Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park is located in the Central Maluku Regency of Maluku Province, Indonesia, primarily on the island of Seram, one of the largest islands in the Maluku archipelago. Covering tropical lowland and montane rainforest, the park is an important refuge for endemic and endangered species, including the critically endangered Seram friarbird and the unique Moluccan Cockatoo. The park boasts a range of elevations from coastal zones to mountainous terrain, supporting diverse habitats and species, including rare orchids, tropical hardwood trees, and a rich assemblage of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Visitors are drawn to the park’s extensive trail networks that wind through dense rainforest leading to breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, and remote villages inhabited by indigenous communities maintaining traditional ways of life. Activities such as guided trekking, birdwatching, and cultural tours offer meaningful connections with the natural and human environment. Historically, the area has faced challenges from logging and habitat degradation, but conservation efforts have helped to increase protection levels. The park balances ecological preservation with sustainable tourism, making it a rewarding destination for adventurous travelers interested in exotic biodiversity and cultural heritage. Its remote location requires visitors to prepare carefully, but the region’s natural beauty and biological richness provide a distinctive experience in one of Indonesia’s lesser-known protected areas.