Way Kambas National Park — Attraction in Lampung

Journey Affordable option Gambir + Merak + Baukeni + Lampung/Rajabasa bus terimal - Way Jepara - Way Kambas National Park IDR 180 + 30 + 70 Duration of trip approx. 8-9 hours of bus ride

Note Damri Bus from Gambir Station, Jakarta, enroute at Merak, all the way to Lampung/Rajabasa Bus Terminal From Rajabasa Bus Terminal, go to the right booth that has a bus going to Way Jepara Alight at a point closest to Way Kambas National Park, based on the map Opt for a motorbike ride from one of the local riders (They will give you a quote and fetch you to the destination even if you don't agree. We managed to bargain from IDR 400 to 250 for 2 scooters. We've heard locals getting IDR 30/trip rate.)

Fast option Bandar Udara Raden Inten II (Lampung Domestic Airport) - Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta Airport) IDR 550 Duration of trip approx. 1h flight

Note Either way, you will have to continue on the trip to Way Jepara from wherever you are. Most convenient would be Rajabasa Bus Terminal although we see locals boarding everywhere along the bus route.

Way Kambas National Park Entrance IDR 5,000 (Local rate) As a foreigner, if you can produce evidence of residence over 30 days, you can manage a local rate. This is significantly cheaper than the IDR 150,000 foreigner rate. Even so, much persuasion was needed on our part to convince the park attendant to acknowledge our status. Insurance IDR 5,000 (Foreigner rate) This, the park instructor insisted, did not have any special arrangement no matter your residence status. Bananas IDR 20,000 Just buy a bunch to support the locals. This will come in handy for spurring the elephants. Elephant ride IDR 150,000 An approximately 30-45 min ride on the elephants for a short tour of the gigantic park. A good experience if you've not rode on an elephant before. We had Kahmelia (a young female elephant) and her trainer. They had good chemistry and he seemed to have good control over her. The ride felt safe and controlled.

Should you visit Way Kambas? We decided to give it a shot, and at the same time to experience the long transport route over land and sea and hopefully get some sights and understand the culture.

Our conclusion: The park may be a disappointment and is only worth a visit if you happen to be in south Sumatra (spare yourself the unnecessary travelling).

It seems almost like a park you would go on a weekend if not for the elephants. You would be greeted by very basic facilities: A small playground for the kids; some food and drink stalls; a small area for people to get up close to the elephants; followed by the large park for the elephant tour. Considering the long ride into the park, it might not seem such a good way to spend your time if you're simply touring Indonesia in general.

That being said, we do see some improvement compared to the past. We were told there's now a hospital for the elephants and the previous circus facility is now abandoned. The trainers are kind to the elephants and do sound passionate about their role.

It would be great to see the park developed with better infrastructure as well as adopting visitor-friendly facilities to eventually become a...

Way Kambas National Park is a stunning natural wonder that is located in Lampung, Indonesia. This park is one of the best tourist destinations for nature enthusiasts who want to explore the wild beauty of Indonesia. The park is well-known for its rich biodiversity and exotic wildlife species. Here, visitors can witness the magnificent elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros, tigers, and other rare animals in their natural habitats. The park's flora and fauna are unique and varied, making it an ideal location for researchers and scientists to conduct their studies.

For adventure seekers, Way Kambas National Park offers an exhilarating elephant ride through the lush green jungle. The elephant ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of the park and its inhabitants up close. The park also offers a fantastic opportunity to explore its surroundings through a jungle trek. Visitors can choose to explore the park on foot, accompanied by an experienced guide, and witness the park's wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Apart from being an excellent tourist attraction, Way Kambas National Park also plays a vital role in wildlife conservation. The park serves as a sanctuary for various endangered species, and the management's conservation efforts have helped in the protection and rehabilitation of these species. In conclusion, Way Kambas National Park is an incredible destination that offers a unique opportunity to witness Indonesia's wildlife and biodiversity. It's a must-visit location for anyone interested in experiencing the country's natural beauty and supporting...

Visited Way Kambas National Park few days ago. It seems like they were not ready for reopening…. The rp 50k entrance fee was reasonable. We had to park at designated parking lot and took the shuttle car. The waiting time for shuttle was long… more than 30 mins wait. We tried trekking activity that costs rp 150k per person. It felt impromptu. No designated path or trail, but was enjoyable nonetheless. However, seeing elephants in chains was quite sad and hopefully they will work on letting them roam free in the future. There’s a ton to be improved: Upgrading facilities to provide a more comfortable and educational experience. Toilets didn’t have light, facilities was run down… Put clear signage of where to wait for shuttle car to go back. There were a few that passed and they said it was going to other parking lots… Implementing proper treks and activities Transitioning to more humane practices for wildlife interactions, moving away from chains. Offering structured educational briefings to visitors, highlighting conservation efforts and goals. With these improvements, I'm hopeful that Way Kambas can fulfill its potential and become a leading example of sustainable...