Large unique savannah in Java and watching endemic birds riding on Deer. Baluran National Park is situated at the north-eastern extremity of Java, close to Bali. Driving two hours to Baluran National Park in the north of Banyuwangi, the speciality of lowland javan endemic birds is well worth catching.
Baluran National Park is located in Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia. It has a relatively dry climate and mainly consists of savanna (40%), as well as lowland forests, mangrove forests and hills, with Mount Baluran (1,247m) as its highest peak. More than 220 bird species are waiting for you at the park.
There are three major sites for your productive birding, such as:
1. Evergreen
You might have chance to see some various endemics, such as Javan Banded Pitta, Jungle Green Peafowl, Spotted Kestrel, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, Ruddy Cuckoo Dove, Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot, Sunda Coucal, Black-banded Barbet, Blue-eared Barbet, Javan Cuckooshrike, Ruby-throated Bulbul, Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker, with many other resident birds, such as Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Hawk-Eagle, Red Junglefowl, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Common Emerald Dove, Chesnut-breasted Malkoha and many more.
2. Savana
The epic moments of the display of male Green Peafowl become a dazzling show at the peak of breeding season. Although there are some valuable endemic birds that are not to be missed, such as Javan Flameback, Bar-winged Prinia, Javan Munia, Java Sparrow, Black-winged Starling. Other birds that you might be able to see are Black-winged Kite, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Black-thighed Falconet, Red-billed Malkoha, Coppersmith Barbet and many more.
Green-Peafowl attraction
Black-winged Starling
3. Bama Beach
Where the Lowland forest and Mangrove blend. You might have a chance to see almost all Kingfishers of the park. There are two endemics such as Javan Kingfisher and Small Blue Kingfisher. The endemic birds such as Olive-winged Tailorbird, Grey-cheeked Tit-Babbler, Javan Plover, Sunda Teal. And the other residents birds such as Lesser Adjutant, Wooly-necked Stork, Great-billed Heron, Oriental Pied Hornbill, White-bellied Woodpecker, Mangrove Blue Flycatcher and many more.
BEST TIME TO BIRDING: May – October
ACCESS AND ACCOMMODATION:
The park can be accessed from the nearest town Banyuwangi, driving by car takes 1,5 hours. Also from Bali (Ngurah Rai international Airport) and then crossing the sea via ferry with the total time for about 5-6 hours.
Inside the park there are several basic guest houses in front of Bekol savannah and Bama beach or Hotels near Batangan (entrance gate) and around Banyuwangi.