Prevab Sangatta

Ecosystem Uniqueness and Biodiversity

Prevab stands on land dominated by lowland dipterocarp forest. Unlike mountain forests, the ecosystem here has a very dense canopy structure and giant trees with towering buttress roots. The main uniqueness of Prevab lies in its status as a "natural laboratory." This area is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see wild orangutans that have become accustomed to human presence without losing their wild instincts.

Besides orangutans, Prevab is home to various other endemic animals. Visitors can encounter gibbons (Hylobates muelleri) whose calls echo in the morning, long-tailed macaques, and proboscis monkeys that are occasionally seen on the riverbanks. For birdwatchers, Prevab is a paradise as it is inhabited by various types of hornbills, fairy-bluebirds, and rare sunbirds. The diverse forest vegetation, from the legendary Ulin trees to various types of wild orchids, adds to the botanical richness of the area.

Adventure Experience and Outdoor Activities

The main activities in Prevab Sangatta are jungle trekking and wildlife observation. This experience begins even before your feet touch the forest floor. Visitors usually have to travel along the Sangatta River using a ketinting boat (traditional motorboat) for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This river journey offers views of dense riparian vegetation and, if lucky, estuarine crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.

Upon arrival at the Prevab basecamp, the land adventure begins. There is a network of trails arranged to minimize ecosystem damage. Walking under the shade of the dense forest canopy, visitors will be guided by experienced rangers who are skilled in tracking orangutans through food remnants or newly made nests.

In addition to daytime wildlife observation, night safari or night walks are also highly recommended. As the sun sets, the Prevab forest transforms. With the help of flashlights, visitors can find nocturnal fauna such as tarantulas, forest scorpions that glow under UV light, flying lemurs, and various types of tree frogs and uniquely shaped insects.

Best Time to Visit

The time of visit greatly determines the experience you will have. The dry season, which usually occurs between June and September, is the best time for trekking as the forest trails tend to be dry and not slippery. Furthermore, during this season, many forest fruit trees begin to ripen, increasing the chances of encountering orangutans eating on low branches.

However, for those who want to experience a more humid forest atmosphere and see the flora at its most lush, the transitional season is also interesting. It is highly recommended to start activities at 06:00 AM, when animals are most active in foraging and the air temperature is still cool under the shade of the trees.

Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

Prevab is an integral part of Kutai National Park, which has a long history of conservation efforts. The area was affected by severe forest fires in the past, but its ability to recover naturally makes it a successful example of tropical forest succession.

As a conservation area, strict rules are enforced for visitors. Feeding animals, littering even the smallest piece of trash, or making loud noises that can disturb the natural behavior of animals are prohibited. The presence of research stations in Prevab ensures that all tourism activities remain in harmony with programs to protect endangered species. Visitors indirectly contribute to funding the maintenance of the area and supporting the economy of the local community who work as guides and transportation providers.

Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching Prevab Sangatta requires careful planning. The main entry point is through Sangatta City, the capital of East Kutai Regency. From Samarinda or Balikpapan, the land journey to Sangatta takes approximately 3 to 6 hours. After arriving in Sangatta, the journey continues to the pier in Kabo Jaya, where ketinting boats are ready to take visitors across the Sangatta River to the Prevab entrance.

Facilities at Prevab are designed with a low-impact concept. There are simple yet functional wooden guesthouses in the middle of the forest. These facilities provide beds with mosquito nets, shared bathrooms, and a dining area. There is no strong mobile signal or stable internet access, which actually provides an opportunity for visitors to have a "digital detox" and connect fully with nature. Electricity is usually only available at certain hours in the evening using a generator.

Why Visit Prevab?

Prevab Sangatta offers a luxury that cannot be bought with money: the silence of the forest broken only by the sounds of insects and primates, and the sight of orangutan eyes gazing calmly from the treetops. This is not just a tourist spot, but a reminder of the importance of protecting the lungs of the world. For anyone who wants to understand the essence of Kalimantan's natural wealth, Prevab is a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime. Here, every step on the forest floor is a lesson about life, nature's resilience, and humanity's responsibility as guardians of the earth.