A Glimpse into the Nighttime Beauty of Kemuning Forest: An Adventure to հանդիպ the Javan Slow Loris

The faint rustling of leaves brushing against the wind, accompanied by the chorus of nocturnal insects, began to fill the air. Under the dim glow of moonlight, the Javan Wildlife Institute together with Swara Owa walked along the forest trails of Kemuning for a night safari (23/09). Beyond offering the pleasure of Kopi Kukang and scenic morning views, Kemuning Forest is also an आकर्षive night safari destination, captivating visitors with the variety of wildlife that can be encountered in their natural habitat.

At around eight in the evening, we began our journey along small paths through community-owned coffee plantations. The cold night air did not dampen the enthusiasm of the five participants in this night exploration. This trip was specifically aimed at observing nocturnal mammals, particularly the Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus). The Javan slow loris is an endemic primate of Java, highly threatened, and listed among the world’s 25 most endangered primates. In addition to the slow loris, Kemuning Forest is home to various other animals that can be encountered during a night safari, such as the Sunda flying lemur, flying squirrels, and several species of sleeping birds.

Equipped with red-light flashlights, we began exploring the forest. We were not alone—our journey was accompanied by a local guide, Mas Budi, a resident of Kemuning Village. As we walked, we discussed the potential of Kemuning Forest, from its coffee commodities to its biodiversity. Fortunately, just minutes into the journey, nocturnal wildlife began to appear, as if welcoming us as guests in their home. One by one, animals revealed themselves. A Sunda flying lemur was spotted hanging from a tree branch, remaining mostly still.

The Sunda flying lemur we encountered during the night observation

That night felt especially fortunate. In addition to encountering the Sunda flying lemur, we also spotted a Javan slow loris perched at the top of a tree. Unfortunately, the distance made it difficult to capture photographs. Nevertheless, this did not diminish our excitement at seeing the rare primate. It moved slowly along the branches, carefully stepping from one to another. Its large eyes and thick fur made it resemble a small, round ball. Our exploration did not stop there—we also encountered a walangkopo.

Satisfied with the night exploration, we concluded the journey with a sharing session among participants while enjoying traditional food that had been prepared. Although the trip was relatively short, we all felt happy and fulfilled. That night, Kemuning Forest offered a meaningful experience and valuable lessons about the richness of wildlife. Let’s protect wildlife so they can continue to thrive in their natural home!