East Kalimantan:Bangkirai Hill

A. Brief Information

Bangkirai Hill is one of captivating tourist destinations situated in East Kalimantan Province. The hill provides the perfect ambience of tropical rain forest with its mild climate and laid back charm. There, the tourists will have great experience of walking around the forest which is still in its natural state. Covering an area of 1.500 hectare, the hill constitutes a forest conservation which aims at developing tropical rain forest in the region. In addition, some of protected wild species live within. It is an educational tourist destination for the nature lovers and for those avid biological scientists.


The hill got its name “Bangkirai” as it houses thousands of Bangkirai trees, some of which are more than 150 years with their height around 40-50 meters and diameters about 2,3 meters. The site is officially opened for public on March 14th, 1998.



B. Distinctive Features

One of Bangkirai Hill`s distinctive features is its challenge for the tourists to tread a canopy bridge perching over at 30 meters above the ground. It is 64 meters long, connecting five big Bangkirai trees. It also serves an alternative therapy for those who have heights phobia. On the bridge, interspersed with moderate wind, you can enjoy the picturesque verdant forest and valley steeped in color. If you walk on it, the bridge will move rhythmically from side to side. But, once you try it, you will be eager to repeat the bridge trip. This canopy bridge is the first built in Indonesia, the second in Asia, and the eight in the world.



C. Location

Bangkirai Hill is located in Samboja sub-district, Kutai Kartanegara district, East Kalimantan province, Indonesia.


D. Access

Bangkirai Hill is at a distance of about 150 km from Tenggarong City or Samarinda, while of about 58 km from Balikpapan City and 20 km from the capital of Samboja sub-district. To reach the location, by land, the tourist can use any accessible transportation such as motorcycle or car.



E. Accommodation and Other Facilities

This tourist object is completed with adequate facilities: a meeting hall that will seat 100 people in comfort, a restaurant offering exquisitely different menus, cottages equipped with AC, and jugle cabin (the natural hotel with no electric facilities/natural room). The tourist who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bangkirai can reach Inhutani Balikpapan, Ltd at (0542) 736066-734644.




Source:www.wisatamelayu.com