Widia's Story: Holiday in Ujung Kulon National Park

By Widia Anggraeni - October 06, 2023

Howdy! hopefully, everything is fantastic!

(Drone photograph by Open Trip CV Ujung Kulon Adventure 29 Sept 2023)

In this article I would like to share the holiday at the end of September 2023, taking a day's leave and getting away from the concrete jungle of Jakarta. I and My friend were spending the holiday in one of the National Parks in Indonesia: Ujung Kulon National Park. The location of the National Park is the most edge west of Java Island, in English "Ujung" is an edge, while "Kulon" is the west.

As you can see on the map below, from Jakarta is 212 KM to Sumur Port, which takes about 5 hours to drive from Jakarta and an additional 3 hours by boat from Sumur to Peucang Island.

(From Jakarta to Sumur. source: googlemap)

I chose to join an Open Trip for this holiday because it is simpler and more economical than a private trip. The price for 2 days and 2 nights is IDR 750K. Open Trip Ujung Kulon with CV Ujung Kulon Adventure will be cleared up following (here is the Instagram link of Open Trip Service I used:
https://www.instagram.com/ujungkulon_adventure/
https://www.instagram.com/indonesiaadventure___/

The meeting point is divided into several points starting from Cawang at 09.00 PM, Slipi, Kebon Jeruk, Karawaci, Serang, and Sumur (Nirwana Sumur Resort at 04.00 AM).

At 3.45 AM, we arrived at Sumur, due to the narrow lane we had to walk to reach the port a distance of about 700 meters. Upon arrival, we prepared for cleanup and dawn praying then on board the boat at 05.00 AM.

(Dawn view from the Sumur port)

Oh My God, the view of dawning at Port was so stunning! 3 hours of travel by boat is truly unbelievable couldn't stop staring at the blue sky, and blue ocean, and feeling the refreshing breeze.

Finally, we arrived at Peucang Island, firstly: DAMN THE WHITE SAND BEACH IS BREATHTAKING!

(Peucang Island View)

(Briefing prior to check-in)

The Tour organizer gathered us to attend the briefing about the agenda of the open trip and the cautions. Next to check-in, enjoy the beach then trek to Kiara Tree spot, and close the half day with lunch. Herewith are astonishing photographs:

(With Twin cuz we were born on the same day, date, month, and year)

(Open Trip Member with Kiara Tree)

(Open Trip Member, Drone documentation taken by travel organizer)

The afternoon trip begins! Snorkeling in Ciapus and Suminoh site, sadly the current weather was blustery, the boat was trying its best for anchorage but was unlikely to snorkel here. then the team proposes the next spot to Suminoh site. The wind was still strong, so they provided the rope to the location and extra watching.

(No Snorkeling haha, stay and still slay on the boat)

Completing the snorkeling, we were directed to Cidaon Savanna and crossed the dense Nipah palm and mangrove forest to reach the savanna. This savanna becomes the main place of grazing for wild animals such as buffalo, deer, wild boar, peacock, hornbill, and long-tailed macaque. Unfortunately, now is the dry season so the grass is dried, and vegetation turned yellowish.

Just found the peacock feather! it is so beautiful feather!

(Cidaon Savanna and Peacock feather)

Soon headed to the beach to see the sunset from the most west of Java Island (Ujung Kulon National Park). The wind is freshly blowing while the sunset lights so stunningly. The sun was going down, so we got onboard and then went back to Peucang Island for dinner and rest.

(Sunset from the most west Java Island)

The night was so tranquil and serene, clearly heard the wild animals' sounds such as macaques, wild boar, and birds in the shattering of waves crashing on the fine white sand beach and the sea wind blowing over the trees.

The other situations and conditions on this island, due to no society living here (kind of forester only), it was limited electricity (available from 5 PM - 6 AM, you might use your electrical devices very wisely), Limited fresh water for cleanup matters. The internet connection was insufficient to scroll the social media, it was only enough for texting using WhatsApp. No store at all, hence everybody who will stay overnight here must bring their own provision like medicines, snacks, toiletries, and general supplies. I was staying in Barrack due to no more options, there was an option "Nikki Villa" but it was expensive approximately IDR1,4mio/night for 2-3 people.

The next day, 30 September 2023 at 5 AM, all the girls in the barrack already woke up, getting prepared for cleanup and catching the sun's rising! OMG! The wind was so freezing and we found a white crane on the beach by chance. Feeling so grateful for the beauty of God's creation, barefoot walking in the finest white sand and breathing a refreshing flurry of the air. This island beyond any doubt is Astounding!

(Sunrise, saw a crane from a far distance)

We had yellow rice and egg for breakfast, packed up, and got onboard, still surreal, we could see a very crystal-clear sea water with the fish under the jetty and boat. What a beautiful island!

The final destination was Cigenter River (Canoeing), the estimation of the boat travel was about 2 hours yet the actual delay was be 3 hours due to the strong wind blast, it was impacted the boat's speed to reach the destination safely. During the first high swell, everybody still could be laughing and woo wooo, then it was getting rough and rougher into scary swelling. mostly were wearing the life jackets then everybody was turned into silence and praying. After 3 hours which a half of it seasick, finally reached the destination. Switching to the small boat, then let us go canoeing! I was the only one wearing a life jacket during the canoeing of the green and calm Cigenter River. rowing the canoe, sightseeing the nipah palm and mangrove alongside the rivers, hearing the wild animals' shouting, and blue sky with occasional birds passing by. It was so a heavenly experience!

(Canoeing - I am the only one wearing life jackets "Safety first!")

Unexpectedly the time flew so fast, already 1 PM, and lunch was provided on board swaying. I did not know why but all served meals were so appetizing course! definitely, the watermelon tastes so fresh and very sweet under the hot sun in the middle of the ocean.

This time, our trip came to an end, traveled back to Sumur Port with a boat travel duration of 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at Port 3.15 PM, cleanup and praying, 4.00 PM heading to Bus stop, then continuing the travel to Jakarta. In the middle of the travel, we stopped by Pandeglang at the local restaurant for dinner and praying time, it was only 40 minutes then continued heading to Jakarta. 11.30 PM arrived home safely.

Aaaa.. can't believe the short getaway has been done, Thank you CV Ujung Kulon for the amazing Open Trip, and thank you to all members of this open trip who were really caring, sharing, and helpful during the trip! Truly appreciate your kindness guys^^

Herewith are splendid photographs during the Open Trip!