Recently, Google Maps saw something bizarre—Indonesia’s netizens flooded the Amazon Rainforest with 1-star reviews. Yes, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, a global natural treasure, suddenly got treated like a bad café with no Wi-Fi.
What Happened?
This all started after a tragic accident on Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani, where a Brazilian tourist named Juliana Marins lost her life. In response, some Brazilian users left negative reviews on Rinjani’s location online. That’s when Indonesian netizens clapped back—with 1-star bombs on the Amazon Rainforest’s Google Maps listing.
But they didn’t stop there. They brought their signature humor. Some reviews said things like:
- “No mendoan here, not recommended.”
- “Ordered pecel lele, got pecel piranha.”
- “Too many mosquitoes, not even a single Alfamart.”
But behind the drama and the jokes, let’s not forget what the Amazon Rainforest truly is—one of Earth’s most vital and mysterious ecosystems. If you’re here because of the viral reviews, stick around. We’ve rounded up 7 fascinating facts about the Amazon Rainforest that might surprise you.
1. Is the Amazon Really the “Lungs of the Earth”? Not Exactly
We’ve all heard it: The Amazon produces 20% of the world’s oxygen.
Spoiler: That’s a bit of a myth.
Scientific studies show that almost all the oxygen the Amazon produces is used by the forest itself—through cellular respiration and natural decay. In reality, the Amazon contributes about 6–9% of global oxygen, still significant, but not what we’ve been told in school.
2. Large Parts of the Amazon Are Still Unexplored
Yes, even in the GPS era, some parts of the Amazon remain untouched by humans. One such place is Vale do Javari, located in western Brazil. It’s incredibly hard to reach, full of thick jungle, wild animals, and unpredictable weather.
Interestingly, this area is home to at least 14 uncontacted Indigenous tribes—making it one of the most culturally unique places on Earth.
3. 400 Billion Trees Call It Home
With a total area of 6.7 million square kilometers, the Amazon is packed with an estimated 400 billion trees, representing around 16,000 species. Some trees grow as high as 70 meters, roughly equivalent to a 20-story building!
No wonder it’s considered the most biodiverse forest on the planet.
4. The Amazon Is Burning More Than Ever
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: Amazon wildfires have reached record numbers in recent years.
According to Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE), over 140,000 fire incidents have been detected in the region. Most of these are linked to human-driven deforestation, especially for agriculture and cattle farming.
5. There’s a Hidden River Beneath the Amazon
Ever heard of the Hamza River? It flows 4,000 meters below the Amazon River, runs parallel to it, and spans about 4 kilometers wide. Unlike its more famous sibling above ground, Hamza flows much slower—but it’s still a remarkable natural wonder.
That makes the Amazon the only place in the world with two massive rivers: one on the surface and one underground.
6. It’s Also Called “The Green Hell”
The Amazon isn’t just pretty trees and parrots. Its dense canopy (about 50 meters thick) blocks 99% of sunlight, creating a super dark and humid environment.
This is home to some of nature’s deadliest creatures—anacondas, poison dart frogs, jaguars, and black caimans, just to name a few. It’s beautiful, but absolutely brutal—earning it the nickname: The Green Hell.
7. Nearly 50 Million People Live in the Amazon
Surprised? The Amazon isn’t just trees and animals. It’s also home to around 47 million people, including more than 2.2 million Indigenous people from over 500 different groups.
This shows how the rainforest is not just a biome—it’s a living, breathing world of cultures, stories, and traditions.
Final Thoughts
Sure, the 1-star review war between Indonesian and Brazilian netizens might be hilarious to watch. But the Amazon Rainforest is no joke. It’s one of the most important, mysterious, and diverse ecosystems on Earth—and it deserves more than just a meme moment.
So whether you’re here for the laughs or the learning, we hope you walk away with a deeper appreciation for the Amazon.
Which of these Amazon facts surprised you the most?
