Loksado (Meratus Mountains Route)

Exploring Loksado: The Green Heart of the Meratus Mountains in South Kalimantan

Loksado is a hidden gem located in the upstream of the Amandit River, nestled against the grandeur of the Meratus Mountain Range that bisects the province of South Kalimantan. Administratively, this region is a meeting point of biodiversity and the rich culture of the Dayak Meratus people. As a premier natural tourism destination, Loksado offers contrasting landscapes: from the roaring river rapids to the mountain peaks that are perpetually shrouded in a thin mist in the morning.

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Characteristics of Landscape and Geomorphology

Loksado is not just an ordinary tourist village; it is the gateway to a pristine mountain rainforest ecosystem. Its topography is dominated by steep hills and deep valleys fed by the tributaries of the Meratus River. The ancient karst and volcanic rock formations in this area create a natural drainage system that results in dozens of hidden waterfalls.

The forests along the Meratus Mountains route serve as the lungs of South Kalimantan. The dense forest canopy keeps the air temperature in Loksado cool, ranging between 20 to 28 degrees Celsius, a sharp contrast to the hot coastal areas of Kalimantan. The presence of primary forest vegetation such as Meranti and Keruing trees, as well as various rare wild orchids, is a daily sight for those who venture onto its trekking trails.

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Uniqueness of Ecosystem and Biodiversity

The Meratus Mountains around Loksado are home to endemic flora and fauna. One of the most sought-after botanical attractions is the Borneo Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis) and various species of pitcher plants (Nepenthes) that thrive in the damp areas near waterfalls.

From the fauna perspective, if lucky, visitors can hear the distinctive calls of the Mueller's Gibbon (Hylobates muelleri) echoing in the morning. This area is also a habitat for Hornbills, which in local belief are considered sacred birds. The diversity of insects and butterflies with exotic colors also indicates that the ecosystem along the Meratus route is well-preserved from urban pollution.

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Tourist Experience: Bamboo Rafting and Forest Trekking

The most iconic and unique attraction of Loksado is Balanting Paring or Bamboo Rafting. Unlike whitewater rafting using rubber boats, here visitors will ride rafts made from dozens of bamboo poles tied together. Guided by a skilled raft pilot (joki), visitors will navigate the clear yet rocky rapids of the Amandit River. This experience combines adrenaline when passing through strong currents with tranquility when the raft glides through calm river sections under the shade of lush trees.

Besides river activities, Loksado is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. The trekking route to Haratai Waterfall is one of the most popular. The journey to this 20-meter-high waterfall passes through a wooden suspension bridge, Dayak shifting cultivation fields, and dense secondary forests. In addition to Haratai, there are also Riam Hanai Waterfall and Kilat Api Waterfall, each with different water flow characteristics and rock formations.

For those seeking relaxation after an adventure, there are natural hot springs at Tanohi. These hot springs contain natural sulfur, believed to be beneficial for skin health, and are located right by the river, offering the sensation of soaking in warm water while listening to the gentle murmur of the cool river.

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Best Time to Visit

Visits to Loksado are greatly influenced by rainfall patterns. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to September) or the transitional periods. 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 (flooded) so it is safe for water activities.

If you wish to witness local wisdom more deeply, visitors are advised to come during the traditional ceremony of Aruh Ganal, which is the harvest festival of the Dayak Meratus people, usually held at the traditional hall (Malaris). The silence of the forest will be replaced by the sounds of traditional music and magical thanksgiving dances.

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Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

The Meratus Mountains are currently in the process of strengthening their status as a National Geopark. This effort is undertaken to protect the area from the threats of coal mining and large-scale palm oil plantations. The local community of Loksado plays a crucial role in conservation through the concept of "Customary Forest" (Hutan Adat). They have strict customary rules for felling trees and hunting, ensuring that natural resources remain sustainable for future generations. Visitors are strongly urged to practice zero-waste tourism and not to damage vegetation along the trekking trails.

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Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching Loksado requires a land journey of approximately 4 to 5 hours from Banjarmasin City to Kandangan (the capital of Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency), followed by about a 1-hour uphill journey to Loksado. Although the road is winding and steep, the road access is well-paved and offers spectacular valley views.

Facilities in Loksado are quite adequate to support tourist comfort. There are various accommodation options, ranging from homestays in local residents' homes, wooden-themed accommodations by the river, to more exclusive resorts. In the village area, there are eateries serving local cuisine such as grilled Haruan fish and rattan shoot vegetables that are appetizing.

Loksado is not just a tourist destination, but a symphony between the wild nature of the Meratus Mountains and the human culture that respects it. Every bamboo paddle on the Amandit River and every step on its forest trails invites us to re-appreciate the precious remaining natural wealth of Indonesia.