Sumatran elephants
An elephant conservation centre.
Muredja — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jinda Zain — CC BY 4.0 · Hurriagusto07 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hurriagusto07 — CC BY-SA 4.0
A national park covering some thirteen hundred square kilometres of swamp forest and lowland rainforest in eastern Lampung, declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2016, and one of the last refuges of the Sumatran elephant, the Sumatran rhinoceros and the Sumatran tiger, all critically endangered, along with more than four hundred bird species. Its best-known visitor site is the Elephant Conservation Centre, set up to rescue Sumatran elephants from conflict with people and care for them, where visitors see the elephants up close and watch bathing and feeding time. The park also holds a Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary for one of the rarest animals on earth, usually closed to visitors to protect them. River trips and birdwatching are also possible. Entry for foreigners is about two hundred thousand rupiah per person per day, with extra charges for activities such as river trips and camping. Choose activities that respect the animals, and watch the elephants rather than ride them. The drive from Bandar Lampung takes about two and a half hours, so set off early to arrive for the elephants' morning feeding. Bring insect repellent and light clothes; it is hot and humid.
An elephant conservation centre.
One of the rarest animals on earth.
Since 2016.
East Lampung, about two and a half hours from Bandar Lampung
Better to watch without riding: the centre is a place of protection and rescue, and watching bathing and feeding is a finer experience and kinder to the animals.