Yayasan Konservasi RASI                                                                                                    Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia

NATURAL IMPRESSIONS OF THE MAHAKAM RIVER IN EAST KALIMANTAN PROVINCE

East Kalimantan is the largest province of Kalimantan with a surface area of 211.440 km² and has several large rivers. One of the largest and longest river is the Mahakam with  149.277 km² water surface area and a length of 920 km, and includes several tributaries and lakes. Within this large river system, there are several objects, which are attractive for sight-seeing.

Pesut Mahakam

The freshwater dolphins in the Mahakam, which are commonly referred to as Irrawaddy dolphin and locally as pesut, have some preferred feeding and socializing sites. The main habitat of pesut is in the main river from Muara Kaman to Melak including confluence areas with tributaries and lakes. The area with the largest population is in the confluence area of Muara Pahu, the dolphins may be seen daily. While sitting relaxed on the terrace behind the pension or in the small floating restaurants along the river, one may see the dolphins moving up an downstream, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, when boat traffic is less frequent.

Other animals, which may be encountered along the riverbanks of tributaries or main river are many bird species, e.g. Hornbills, Lesser Adjutants, King-fishers; mammal species, e.g. Leaf Monkeys, Nose Monkeys (Proboscis), Long-tailed Macaques and Otters.

Semayang Lake

One enters the lake through the narrow Pela River, where most of the fishermen fishing at the lake live, together with Semayang village at the North side of the Lake. The lake area size is10.300 ha and several species may be encountered such as the pesut, Water Buffels, Lesser Adjutants and Egret. In the dry season, some areas may be used by rice and corn farmers.

Melintang Lake

Melintang Lake is connected with Semayang Lake through the village of Melintang, which is built completely on wooden poles and is mainly a fishing community. Here, fish is dried immediately in the open air for export. The lake is of similar size, i.e. 8.900 ha and home to several bird species, Leaf Monkeys and Nose Monkeys.

Jempang Lake

Jempang Lake is the largest area with a size of 14.600 ha. Large parts of the lake are closed with floating vegetation, such as Water Hyacinth, which are excellent breeding and resting places for many water bird species, but also many fish species seek refuge or breed under the dense vegetation surrounding the lake. On the South side of the lake is the village of Tanjung Isuy situated, which has become well known as “cultural place” since most of the community exist of the Dayak tribes Benuaq and Tunjung.  In the “long-house” (Lamin) used by the community for special occasions, there are many local, hand-made souvenirs for sale, whereas one part of the long-house has an accommodation facility for tourists.

Kersik Luway

Kersik luway is a nature reserve situated in Sekolaq Darat village, 10 km from Melak. The area is 5000 ha in size where 57 species of orchids grow! Even before the big fires of 1982, 72 species existed. Most of them grow on white sand in an area of 20 ha. Besides, other interesting plant species can be found such as Nephentes spp growing on trees but also directly on the ground.

TOUR/TRAVEL INFO

If you are interested to go for a tour up the Mahakam River and observe the dolphins, other wildlife and local cultures, please click on the suggested itineraries below (Mahakam Dolphin Tour). Our organization is not a travel agency but we work together with local travel agencies. The suggested itineraries may give the traveler some idea of sightworthy sites and where can one most easily observe the dolphins. The first trip is for a lower budget (Mahakam Dolphin Trip economy) as it uses public in combination with private transport and overnight in the villages whereas the second trip is more suitable for small to large groups using a private houseboat (including accommodation and meals), which is more expensive. The contact info is in each info sheet. The travels are both in Balikpapan. If you need some more experienced guide to escort you as you have a particular interest in wildlife and/ or environmental issues our organization may also offer one of our staff to escort during your trip (with daily compensation). If you like to travel without guide, you can follow some of our directions in the info sheet and our map. If you go to Muara Pahu by yourself, where we have a floating information center, you may ask the neighbour Pak Acoh to open the center and have a look inside as it is only opened on request. Pak Acoh is trained to do a brief trip to see the dolphins and other wildlife and see some nice tributaries (rates per hour are indicated on the information board outside the center). If you like to have a general guide you can contact Rusdy (see info sheet). His rates are between Rp. 150.000-200.000 per day.

Have a nice journey! Do not hesitate to contact our organization or the travels directly if you require more info.

Proposed itineraries

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