18 June 2013

RFI: Javan Rhino

After reading about two recent successful trips to see Javan Rhino in Ujung Kulon, I’m thinking about heading there this August. Has anyone gone there? If so, what tour company did you use to arrange access, permits, etc?

Would anyone be interested in joining me?

I’ve gotten a quote from a local tour company (Ujung Kulon Ecotourism) for a week of camping in the forest, but I’m not sure about their credibility. They said that there were no problems with access, but Coke and Som Smith’s trip report indicates otherwise. They also claimed to have a 75% success rate, which I find hard to believe.

Here are the two reports:

http://www.savetherhino.org/latest_news/blog/657_how_to_spot_the_javan_rhino

http://www.cokesmithphototravel.com/expedition-to-java-barat.html

Ben

Post Views: 743

3 Comments

  • 20 June 2013
    Israel

    I don’t know if it will be much help but my blog from 2009 is here: http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Indonesia/Java/blog-398255.html

    I basically just turned up and winged it, rather than booking tours and such. I saw rhino tracks on the Cigenter River but of course no rhino in the flesh. If you’re only going for a short period you really would need extreme luck to actually see a rhino. (Or, you know, if you’re Coke Smith!).

  • 20 June 2013
    Jon Hall

    I find 75% rate impossible to believe either unless each trip lasted a month! I’d be sceptical of the whole company just from that claim alone… the quality of guides and travel agents in Indonesia is, at best, mixed. I’d fine someone who can give an honest assessment.

  • 22 June 2013
    Jurek

    Indonesian government several years ago announced with some fanfare super-expensive rhino ecotourism in Ujung Kulon. However, the few tourists interested failed to see the rhino.

    I would wait for more proof they can find you animals. Which should be possible in principle, as with other rainforest animals worldwide.

Leave a Reply