Natural impressions of the Mahakam river in east Kalimantan

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.

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.

By :  Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia

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Proboscis Monkey

The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) or long-nosed monkey, known as the bekantan in Indonesian, is a reddish-brown arboreal Old World monkey that is endemic to the south-east Asian island of Borneo. 

A distinctive trait of this monkey is the male's large protruding nose, from which it takes its name. The big nose is thought to be used to attract females and is a characteristic of the males, reaching up to 7 inches in length. The females also have big noses compared to other monkey species, but not as big as the males. Besides attracting mates, the nose serves as a resonating chamber, amplifying their warning calls. When the animal becomes agitated its nose swells with blood, making warning calls louder and more intense

The adult Proboscis monkey is mainly reddish-brown, with grayish limbs. According to Burnie (2001),[Full citation needed] young Proboscis monkeys have a blue face, blackish fur and a relatively normal sized nose at birth. As they grow older, fur coloration changes and the nose grows. Adult males have a large and fleshy nose which overhangs its mouth, but the female does not have a large nose in comparison to the male

 

The Proboscis monkey is endemic to Borneo low elevation mangrove forests, swamps, and lowland riparian forests. The Proboscis monkey's lifestyle is both arboreal and amphibious, with its mangrove swamp and riverine environment containing forest, dry land, shallow water allowing wading, and deep water requiring swimming.

The Proboscis monkey can be found almost along the Mahakam river and creeks. Especially in areas west Kutai, Proboscis monkey can very easily be found in the Beloan river, Ohong river, Kedang pahu river, Jintan river, and several other tributaries. You can observe the behavior of Proboscis monkey with close range, especially for those of you who are interested to take their photos.

Are you interested in seeing live of Proboscis monkey directly in the forest of  East Kalimantan? contact me, and I have a travel package for you. Price of travel packages depending on your destination, how many days of travel, and how many participants in the package.

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