Kutai Timur – Kutai National Park and Lowland Rainforests in East Kalimantan
Kutai Timur se trouve dans la partie est de East Kalimantan province, on the Makassar Strait coast. Its capital is Sangatta. The region is home to Kutai National Park – East Kalimantan’s largest protected lowland rainforest area – and is également one of Indonesia’s biggest coal mining centres.
Attractions et activités
Kutai National Park (198,000 hectares) is one of Borneo’s oldest protected areas: lowland dipterocarp forest, orangutans, proboscis monkeys and Borneo-endemic faune sauvage. The Sangkima ecological trail présente giant tropical trees (strangler figs) and a mangrove boardwalk. Prevab research station is excellent for orangutan observation. Kaubun Beach (Pantai Kaubun) is a turtle nesting area on the northern coast.
Culture et cuisine
Kutai Timur’s population is mixed: Dayak, Kutai Malay, Bugis and Javanese transmigrants. Coal mining dominates the economy, but ecotourism is developing autour de the parc national. Cuisine is Kalimantanese: udang galah (river prawn), amplang, nasi kuning and local fruits de mer dishes.
Sécurité publique
Kutai Timur is generally safe. Heavy vehicle traffic exists autour de mining areas. A guide is mandatory in the parc national. Medical care: mining hospital in Sangatta; Samarinda (approx. 4 hours) has more complete facilities.
Informations pratiques
From Samarinda, approximately 4 hours north-east by car. From Balikpapan, approximately 5 hours. Sangatta Airport operates limited flights. The best time to visit is May to September. Accommodation: hotels in Sangatta town.