; start at first light and do not rush.Booking: Ranger required
WildlifeEasy2–3 hCidaon meadow wildlife watchBanteng stay longer in the meadow in the afternoon; watch from the tower or the rim, since they smell people at about 30 m.
BeachesEasyHalf dayPeucang Island beach and forestMonkeys, Timor deer and wild boar around the island; the beach is the usual rest day between treks.
SnorkellingModerateHalf daySnorkelling and divingSome spots exist but much of the reef is damaged; treat this as a bonus, not the reason to come.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

IDR ranges · check
Fees for Ujung Kulon National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entry permit (domestic visitor)IDR 5,000–20,000 (≈ US$1–2)person2026 estimate; weekday and weekend rates differ (check).
Park entry permit (foreign visitor)IDR 150,000–300,000 (≈ US$10–19)person2026 estimate; multi-day permits are priced per day (check).
Ranger or guide, per dayIDR 250,000–500,000 (≈ US$16–35)group2026 estimate; arranged at Taman Jaya or through an operator.
Boat charter, per dayIDR 1,500,000–3,000,000 (≈ US$95–190)boat2026 estimate; depends on size, route and whether you sleep aboard.
Peucang Island lodgingIDR 300,000–800,000 (≈ US$19–50)room2026 estimate; park-run rooms, book ahead in July–August.
Package tour from Anyer or JakartaIDR 1,500,000–3,000,000 (≈ US$95–190)person2026 estimate; 2–4 days, falls per person as the group grows.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry permit permit or guide

Buy at the park office at Taman Jaya or Peucang Island on arrival; bring your passport.

Ranger or guide permit or guide

Hire at Taman Jaya or through your operator; you may not cut new trails unless you are a registered researcher.

Boat permit or guide

There are no roads in the park; every crossing is by chartered or tour boat.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Guides
Walk with a ranger or guide; you may not open new trails unless you are a registered researcher.
Camping
Allowed in the park, but camp where your ranger chooses and know where the next water source is.
Crocodiles
Do not swim or wash in the Citandahan and Cikeusik Luhur rivers.
Boats
For open-ocean crossings use a boat with at least three engines; seas and currents are strong.
Rhinos
Never follow or approach a rhino; if you meet one, climb the nearest tree first and photograph afterwards.
Litter and fires
Carry out all rubbish; do not light fires in the forest.

Where to stay

Near the park

Taman Jaya village homestays

Basic rooms on the mainland just outside the park; the usual base for independent travellers.

In the park

Peucang Island park lodging

Park-run rooms and the one restaurant in the park; book ahead in the dry season.

In the park

Camping in the park

Tents at ranger-approved sites on the coastal route; gear usually comes from your operator.

Safety

West monsoon seas, December–February high

Do not plan a trip then: waves are high, currents hard and some trails are under water and impassable.

Theft in remote areas medium

Muggings have been reported deep in the park; do not go far without a forest guard and keep valuables with you.

Heat, sand and dehydration on the south coast high

Start before dawn, carry more water than you think you need, and empty sand from your boots often.

Getting lost medium

Stay on the route your ranger knows; phone signal is patchy to absent.

Accessibility

  • There are no roads in the park; every visit involves boats, sand or forest trails.
  • Peucang Island and Cidaon meadow involve short, mostly level walks from a boat landing and suit most mobility levels with help.
  • The coastal treks and the Cigenter–Karang Ranjang route are not suitable for limited mobility.

Visiting lightly

  • Book through operators who use local Taman Jaya guides and boats rather than bringing staff from Jakarta.
  • Do not ask for or accept a rhino sighting promise; camera-trap monitoring is how the population is counted.
  • Take all rubbish back to the mainland; park villages have no waste collection.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Ujung Kulon National Park?

A park entry permit is a small fee, roughly Rp5,000–20,000 for domestic visitors and Rp150,000–300,000 for foreign visitors per day (2026 estimate; check current rates). The real cost is the guide and boat: a ranger is about Rp250,000–500,000 a day and a boat charter Rp1.5–3 million a day, so a 2–3 day trip usually lands between Rp1.5 million and Rp3 million per person through an operator.

What are the best hikes in Ujung Kulon National Park?

The classic is the coastal walk from Taman Jaya to Tanjung Layar over 2–3 days, camping on the way. The hardest is Cigenter to Karang Ranjang to Taman Jaya, about 20 km and 8–12 hours on loose volcanic sand with almost no shade. Shorter options are the 1.5-hour walk from Cidaon to the Tanjung Layar lighthouse and the Cigenter River canoe, which is not a hike but covers the same rainforest.

When is the best time to visit Ujung Kulon National Park?

April to October, the dry season, when seas are calmer and the Cigenter area is best for rhino tracks. December to February is the west monsoon: high waves, hard currents and trails under water. July and August are the driest but also the busiest and priciest.

Can I see a Javan rhino?

Almost certainly not. Only a few dozen animals remain and they are monitored by camera trap; you are more likely to find fresh footprints and droppings on the south beach. Anyone promising a sighting is not being honest.

Do I need a guide to visit Ujung Kulon?

Yes. There are no roads in the park and you may not open new trails unless you are a registered researcher, so you walk or travel by boat with a ranger or guide. Arrange one at Taman Jaya or through an operator before you arrive.

How do I get to Ujung Kulon from Jakarta?

Take a bus from Kalideres terminal toward Labuan, then onward transport to Sumur and Taman Jaya; the last stretch is a poor gravel road and takes over an hour. Total travel is roughly 6–8 hours. Many visitors instead buy a tour from Anyer or an open trip from Jakarta that goes straight to Peucang Island by boat.

Where should I stay?

Independent travellers usually stay at Taman Jaya on the mainland just outside the park, or in park-run rooms on Peucang Island. Camping is allowed inside the park at ranger-approved sites. Book Peucang ahead in July and August.

Related

Travel to Indonesia Jakarta Pangandaran

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Sources