A primate can be briefly described as a mammal that evolved from the species of animals that lived in the jungles in tropical climates, which includes humans. The world renowned Schmutzer Primate Centre in Jakarta, has a collection of all these mammals with the exception of humans! Most of the descendants of these species continue to reside in tropical terrain, but are also seen in zoos and sanctuaries in other parts of the world.
What makes the primate centre in Java so special is that it is not a reserve, nor is it a zoo in which the inmates feel caged and restricted. The gorillas, orangutans, tarsiers, apes, chimpanzees and monkeys who make up most of the population at the centre choose whether they wish to be seen by the public or not. They meander among the greenery, swing from tree to tree and find their own food which is grown within the extended enclosures to ensure that there is always plenty to eat and the mammals are at ease.
Some ingenious techniques have been used to allow visitors some unique views of the animals; some from overpasses which are seven meters above the ground, swinging canopy bridges and tunnels. If you venture through all these links and paths there is a good chance of spotting a whole host of the celebrated primates.
A generous bit of land in Ragunan Zoo in West Java has been dedicated for the purpose of this centre, which is comparatively a new addition to the long line of sights worth seeing in Indonesia. The naturalists and wildlife conservation activists would be glad to know that the park acts as a breeding ground for these many species and those who are hale and hearty are released into the forests to contribute to the natural cycle.
For a rewarding stay that will give you your money’s worth choose a Jakarta hotel not too far from these attractions such as the Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta. Feel a sense of belonging even if it is a country completely alien to you when you stay at a hotel in Jakarta, where hospitality is given priority.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.