Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park — view
Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
SUMATRA, INDONESIA

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

A vast tropical rainforest spanning three provinces along Sumatra’s central mountain spine, protecting one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse landscapes as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At a glance

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park covers 3,568 square kilometers across Lampung, Bengkulu, and South Sumatra provinces. The park follows the Bukit Barisan mountain range, Indonesia’s longest chain of volcanic peaks. It is one of three national parks—along with Gunung Leuser and Kerinci Seblat—designated together as the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing the region’s irreplaceable ecological value.

History

The park was established as part of Indonesia’s national park system to preserve the threatened rainforest ecosystem of Sumatra’s interior. It has since become a cornerstone of international conservation efforts, recognized alongside neighboring parks for the integrity and biodiversity of the Sumatran rainforest.

What you see

The landscape is dominated by primary and secondary tropical rainforest at varying elevations across the Bukit Barisan range. Dense vegetation and challenging terrain characterize the park’s interior, with welcome signboards marking entry points near towns such as Liwa in West Lampung Regency.

Cultural significance

Bukit Barisan Selatan represents a critical refuge for Sumatran wildlife and endemic plant species facing extinction elsewhere. UNESCO recognition underscores its global importance for tropical forest conservation and climate regulation in Southeast Asia.

Key facts

  • Country: Indonesia
  • Location: Lampung, Bengkulu, and South Sumatra provinces
  • Area: 3,568 km²
  • Coordinates: -5.43°, 104.33°
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (with Gunung Leuser and Kerinci Seblat national parks)

Practical information & getting there

The park is accessible from several entry points, including near the town of Liwa in West Lampung Regency. Detailed information on permits, guides, and current conditions should be verified with Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry before visiting.

Sources & resources

Editorial text © Cultural Heritage Online. Facts drawn from Wikipedia/Wikidata.

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