The park contains the only captive breeding facility for Sumatran rhinos in the world.
It is home to the International Rhino Foundation’s flagship sanctuary.
The park was originally established as a Wildlife Reserve by the Dutch East Indies government in 1937.
It serves as a critical buffer zone for the Way Kambas River ecosystem, preventing further illegal encroachment into the forest.
The Elephant Training Center was specifically created to address human-wildlife conflict by using trained elephants to herd wild elephants away from agricultural land.
Way Kambas National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Indonesia and a premier center for Sumatran elephant conservation. Located in Lampung, the park protects lowland rainforest and swamp habitats spanning over 1,300 square kilometers. It serves as a sanctuary for the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros, hosting the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary. Visitors primarily engage with the Elephant Training Center, which facilitates education and human-elephant conflict mitigation. The ecosystem supports diverse wildlife, including sun bears, tapirs, and several species of primates. Conservation efforts here focus on anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration. The park is characterized by dense riverine forest and open grasslands. It remains a critical research site for tropical biodiversity in Southeast Asia.
The riverbank areas at sunrise where mist lingers over the forest canopy.
Wear long sleeves and trousers to protect against dense vegetation and insects.
Bring high-quality insect repellent containing DEET for tick and mosquito protection.
Hire a local guide to increase the likelihood of spotting elusive fauna within the dense forest.
Keep a respectful distance from all animals, especially captive elephants, to avoid stress to the animals.
Feeding or attempting to touch the elephants without the explicit permission and supervision of their handlers.
Dress modestly and maintain low noise levels; avoid wearing bright colors that might disturb wildlife.