Plizio Visual Lab

Way Kambas National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

national-park

Weather…

Way Kambas National Park is located in the Lampung province at the southern tip of Sumatra. Established as a national park in 1985, it covers an area of approximately 1,300 square kilometers. The landscape is dominated by swamp forests and lowland rainforests, making it a critical habitat for several flagship species. The park is internationally recognized for its Elephant Training Centre (PLG), established in 1985 to mitigate human-elephant conflicts and promote conservation. It is also one of the few places where the critically endangered Sumatran tiger and Sumatran rhinoceros can still be found in the wild. Numerous rivers, including the Way Kanan, flow through the park, supporting a rich biodiversity of aquatic life and birds. Despite pressures from encroachment and illegal logging, the park remains a vital stronghold for Indonesian wildlife preservation.

Location: Indonesia
Nearby: Anyer (39 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	28	28	29	28	28	28	28	28	28	28
Rain mm	342	332	275	217	147	115	99	56	69	127	200	299

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The national park is usually reached by private vehicle or organized tour from the city of Bandar Lampung. The journey typically involves driving through rural landscapes to the main entrance gates.

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Best season

The dry season, generally spanning from May to September, is often considered the most suitable time for wildlife spotting. The trails are less muddy and animals congregate around available water sources.

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Terrain & paths

The environment largely consists of lowland tropical rainforests and swampy terrain which can be dense and humid. Walking tracks vary from clear dirt roads to overgrown jungle paths requiring a guide.

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What to bring

Lightweight, breathable clothing with long sleeves and trousers are necessary to protect against insects and leeches. Sturdy hiking boots and a generous supply of insect repellent are also highly advised.

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Parking

Parking facilities are typically found at the park headquarters or near the Elephant Conservation Centre. From these base areas, visitors usually proceed on foot or via official park transport.

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Safety

Exploring the dense forest requires the presence of an experienced local ranger due to the risk of encountering wild animals. It is strictly recommended to follow all instructions regarding close wildlife interactions.

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Time needed

A standard visit focusing on the elephant center and a short walk might last around three to four hours. For a proper wildlife experience, allocating a full day or an overnight stay is generally preferred.