Properties in Long Ayan

Segah – The Segah River Basin and Berau's Great Forest Interior

Segah is one of Berau's largest districts by area, encompassing the entire catchment of the Segah River from the Apo Kayan highlands of the interior down to where it joins the Kelay River to form the main Berau River flowing toward the coast. This vast territory – mostly covered by tropical rainforest at various stages of disturbance – is ecologically among the most important in all of Indonesian Borneo. The Segah River valley contains confirmed populations of Bornean orangutans, populations of endangered Bornean pygmy elephants that have extended their range from Sabah in Malaysian Borneo into this part of East Kalimantan, proboscis monkeys along the riverbanks, and all of the supporting biodiversity that makes an intact Bornean ecosystem function. The district is also home to Dayak communities – primarily Dayak Kenyah and related groups – who have navigated the complex politics of forest concessions, conservation programmes and development pressures while maintaining their territorial connections to the Segah valley.

Tourism & Attractions

The Segah River is a premier destination for expedition-style wildlife watching in Borneo. Multi-day river journeys from the lower river settlements up into the forest-covered interior provide encounters with proboscis monkeys (numerous and visible from boats), river otters, kingfishers, storks and, for very patient observers, occasional glimpses of orangutans or pygmy elephants near the riverbanks. The river journey itself – through shifting forest scenery, past traditional villages and into increasingly remote territory – is the attraction as much as any specific wildlife encounter. Dayak Kenyah villages in the upper Segah retain traditional longhouse architecture, traditional music (most famously the sape – a traditional lute) and distinctive beadwork and textile arts. Cultural tourism here requires the kind of respectful, low-key engagement that benefits communities rather than overwhelming them.

Real Estate Market

Segah's economic geography is shaped by the tension between large-scale concessions (palm oil, timber, coal) and the traditional land rights of Dayak communities. Formal property transactions are limited to the district's main settlements and the plantation concession zones. Conservation land finance mechanisms – carbon credits, biodiversity offsets, conservation easements – represent an emerging "property" category for the forests of the Segah valley. Several international conservation organisations have established presence in the district to work with communities on forest protection arrangements. For those interested in commercial agriculture, palm oil smallholding connected to established mills is the conventional entry point.

Rental & Investment Outlook

The conservation investment case for Segah is among the strongest in Indonesian Borneo due to the combination of intact forest quality, confirmed wildlife populations and willing community partners. REDD+ carbon credit projects and biodiversity credit schemes can generate income from the standing forest. Ecotourism is viable at small scale for operators who build genuine community partnerships. The commercial agricultural economy centres on palm oil, which connects to regional processing through Tanjung Redeb. Any investment in Segah requires careful navigation of the complex land tenure landscape, where customary adat rights, forest concessions, plantation permits and conservation designations often overlap in ways that require specialist legal advice to untangle.

Practical Tips

Access to Segah is via Tanjung Redeb followed by river or road travel into the district. The lower Segah settlements are reachable by road; the upper valley requires boat transport. Multi-day river expeditions should be organised through Tanjung Redeb-based operators who have community contacts and understand the river conditions. The wet season (November–March) raises river levels, which can make travel easier in some sections but creates strong currents and bank erosion hazards in others. Wildlife watching is best in the dry season when animals concentrate around water sources and are more easily visible. Bring comprehensive river expedition equipment – first aid, water purification, adequate food, communication devices. Conservation organisations working in the Segah valley (WWF, The Nature Conservancy) can provide guidance on responsible visitor practices.

Berau – East Kalimantan's Gateway to the Derawan Islands

Berau Regency lies in the northern part of East Kalimantan province, along the Celebes Sea. The region is world-famous for the Derawan archipelago, where crystal-clear waters host coral reefs, manta rays and green sea turtles. On the mainland, the Berau River estuary, dense rainforests and traditional Bulungan, Dayak and Malay communities give the region its cultural fabric. Berau balances coastal marine tourism with the ecotourism of interior Borneo.

Where is Berau?

Berau occupies the northern tip of East Kalimantan province, roughly 500 km north of Balikpapan. The regency capital is Tanjung Redeb, sitting at the mouth of the Berau River. Kalimarau Airport connects the regency with daily flights from Balikpapan and Jakarta. The Derawan Islands are reached by boat from Tanjung Batu in about 2 hours.

What to See?

1. Derawan Island

Derawan is the iconic diving and snorkelling paradise of the region. White-sand beaches, over-water bungalows and crystal-clear water define the experience – green sea turtles are frequently seen directly from the pier.

2. Kakaban Island and its Jellyfish Lake

Kakaban Island hides a lake inhabited by four unique species of non-stinging jellyfish. Only a handful of such lakes exist worldwide; visitors can swim freely among the jellyfish.

