Mount Halimun Salak National Park, National park in West Java, Indonesia
Mount Halimun Salak National Park is a protected area in West Java, Indonesia, covering parts of Bogor, Sukabumi and Lebak regencies. The two mountain massifs are joined by a forested corridor and shelter tropical rainforest with tree ferns, mosses and dense canopy reaching into higher elevations.
Colonial authorities established a forest reserve in 1924 to secure water supply for surrounding plantations. The protected area was officially declared a national park in 1992 and expanded to include neighboring Mount Salak in 2003.
The Kasepuhan people follow inherited customs in the southern forest areas, rotating rice fields without causing lasting damage to the woodland. Visitors can see traditional houses with steep roofs made from woven bamboo mats in some villages, built according to the old methods of this region.
The route to the administration post follows narrow mountain roads that can become slippery during rain, and reaching the inner gate at Cikaniki takes another two hours. Sturdy hiking boots and a waterproof jacket are advisable, as the terrain is often misty and damp.
The population of the silvery gibbon, found only on Java, has slightly recovered in recent years. Hikers sometimes hear the melodic calls of these primates in the early morning when mist still hangs among the tree crowns.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
