Tosah Waterfall

Exploring the Hidden Charm of Tosah Waterfall: A Green Gem in the Heart of Murung Raya

Murung Raya Regency, located upstream of the Barito River in Central Kalimantan, is a region dominated by hilly topography and pristine tropical rainforest. Behind the dense canopy of Borneo's forests lies a natural masterpiece that is the pride of the local community but remains a secret to many international travelers: Tosah Waterfall. As one of the premier natural tourist destinations in Bumi Tira Tangka Balang, Tosah Waterfall offers a combination of visual grandeur, refreshing mountain air, and spiritual tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere.

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Geological Characteristics and Visual Charm

Tosah Waterfall possesses physical characteristics that are quite unique compared to other waterfalls in Central Kalimantan. This waterfall does not consist of a single stream but has a tiered structure with three stunning main levels. Its total height reaches approximately 15 to 20 meters, where the water cascades down onto large, sturdy river rocks before flowing into a natural pool at its base.

The most prominent feature of Tosah is its relatively stable water volume throughout the year. The water originates from springs in the Muller-Schwaner hills, resulting in exceptional clarity with a turquoise green gradation in the deepest parts of the pool. The rocks around the waterfall are ancient river stones, their surfaces largely covered by thick green moss, creating a dramatic color contrast with the pure white foam of the water.

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Preserved Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Its location within a protected forest area ensures that the ecosystem around Tosah Waterfall is highly preserved. Visitors will be greeted by towering dipterocarp forest vegetation, with meranti and ulin trees still standing tall. The high humidity around the waterfall promotes the growth of various epiphytes, such as rare wild orchids and giant ferns hanging from tree branches.

The biodiversity in this area also includes various endemic fauna. If you are lucky, you might hear the calls of the Hornbill flying above the canopy, or see the Troides helena butterfly with its distinctive yellow and black wings fluttering among the shrubs. The chirping of forest insects (cicadas) creates a soothing natural symphony, distancing visitors from the hustle and bustle of city noise.

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Tourist Experience and Outdoor Activities

Tosah Waterfall is not just a place to be admired, but a natural playground offering a variety of sensory experiences. Here are some activities visitors can enjoy:

1. Relaxation and Water Therapy: The natural pool beneath the waterfall has varying depths. Visitors can swim or simply soak at the edge of the pool. The cascading water from above is often used by visitors as a "natural massage" to relieve tense muscles.

2. Nature Photography: The tiered structure of Tosah Waterfall is a highly instagrammable subject. Landscape photography enthusiasts often use long exposure techniques to capture the softness of the water flow amidst the contrasting black rocks.

3. Soft Trekking: To reach higher viewpoints or the second tier of the waterfall, visitors must undertake light trekking along a path on the cliff edge. This trail offers forest views from a different perspective.

4. Family Picnic: Around the main area, there are relatively flat expanses of land under the shade of large trees, ideal for spreading out mats and enjoying packed meals with family while listening to the roar of the water.

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Best Time to Visit

Understanding the seasonal patterns is crucial when planning a visit to Tosah Waterfall. The best time is during the transition period between the rainy and dry seasons (around May to July). During this period, the water flow is still substantial, making the waterfall look majestic, but the water is not as murky as during the peak of the rainy season. Additionally, the trekking paths tend to be drier and less slippery.

If you visit during the peak of the dry season, the water flow might be reduced, but the water clarity will reach its maximum, allowing you to see the bottom of the pool clearly. Conversely, during heavy rain, visitors are strongly advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and the extremely slippery rock surfaces.

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Accessibility and Facilities

Tosah Waterfall is located in Muara Jaan Village, Murung District. From the capital of Murung Raya Regency, Puruk Cahu, the land journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes by two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles. The road access to the location is relatively good with hardening, although there are some uphill and winding points according to the local hilly contours.

The local government, through the Tourism Office, has built several supporting facilities in the area, including:

• Concrete Stairs: Facilitating visitor access from the parking area to the waterfall point.
• Gazebos and Pavilions: Resting places for visitors to shelter from sun or rain.
• Parking Area: A spacious area to accommodate private vehicles.
• Toilets and Changing Rooms: Available near the entrance area for convenience after swimming.

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Conservation Efforts and Visitor Ethics

As part of Kalimantan's lungs of the world, the preservation of Tosah Waterfall is a shared responsibility. This area is a crucial water catchment for the surrounding villages. Therefore, tourism management here strongly emphasizes the principles of Ecotourism.

Visitors are required to adhere to strict rules: no littering (especially plastic), no graffiti on rocks (vandalism), and no damaging vegetation around the river flow. Awareness of maintaining cleanliness is paramount to ensure that the beauty of Tosah Waterfall can be enjoyed by future generations.

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Conclusion: Why Visit Tosah?

Tosah Waterfall is a perfect representation of the wild yet calming spirit of Central Kalimantan. This destination offers a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility, visual beauty, and an honest interaction with nature. Being here will remind us how small humans are in the face of creation's grandeur, while also providing new energy through the freshness of the water flowing directly from the heart of Borneo. If you are in Murung Raya, missing a visit to Tosah means missing the opportunity to witness one of Indonesia's finest natural symphonies.