Baluran
| Baluran | |
|---|---|
![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:"Baluran"_Africa_van_Java.jpg) Mount Baluran | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,247 m (4,091 ft)[1] |
| Listing | Ribu |
| Coordinates | 7°51′S 114°22′E / 7.850°S 114.367°E[1] |
| Geography | |
  Baluran Location on Java | |
 | |
| Location | Baluran National Park, Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | Holocene |
| Stratovolcano | |
| Volcanic arc | Sunda Arc |
| Last eruption | Unknown (no historical eruptions)[1] |
Baluran (Indonesian: Gunung Baluran) is a stratovolcano located on the island of Java, Indonesia.[1] It is situated at the very northeast of the island, within Baluran National Park in Situbondo Regency, East Java. The volcano is overshadowed by its much larger neighbour, Ijen, to the southwest.[1]
Baluran is the easternmost volcano in Java, occupying the northeastern tip of the island.[2] It rises to an elevation of 1,247 metres (4,091 ft) and has a broad, U-shaped crater that is breached to the northeast.[1][2] The mountain has not erupted in historical times, although it is considered to be of Holocene age.[1]
Geography
[edit]Baluran is located at the very northeastern tip of Java, in Situbondo Regency, East Java.[1] It is approximately 20 km in diameter and is surrounded by thin and flat lava flows on all sides. The volcano is the centrepiece of Baluran National Park, a 25,000-hectare conservation area known for its unique savanna ecosystem.[2]
The mountain is overshadowed by its much larger neighbour, Ijen, which lies to the southwest.[1] The region is characterised by a dry climate, influenced by the east wind, which contributes to the savanna landscape that dominates the national park.[3]
Geology
[edit]Baluran is a small andesitic stratovolcano of Holocene age, part of the Sunda Arc subduction zone system.[1][2] The volcano has a broad, U-shaped crater that is breached to the northeast, indicating a past collapse or explosive event.[1]
The volcanic edifice is approximately 20 km in diameter, with thin and flat lava flows extending outward from the centre. The mountain is composed primarily of andesitic lavas and pyroclastic deposits.[1]
Petrology and geochemistry
[edit]Baluran is a rear-arc volcano of the easternmost volcanic chain of Java Island, part of the 3,700 km-long Sunda Arc. Petrological studies have identified basaltic lava flows from the shield stage of Baluran, which resemble other medium-K calc-alkaline basalts from eastern Java's volcanoes.
Eruptive history
[edit]Baluran has no recorded historical eruptions.[1][2] The volcano is considered to be of Holocene age, but there is no evidence of eruptive activity in the past 10,000 years.[1] It is currently classified as normal or dormant.[2]
The broad, U-shaped crater breached to the northeast suggests that the volcano may have experienced a significant explosive event or sector collapse in the past, but the timing of this event is unknown.[1]
Baluran National Park
[edit]
Baluran is located at the centre of Baluran National Park, a 25,000-hectare conservation area that is often referred to as "Africa van Java" (Little Africa of Java) due to its extensive savanna ecosystem.[4][3] The park was first designated as a wildlife refuge by the Dutch colonial authorities in 1937, and was officially established as a national park by the Indonesian government on 6 March 1980.[3]
The park covers an area of approximately 25,000 hectares, spanning the regencies of Situbondo and Banyuwangi.[4] It features a diverse range of ecosystems, including savanna, mangrove forests, coastal forests, and seasonal forests.[4] The name "Baluran" itself is derived from Mount Baluran, which lies at the heart of the park.[4]
Ecology
[edit]The national park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Notable species include:[2][4]
- Banteng (Bos javanicus) – a wild cattle species endemic to Southeast Asia
- Javan rusa (Rusa timorensis) – a deer species
- Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee)
- Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) – an endangered leopard subspecies
- Crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
- Javan lutung (Trachypithecus auratus) – a leaf monkey
- Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyura)
- Monitor lizard (Varanus salvator)
- Green peafowl (Pavo muticus) – a large pheasant
- Various species of squirrels, fruit bats, civet cats, and birds[2]
The park's savanna ecosystem is unique in Indonesia, with open grasslands dotted with Acacia trees, particularly Acacia nilotica, which was introduced during the colonial period and has become invasive in some areas.[4]
Tourism
[edit]Baluran National Park is a popular tourist destination, known for its savanna landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.[4] Key attractions within the park include:[4]
- Savana Bekol – a vast savanna area that is the park's most iconic landscape, offering views of Mount Baluran and opportunities to observe banteng, rusa, and other wildlife
- Pantai Bama – a beach area with mangrove forests and coral reefs
- Pantai Bilik – another beach area with clear waters and white sand
- Baluran Volcano – the mountain itself, which can be climbed for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding coastline
The park is generally open daily from 07:30 to 16:00 local time.[4] Entrance fees vary, with lower rates for domestic visitors and higher rates for international tourists.[4] Visitors are advised to check current conditions and regulations with park authorities before visiting.[4]
Recreation and climbing
[edit]Mount Baluran is a popular hiking destination, offering a relatively accessible climb with rewarding views. The mountain is known for its broad, U-shaped crater, which can be explored from the summit.[2]
The climb typically starts from the park entrance or from Savana Bekol, with the trail passing through savanna and forest before reaching the crater rim. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty, with the main challenge being the heat and dry conditions on the savanna.
From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the national park, the surrounding coastline, and on clear days, the nearby islands of Bali and Madura. Visitors are advised to bring sufficient water, sun protection, and to check with park authorities regarding current trail conditions and safety guidelines.[4]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Baluran". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2011-07-03.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Baluran Volcano". Volcano Discovery. Retrieved 2026-08-07.
- 1 2 3 "Baluran National Park". Indonesia Travel. Retrieved 2026-08-07.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Taman Nasional Baluran". Taman Nasional Baluran (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2026-08-07.
- Witton, Patrick (2003). Indonesia. Melbourne: Lonely Planet. p. 299. ISBN 1-74059-154-2.
External links
[edit]
Baluran National Park travel guide from Wikivoyage
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