East Kalimantan: More About Mahakam River

A. Brief Information

The Mahakam River is the biggest river in East Kalimantan Province. People, who live around the Mahakam River, earn their living by taking advantages from the existence of the river. This 920 km long and 149.277 km square river flows through West Kutai District, Kutai Kertanegara District and Samarinda City. Five tributaries – Belayan, Lawa, Kedung Kepala, Telen and Tenggarong Rivers - flow to the Mahakam River.



B. Distinctive Features

While enjoying the beauty and magnificent scenery of the Mahakam River, you can also take visit to several tourism destinations nearby the river. The main tourism object located nearby the river is Pesut Mahakam where you can watch rare species of dolphin such as Irrawaddy Dolphin that appears only at 6 – 8 a.m. and 4 – 6 p.m. Likewise, you will see numerous birds and mammals such as Enggang, Bangau Tong-tong, Raja Udang, Bekantan, Lutung, Berang-berang etc.


An island namely Kumala Island - approximately 75 hectares in width - is situated in the center of the Mahakam River. To reach the island, you can take cable car or ketinting (motorized boat) that can be found in Kota Tenggarong Harbour. The island offers you many interesting features such as sky tower, cable car, mini train, and lamin (traditional house of Dayak tribe).


C. Location

The Mahakam River administratively lies in three districts, West Kutai District, Kutai Kertanegara District, and Samarinda City, in East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia.



D. Access

The Mahakam River can be reached by land, air and water transportation. People settling East Kalimantan Province, especially those who live in West Kutai District and Kutai Kertanegara District, usually take jukung – traditional boat typically East Kalimantan Province. For you, who love extreme sports; you can take 4WD car rental service that can be found in Samarinda City. Besides, you can also take taxi or public transportation. Locally small airports such as DAS (Dirgantara Air Service) and Kal Star are available for you, who want to take air transportation.




Source:www.wisatamelayu.com