How to get to Ujung Kulon park

JAKARTA (JP): Ujung Kulon National Park can be reached by land or sea.

The three entrance points for visitors are Tamanjaya, Peucang Island and Handeuleum Island.

Two less visited regions, Panaitan Island and the Gunung Honje Range, can be reached from these entrance points or directly from Labuan -- but all visitors must be accompanied by a guide.

Tamanjaya, the land gateway to the national park, is located on the north coast near the north-east boundary of the national park.

There is a direct bus from Kalideres terminal in West Jakarta heading to Labuan port. The ride costs approximately Rp 5,000 (US$2.1) and lasts about three to four hours.

At Labuan, change on a minibus heading for Sumur. It will cost you Rp 4,000 and take you about three and a half hours.

From Sumur, take an ojek (motorbike taxi) to Taman Jaya.

You can also take a boat from Labuan to either Handeuleum Island or the Peucang Islands.

You have the option of taking a public boat, which leaves every Friday morning, or just chartering one. If you take the public boat to Handeuleum, you'll pay Rp 150,000 to Handeuleum and Rp 300,000 to Peucang. The trip lasts between one to four hours, depending on the weather.

A chartered boat costs between Rp 600,000 to Rp 1.5 million.

Lodging at the Ujung Kulon costs between US$5 (staying with local residents) and $85 (for an air-conditioned room). The entrance for locals is Rp 2,000, and Rp 6,000 for foreigners.

For more information, contact the Ministry of Forestry, Gedung Manggala Wanabakti, Central Jakarta, on 5704051-4. (14)