Bukit Tigapuluh National Park

Taman Nasional Bukit Tigapuluh

A vast protected rainforest reserve spanning Riau and Jambi provinces, home to endangered species including Sumatran tigers, elephants, and orangutans. It offers jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, and immersion in pristine tropical wilderness.

Things to do

• Jungle Trekking to Tiger Territory — Multi-day guided treks through primary rainforest where experienced trackers search for signs of Sumatran tigers and other megafauna in their natural habitat.
• Orangutan Spotting Expeditions — Early morning jungle walks led by naturalist guides to locate wild Sumatran orangutans feeding in the canopy or moving through the forest.
• Elephant Tracking — Search for Sumatran elephant herds along forest trails and river valleys, often finding fresh signs and occasionally witnessing these massive creatures.
• River Exploration by Canoe — Paddle down pristine jungle rivers within the park boundaries to observe water-dependent wildlife and experience the rainforest from a different perspective.
• Canopy Walkway and Bird Watching — Navigate elevated platforms suspended between giant trees for close-up observation of hornbills, eagles, and countless bird species amid the forest crown.
• Night Safari and Nocturnal Wildlife — Guided nighttime forest walks to observe flying lemurs, nocturnal insects, and amphibians that emerge after dark in the rainforest.
• Waterfall Hiking — Trek to hidden waterfalls deep within the park where visitors can swim in natural pools surrounded by untouched rainforest.

Food to try

• Rendang Daging — Rich, slow-cooked beef in coconut milk and spice paste, a signature Riau dish often served at park lodges and nearby villages.
• Gulai Ikan Sungai — Freshwater river fish curry prepared with turmeric, garlic, and local spices, reflecting the park's connection to jungle waterways.
• Nasi Kuning with Local Vegetables — Fragrant yellow rice cooked with turmeric and coconut milk, typically served with freshly foraged jungle greens and herbs.
• Soto Ayam Riau — Aromatic turmeric chicken soup with local herbs and spices, a warming dish commonly prepared in park accommodation facilities.
• Wild Boar Satay — Grilled wild boar skewers with peanut sauce, sourced sustainably from areas outside the park's protected zones by local guides.
• Jungle Fruit and Honey Tasting — Local guides introduce visitors to edible wild fruits, medicinal plants, and pure forest honey gathered by indigenous Orang Asli communities.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire Licensed Local Guides — Always trek with officially certified guides from Riau or Jambi who possess deep knowledge of wildlife behavior, forest protocols, and safety procedures.
• Respect Sacred Forest Sites — The Orang Asli indigenous communities maintain spiritual sites within the park; ask guides about restricted areas and observe quiet reverence at these locations.
• Minimize Noise and Photography Ethics — Keep voices low and avoid flash photography to prevent disturbing endangered animals; guides will indicate appropriate distances for wildlife observation.
• Support Community-Based Conservation — Purchase souvenirs and services from local Riau and Jambi vendors rather than outside operators to directly support communities living at the forest's edge.