Loksado

The Charm of Loksado: Harmony of Nature and Dayak Wisdom in the Heart of the Meratus Mountains

Loksado is a hidden gem located in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, South Kalimantan. As one of the premier natural tourist destinations on the island of Kalimantan, Loksado offers a rare combination of the grandeur of the Meratus Mountains' tropical rainforest, challenging river rapids, and the well-preserved local wisdom of the Dayak Meratus people. This area is not just a recreational destination, but a living ecosystem that represents the lungs of the world.

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Topography and Landscape of the Meratus Mountains

Geographically, Loksado is situated at the foot of the Meratus Mountains, which stretch across the South Kalimantan Province. Its main characteristic is lush green hills with varying elevations, creating much cooler and fresher air temperatures compared to coastal or urban areas in Kalimantan.

One of the most dominant natural features is the Amandit River. This river is the lifeblood and the main attraction of Loksado. Its water flows from clear mountain springs, winding between large rocks and creating natural rapids of varying difficulty levels. Surrounding the river, limestone cliffs and primary forest vegetation provide a dramatic visual backdrop.

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Unique Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Loksado is home to Kalimantan's distinctive biodiversity. The forests around Loksado are of the dipterocarp tropical rainforest type, which is a habitat for various endemic flora and fauna. Lucky visitors may encounter various species of tropical birds, long-tailed macaques, and gibbons (Hylobates albibarbis) whose calls are often heard in the morning.

In terms of flora, the area is rich in various species of wild orchids, including the Borneo Orchid. Giant trees such as Meranti and Ulin can still be found standing tall in deeper areas, giving a glimpse of how rich Kalimantan's forests were before being touched by large-scale industry.

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Bamboo Rafting: An Unparalleled Iconic Experience

The activity that most distinguishes Loksado from other natural tourist destinations in Indonesia is Bamboo Rafting or Balanting Pariwisata. Unlike whitewater rafting using rubber boats, here visitors will ride a raft made from dozens of bamboo poles tied together side-by-side.

An experienced guide will stand at the front of the raft, using a long pole to steer it through the rocks and rapids of the Amandit River. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours, offering an adrenaline-pumping sensation as well as tranquility when the raft glides through calm river sections with forest views on either side. This tradition of using bamboo rafts was originally how the Dayak people transported their produce from the mountains to the market in Kandangan city.

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Exploring Waterfalls and Hot Springs

Besides the river, Loksado boasts a network of stunning waterfalls. One of the most famous is Haratai Waterfall. To reach it, visitors must undertake a light trek or hire a motorcycle taxi through a path that cuts through forests and local cinnamon plantations. This waterfall has three tiers with natural pools below that are very refreshing.

Besides Haratai, there are also Kilat Api Waterfall and Rampah Menjangan Waterfall, which offer a more private and natural atmosphere. After a tiring day exploring the forest, visitors can relax their muscles at the Tanuhi Hot Springs. These natural hot springs contain sulfur, which is believed to be beneficial for skin health and provides an extraordinary relaxing effect amidst the cool mountain air.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Loksado is during the dry season or the transition period (May to September). During this period, the water level of the Amandit River tends to be stable—not too dry so the rafts can still glide, but not too strong so it remains safe for tourists.

During the rainy season, the river's water level can increase drastically and become very murky, which sometimes leads to the temporary closure of bamboo rafting activities for safety reasons. However, for waterfall enthusiasts, the rainy season offers a spectacular and dramatic view of the water volume.

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Conservation and Environmental Protection

Loksado is part of a national strategic tourism area that also emphasizes conservation. The Dayak Meratus people play a crucial role in environmental protection through their customary laws. They practice a regulated system of shifting cultivation and maintain "forbidden forests" that must not be logged.

These protection efforts are crucial for maintaining the water catchment that flows into the Amandit River. Tourists are strongly urged not to leave any trash, especially plastic, and to respect local customary rules when entering residential areas or sacred forests.

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Accessibility and Tourist Facilities

To reach Loksado, the journey begins from Banjarmasin (the capital of South Kalimantan) to Kandangan city, the capital of Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, with a travel time of about 3 hours. From Kandangan, the journey continues uphill to Loksado for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours via winding asphalt roads with beautiful valley views.

Facilities in Loksado are quite adequate to support tourist comfort. There are various accommodation options, ranging from simple guesthouses, homestays in Dayak homes, to more modern resorts on the riverbanks. Local eateries serve signature dishes such as grilled Ikan Haruan (snakehead fish) and rattan shoot vegetables that are mouthwatering.

Loksado is more than just a tourist spot; it is a sensory experience where the sound of trickling water, the scent of the humid forest, and the warmth of the local people come together. Visiting Loksado means supporting the sustainability of the Meratus ecosystem and ensuring that the natural wealth of South Kalimantan remains preserved for future generations.