3. Sangalaki Island – Manta Rays

Sangalaki is one of Southeast Asia's most important manta ray dive sites. For much of the year dozens of mantas can be seen on a single dive in the plankton-rich waters surrounding the island.

4. Maratua Atoll

Maratua is the most remote island in the group, with a growing number of luxury resorts and dive lodges. Its cave system and mangrove lagoon offer rare experiences.

5. Labuan Cermin Lake

Located in the Biduk-Biduk district, Labuan Cermin is a rare two-layer lake – freshwater on top, saltwater below, with a mirror-clear surface. It's an excellent spot for day trips and swimming.

Culture and Food

Berau's cultural roots trace back to the Bulungan Sultanate, with traditional Dayak carving and a mix of Bulungan and Banjar Malay communities. Local cuisine is dominated by seafood – sambal gami spicy fish, nasi kuning berasan and fresh crab dishes are regional favourites. Markets also showcase palm oil, forest produce and handicrafts.

Real Estate Market and Investment

Berau's property market splits into two segments: mainland urban property in Tanjung Redeb and island tourism investment in the Derawan group. Tanjung Redeb family homes and apartments see stable local demand from mining and oil industry employees. Tourism properties on Derawan and Maratua – bungalows, small guesthouses, dive lodges – are increasingly attractive to foreign investors, although island development is constrained by strict environmental regulations. Rental yields in the tourism segment range from 6–10%.

Practical Tips

The best time to visit the Derawan Islands is June to October, when seas are calmest and underwater visibility peaks. Book fast-boat crossings from Tanjung Batu in advance during high season. Power on the islands is generator-based, and reliable internet is limited to the larger resorts. Currency exchange and ATMs are concentrated in Tanjung Redeb, so bring cash when heading to the islands.

East Kalimantan is Borneo's largest province, where the Derawan Islands' marine paradise, the Mahakam River's culture, and the new capital Nusantara converge. The region is world-famous for diving, sea turtles, and the stingless jellyfish lake.

Where is East Kalimantan?

The province is located on Borneo's eastern coast, along the Celebes Sea. Balikpapan and Samarinda are the main cities, both with international airports. Indonesia's planned new capital, Nusantara, is currently under construction in the province's northern part.

What to See?

1. Derawan Islands – Marine Paradise

The Derawan Islands are an archipelago with crystal-clear waters where sea turtles, manta rays, and sponges await. Kakaban Island's stingless jellyfish lake is unique: the jellyfish don't sting, and you can swim among them. Sangalaki Island is a nesting site for manta rays and sea turtles.

2. Kutai National Park

Kutai National Park is one of Borneo's oldest protected areas. Orangutans, Bornean elephants, and rare bird species live here. The park spans rainforests around Sangatta.

3. Mahakam River

Indonesia's third-longest river is the stage for Dayak and Banjar culture. River cruises offer sightings of dolphins, traditional villages, and floating markets. Tenggarong and Kutai Kartanegara are historically significant towns along the river.

4. Nusantara – The New Capital

Nusantara, Indonesia's planned new capital, is currently under construction in northern East Kalimantan. The implementation is in progress, and the region is becoming an increasingly important tourism and economic hub.

5. Balikpapan and Samarinda

Balikpapan is the oil industry center, but Kumala Beach and local gastronomy are also attractive. Samarinda is the gateway to the Mahakam River, from where river excursions depart.

When to Visit?

March–October is the dry season, ideal for diving at the Derawan Islands and river tours. The jellyfish lake is visitable year-round.

How Long to Stay?

5–7 days recommended:

• 2–3 days: Derawan Islands, diving, jellyfish lake
• 1–2 days: Mahakam River cruise
• 1 day: Kutai National Park
• 1 day: Balikpapan or Samarinda

Renting or Investing in East Kalimantan?

If you're considering renting or investing in property in East Kalimantan, these resources on our site can help you make informed decisions:

• Indonesian Property FAQ – answers to the most common questions about renting and buying
• Land Zoning Guide – understanding Indonesian land use regulations
• Indonesian Real Estate Terminology – key terms explained
• Property Guide – comprehensive guide to Indonesian real estate
• Living in Indonesia – essential guide for expats
• Balikpapan Guide – local insights and practical tips

Official Resources

For further information about East Kalimantan, these official sources may be helpful:

• Indonesia Travel – official tourism portal
• East Kalimantan Provincial Government – regional government information
• Bank Indonesia – currency and exchange rate data
• BMKG – weather and climate information
• Directorate General of Immigration – visa regulations for foreign visitors

Summary

East Kalimantan is where marine experiences meet river culture. The Derawan Islands offer world-class diving, while the Mahakam River provides an authentic Borneo experience.