HomeAsiaSouth East AsiaIndonesiaStalking Wildlife at Baluran National Park, Java Island, Indonesia By Marcos Detourist on January 14, 2013I got in touch with my inner NatGeo explorer when I traveled to Baluran National Park in Java Island, Indonesia. I took this photo while stalking a herd of Java Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis russa). You could tell from their scared beady stares and guarded stance that they were aware of my presence. As I came closer (to get better pictures) a few male stags with intimidating yet beautiful antlers came out of the tall bush and led the herd deep into the forest, where no NatGeo explorer-wannabees could pester them.The 25,000-hectare expanse of Baluran National Park was situated at the northern shores of West Java province in Indonesia. The park offered organised safari activities in addition to picturesque landscapes dominated by 1,247meter high Mount Baluran, a dormant volcano. I didn’t get to join the organised safari tours. Instead, I explored Baluran National Park on my own.When I visited the park in March, during the rainy season, the Bekol Savannah was lushly covered with tall grasses and littered with rainwater ponds. I did not see the arid Africa-esque scenery that I’ve seen in pictures, but the rainy season was supposed to be the best time for wildlife sightings at Baluran National Park.Aside from deers, I also saw Black Monkeys, Green Peafowls, Malabar Hornbills, small birds (that I couldn’t identify), colorful butterflies, interesting trees, and a LOT of Long Tail Macaca monkeys.I thought it was amazing that I was able to encounter that much wildlife just by walking around (without a guide) on my two-day visit.Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Two Weeks Java, Indonesia Itinerary — Jakarta, Yogyagarta,…2 Weeks Java, Indonesia Itinerary - Solo DIY Travel Tips5 Days East Java Itinerary — Bondowoso, Baluran and Surabaya3 Weeks Sabah (Borneo), Brunei & Indonesia Itinerary - Solo…4 Days Mount Bromo Itinerary — Mount Bromo, Ngadas, Cemoro…3 Weeks Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia ItineraryComments rene saysJanuary 16, 2013 at 12:40 pmMarky,Hi! allow me to call u dat way its sounds cool dude:-). I’m ur new fan specially of ur sojourns. You R such a good photographer & an artist (I guess), ur shots are so amazing that i enjoyed looking every piece of it, & feel as if i am traveling with those places too.Keep up the good work young man hope to meet you one of these days:-)Cheers,Rene Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2013 at 9:50 pmThanks for the uplifting comment, Rene :D Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
rene saysJanuary 16, 2013 at 12:40 pmMarky,Hi! allow me to call u dat way its sounds cool dude:-). I’m ur new fan specially of ur sojourns. You R such a good photographer & an artist (I guess), ur shots are so amazing that i enjoyed looking every piece of it, & feel as if i am traveling with those places too.Keep up the good work young man hope to meet you one of these days:-)Cheers,Rene