Lake Sentarum in West Kalimantan amazes tourists with its vast seasonal lake, unique biodiversity, and the traditions of the surrounding Dayak people.
Lake Sentarum, a unique water area in Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan, is a natural wonder hidden in the middle of Kalimantan’s tropical rainforest.
Known as a seasonal lake, Lake Sentarum is full for 10 months of the year, becoming the main supplier of the Kapuas River flow. In the remaining two months, the water recedes, forming small pools that become habitats for various freshwater fish.
The beauty and uniqueness of Lake Sentarum make it a favorite destination for nature adventurers and biodiversity lovers.
Sentarum Lake National Park: An Amazing Natural Ecosystem
Sentarum Lake National Park (TNDS) is a paradise for various species of rare plants, animals and fish. This area stretches over 80,000 hectares and consists of more than 80 small lakes that function as rainwater reservoirs for the Kapuas River.
This unique ecosystem is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and plays an important role in the environmental balance of Kalimantan.
1. The beauty of the landscape and the clear water with a distinctive color
Lake Sentarum has a unique nature that is hard to find anywhere else. Its reddish water is produced by the tannin content of the surrounding peat forest.
When the rainy season arrives, the lake water rises and inundates the surrounding forest to a depth of 6-15 meters, creating a stunning landscape.
In addition, the green hills surrounding TNDS, especially at dusk, present a beautiful sunset view, reflecting orange and red colors on the calm water surface.
2. Wealth of Biodiversity
Lake Sentarum is home to more than 265 species of freshwater fish, including rare species such as the red arowana which has high economic value. In the TNDS area, there are also 147 species of mammals, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and rare clouded leopards.
Not only that, there are 310 species of birds, including internationally protected species such as the stork and the hornbill. TNDS also has 154 types of orchids, as well as unique plants that are only found in Kalimantan.
Not only the aquatic ecosystem, this area also contains a diversity of reptiles, with 31 types of reptiles such as estuarine crocodiles and seyolong crocodiles.
In fact, it is suspected that the frogmouth crocodile, which was thought to be extinct for more than 150 years, can still be found in TNDS, making this area one of the most unique sites for biodiversity conservation and research.
3. Famous Source of Forest Honey
Lake Sentarum is also famous as one of the producers of natural forest honey in Indonesia. Since 2007, honey produced from the TNDS forest area has obtained an Organic Food System certificate from BIOCERT, making it a high-value product.
The local community harvests honey carefully and traditionally, maintaining the quality and authenticity of the product. The honey produced has a distinctive natural taste, which is much sought after by domestic and international tourists.
4. Unique Seasonal Lake
Lake Sentarum is a seasonal lake that is the main water supplier for the Kapuas River. During the rainy season, the lake area of thousands of hectares will be filled with water, while in the dry season, the water recedes, leaving small pools.
Local people take advantage of the dry season to catch fish, because small fish will be trapped in shallow pools, making the catching process easier.
This uniqueness and seasonal dynamics make Lake Sentarum an educational tourist spot, teaching visitors about natural phenomena and the cycle of life.
Local Communities and Traditional Life
Lake Sentarum is an important part of the lives of the Dayak people who live around the area, including the Iban, Sebaruk and Kenyah Dayak tribes. They have a tradition of using nature sustainably, such as fishing and collecting honey.
Life around the lake is still very authentic, and the local people still practice traditional customs and culture. Interaction with these Dayak tribes provides an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to better understand the rich culture of Kalimantan.
Location and Access to Sentarum Lake
Lake Sentarum is located about 520 km from Pontianak City or about 2 hours drive from Putussibau, West Kalimantan. The route to Lake Sentarum can be reached by land or air. If you want to go by land, the trip from Pontianak to Putussibau will take about 11-12 hours.
However, for tourists who want to save time, there are daily flights from Pontianak to Pangsuma Airport in Putussibau, which are served by local airlines.
From Putussibau, you can continue your journey by car to the TNDS area in Lanjak. Another alternative route is through Malaysia, passing through the Entikong State Border Post (PLBN).
This option is more suitable for tourists who are in Sarawak or the surrounding areas of Malaysia that are close to West Kalimantan.
Tips for Visiting Sentarum Lake
1. Best Time
If you want to see the lake in its full state, come during the rainy season (October to March). However, if you want to see small ponds and experience traditional fishing, visit during the dry season.
2. Air Transportation
Because the distance is quite far from Pontianak, air transportation is the best choice to save time. Flights from Pontianak to Putussibau are available daily.
3. Accommodation
Make sure to book accommodation well in advance, especially if you are visiting during the annual Sentarum Lake Festival.
4. Travel Agent Consultation
Because the location of Lake Sentarum is quite remote, consult with a travel agent who is experienced in planning a trip to the TNDS area, especially for those of you who want to explore more deeply the ecosystem around the lake.
Sentarum Lake Festival
For those of you who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Sentarum Lake Festival is an annual event held around the TNDS area. This festival features various cultural activities of the Dayak people, such as dances, traditional music, and exhibitions of typical products.
This festival not only showcases the natural richness of Lake Sentarum, but also promotes the local wisdom of the people living around it.
Sentarum Lake in Kapuas Hulu is a destination that offers extraordinary natural and cultural charm. From the beauty of seasonal lakes, stunning biodiversity, to the unique traditional life of the Dayak people, you can find it all here.
Visit Lake Seran for an unforgettable adventure and experience in the middle of the tropical rainforest of Kalimantan.
