From its breathtaking beaches and rich marine life to vibrant culture, mountain treks, and thrilling nature adventures — there are several activities in Lombok you can try. Tucked within West Lombok’s Senggigi Tourism Village is a lesser-known destination that deserves the spotlight: Kerandangan Nature Park or Taman Wisata Alam Kerandangan.

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A Natural Escape at Kerandangan

Kerandangan Nature Park offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a genuine connection with nature. Spanning over 396 hectares of forest, the park welcomes visitors to stroll under towering trees and explore shaded trails where the only soundtrack is birdsong and rustling leaves.

Officially designated a nature tourism park in 1992, Kerandangan has been developed with a clear commitment to sustainable tourism. It’s a space that balances conservation with accessibility, making it a perfect destination for families as well.

Among its most visited attractions are the Putri Kembar Waterfall and Goa Walet (Swallow Cave). These are reachable via a 2-kilometer walking path that blends paving stones and natural ground. The trail is gentle, making it an ideal choice for all ages.

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For the Adventurous: Birdwatching in the Wild

While waterfalls and caves may attract the casual explorer, Kerandangan holds a special appeal for nature enthusiasts through one particular activity: birdwatching.

Here, visitors can observe birds in their natural habitat — no cages or artificial enclosures. Just the raw beauty of wildlife living freely in a preserved environment.

Currently, there are 56 bird species recorded in the park. Some of them are endangered or near-threatened, including:

• Flores Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus floris)
• Rinjani Scops Owl (Otus jolandae)
• Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus australasia)

Other species frequently seen include the River Kingfisher, Blue Kingfisher, Black-naped Monarch, and many more. This rich biodiversity has made birdwatching a standout experience, drawing both birders and photographers from around the world.

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How It All Started: An Unexpected Encounter

The birdwatching movement in Kerandangan began in a rather unexpected way. In late 2012, Wahyudi Amin, a park officer who had just started working at Kerandangan, met a solo traveler from Australia carrying binoculars. The visitor simply said he wanted to see birds.

Curious, Wahyudi accompanied him into the forest. A few days later, another visitor arrived — this time with a large camera lens. His mission was the same: to find and photograph birds.

These encounters were an eye-opener for Wahyudi. He realized the biodiversity of the park could become a key tourism attraction. At the time, only 23 bird species had been documented. He began compiling his own records, tracking bird behavior, mapping locations, and even camping in the forest to gather firsthand data.

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A New Chapter in Conservation and Collaboration

Wahyudi’s journey soon expanded into collaboration. He began working with a friend from the University of Mataram, and before long, the university partnered with NTB’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) to study the park’s biodiversity more closely.

With his deep familiarity with the terrain, Wahyudi became part of the field team. He helped identify bird species, map observation points, and train others in how to observe wildlife responsibly.

He can now recognize many bird species simply by their calls. During visits from the Ministry of Tourism’s Sadar Wisata campaign, he guided guests to hidden spots and demonstrated how to identify birds by sound and movement. These moments often ended with quiet awe, as a bird appeared seemingly on cue, adding a sense of wonder to the entire experience.

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From Birdwatching to Sustainable Economic Impact

Wahyudi sees the long-term value in sustainable tourism. He often speaks to local residents about the economic benefits of conservation, especially compared to short-term gains from capturing or selling wild animals.

A single bird sold might bring income once. But the same bird, left in the wild, can draw tourists repeatedly. For international visitors, guided birdwatching packages can range from IDR 3 to 5 million — and the experience is repeatable, generating long-term revenue while protecting the environment.

Wahyudi has already brought five community members into the project and hopes more will join. Through awareness campaigns and continued education, he believes the local economy can thrive alongside conservation efforts.

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A Natural Treasure Worth Exploring

Kerandangan Nature Park is more than a tourist destination — it’s a testament to how nature, when protected and appreciated, can offer meaningful experiences and real economic benefits.

Whether you’re a dedicated birdwatcher, a nature lover, or a traveler seeking a more authentic adventure, Kerandangan offers something unique. With the forest as your guide and birds as your storytellers, every visit becomes a journey of discovery.

Read also: Lombok Flights from Bali: Your Complete Guide