Trek Indonesia will take you on an adventure that is sure to forever change your notion of adventure! You will scale select untouched and hidden high peaks in the centre of Borneo!
Indonesia’s Borneo (or Kalimantan) is almost atypical for a tropical land because, although it has great mountains, it has no active volcanoes and is not located anywhere near any tectonic plate boundaries – which as a consequence leaves the island without active volcanoes. But, Borneo should not be dismissed because it does have an amazing mountain range that is home to some of the worlds best offer in terms of well diversified mountain trekking. Trekking itself is remarkable dynamic that incorporates conquesting and is not only about climbing, the journey encompasses powerful tropical rainforest, distinct & endemic wildlife unique to the world, and the tremendous legacy of the Dayak peoples experience and knowledge.
What Makes Mountain Trekking in Borneo So Unique?
The sense of mountain trekking in Borneo is altogether different. The absence of volcanoes in the mountains means that the forest growth has overtaken the mountains and provided incredible biodiversity. The unique combination of altitude and humidity of the region provides magnificent yet sometimes harrowing routes creating true treks into the wilderness and mountains far from any crowds.
The Best Mountains to Trek in Borneo
If you are in the adventure mood in Borneo, any mountains you do trek will definitely need to include :
- Mount Bukit Raya – 2278 masl: this mountain is popular with climbers as it’s the highest mountain in Kalimantan, and uniquely it is located in West Kalimantan, but its peak is in Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan. It is also part of Bukit Baka Nature Reserve and National Park which helps maintain its florua and fauna.
- Mount Liangpran – 2240 masl: This is the second highest mountain in West Kutai Regency in East Kalimantan, and it is a tough climb even without the dense forest and difficulty of getting there. It is one of the least climbed mountains. Mount Liangpran is also crossed by a with a number of significant rivers including the Mahakam River, Barito River, and Kapuas River.
- Mount Batu Tiban (2,050 masl): Bordering North Kalimantan with Sarawak (Malaysia), Mount Batu Tiban is the third tallest mountain and still very untamed. Most of the time, you will need local guides to trek Mount Batu Tiban. Certainly, it’s great for wanting something off the beaten path in an exotic location.
- Mount Menyapa (2,000 masl): Mount Menyapa is located in East Kalimantan (East Kutai). So often referred to as Kalimantan’s hidden paradise, it also offers surreal panoramic views. The area is large at the peak and gives you a good place to rest after a long trek. While it is less rare to find more rustic mountains with great views ranks third, there is a gentle nature of feel from this abandoned mountain.
- Mount Halau-Halau (1,901 masl): Mount Halau-Halau is height of the Meratus, Meratus being noted for some stiff climbs and somewhat sweltering forests in this southern part of South Kalimanthan. The Dayak Kiyu community can be very neutral, but quick to prevent any development to preserve their surroundings, so mercifully, this is a reserved indigenous forest. Halau-Halau is reasoned sacred, sacred and protector of the tribal people. The indigenous peoples so warmly invite visitors into their homes while trekking is a plus.
More Than Just Peaks: Unique Experiences in Borneo
Your mountain trekking adventure in Borneo is not just about the mountain peaks. There are additional wonders that you will discover:
- Klinot River Cruises and Visiting with Orangutans Driving the Sekonyer River on a klotok in Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan is like a dream come true. While there, you can visit famous orangutan rehabilitation centers like Camp Leakey which was founded by Dr. Birutė Galdikas, a known primatologist. You can attend orangutan feeding sessions and see proboscis monkeys, rare birds, and crocodiles along the river. The forest filled with fire flies in the evening equates to hundreds of twinkling Christmas lights, which is simply magical. Besides Tanjung Puting, other active conservation other active conservation projects are the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rescue Center and Sebangau National Park.
- Exploring Dayak Culture Dayak people are from Kalimantan and have close relationships with nature. Near Mount Halau-Halau, you can engage with the Dayak Meratus community, observe their traditional practices, and appreciate their culture. A replica of a rumah betang, which is the Dayak tribe’s traditional longhouse, can also be visited near Kumai.
Feel the wilderness’s deepest essence. Trek Indonesia makes every step of your mountain trekking expedition a new story and a way of conserving nature!
Getting Ready for the “Mountain Trekking” Expedition
To hike the beautiful mountains in Borneo comfortably and safely, prepare these items:
- Mosquito repellent, and the personal medications that you take.
- Light trekking sandals or comfortable shoes.
- A camera and snacks for beautiful moments.
- A responsible tour operator will properly guide the eco tour in Putang Tanjung.
Adventuring While Contributing: Orangutan Conservation
Your trek will literally contribute to orangutan conservation. Kalimantan is the core of the Borneo Region and orangutans, one of the most endangered primates on earth, call it home. Orangutans are a very intelligent creature and serve their forests as a keystone species. People are the keystone species of the world; we spread seed in the forest as feces and feed on fruit and should make the forests we live in a better place. A healthy habitat of orangutans indicates a forest system in great condition. Unfortunately, these incredible animals are endangered, as a result of habitat development, deforestation for palm oil, illegal hunting and illegal trade. Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) are `Critically Endangered,` according to IUCN.
Many organizations are working tirelessly on conservation issues for these intelligent primates in Central Kalimantan, including the BOS Foundation and COP Borneo as well as National Park Bureaus. For instance, the BOS Foundation and Orangutan Friend are running one of the largest orangutan rehabilitation center’s in the world at Nyaru Menteng, working hard to rescue and rehabilitate over 500 orangutans, releasing these primates into the wild, it never stops. Rehabilitation is a key aspect to ensure the survival of orangutans once released into the wild, and the BOS Foundation rehabilitation program inspired the story about Pony the orangutan who was rescued from a brothel in a village.
This is a responsible ecotourism example, visiting the Tanjung Puting National Park and Sebangau National Park (if you adhere to the protocols and restrictions surrounding travel and regarding the parks.) Many reputable organizations have donation options, so consider even symbolically adopting an orangutan to help raise funds.The mountains and forests of Central Kalimantan are a huge sanctuary for wild orangutans, even large numbers of them. Trekking in the mountains of Central Kalimantan is more than just getting to the top of a mountain, it also contributes to the conservation of the region’s natural heritage. You can arrange your mountain trekking with Trek Indonesia and see the stunning Borneo nature! What are you waiting for?
