Mentawir Mangrove Forest

Natural Landscape and Unique Ecosystem

The Mentawir Mangrove Forest is more than just a line of trees on the coast. This area is a complex wetland ecosystem, where freshwater from mainland Kalimantan meets saltwater from the Makassar Strait. The main landscape is dominated by calm waters that cut through the dense mangrove forest, creating exotic green corridors.

The primary uniqueness of Mentawir is its still very dense and natural forest structure. The prop roots of Rhizophora (mangrove) trees and the pneumatophores of Avicennia (api-api) emerge from the mud, creating an artistic scenery while also serving as a robust natural abrasion barrier. During high tide, the forest appears to float on the water, while during low tide, the nutrient-rich mud texture reveals a busy underwater life.

Biodiversity Richness: Home to Endemic Fauna

Walking through Mentawir means entering a habitat for various rare species. One of the most iconic inhabitants here is the Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus), an endemic long-nosed monkey of Kalimantan. Visitors can often see herds of Proboscis Monkeys hanging on the tops of pidada trees, especially in the afternoon when they forage.

Besides Proboscis Monkeys, this forest is a paradise for birdwatchers. The strikingly blue Kingfisher is often seen darting above the water surface. Beneath the mangrove roots, this ecosystem serves as a natural breeding ground for mud crabs, giant freshwater prawns, and various coastal fish species. The occasional sighting of the Mahakam River Dolphin in the waters around Balikpapan Bay also adds immense conservation value to the Mentawir area.

Tourist Experience and Outdoor Activities

The Mentawir Mangrove Forest offers an immersive experience for nature lovers. The destination is equipped with a wooden track (boardwalk) hundreds of meters long that cuts through the forest. Walking on this bridge gives the sensation of being right in the heart of the forest without getting your feet muddy.

River Cruise by Boat: One of the most recommended activities is renting a wooden boat from local fishermen to navigate the small rivers within the mangrove forest. This experience provides a different perspective, allowing visitors to see the density of the vegetation up close and hear the symphony of nature from the sounds of insects and birds.

Nature Photography: For photography enthusiasts, Mentawir offers unlimited subjects. From the detailed texture of mangrove leaves, the reflection of the sky on the calm water, to the sunset moments that cast orange hues through the gaps in the mangrove trees.

Educational Tourism: Visitors can learn about the importance of mangrove ecosystems for climate change mitigation. Several local tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis) also often involve tourists in mangrove seedling planting activities as a form of direct contribution to the environment.

Best Visiting Time and Seasonal Variations

To get the best experience, the most recommended times to visit the Mentawir Mangrove Forest are in the morning (07:00 - 09:00) or late afternoon (16:00 - 18:00). During these hours, the air temperature is cooler, and wildlife activity, especially Proboscis Monkeys, is at its peak.

Seasonally, visits during the dry season (between May and September) tend to be more comfortable due to low rainfall intensity, which facilitates mobility on the wooden paths. However, visiting Mentawir during the rainy season also offers its own beauty, where the vegetation appears a deeper green and the river flow becomes clearer. It is also important to consider the sea tide calendar, as the "floating forest" view can only be enjoyed during high tide.

Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

The Mentawir Mangrove Forest plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in East Kalimantan. This area has been designated as part of community-based conservation efforts. The awareness of the residents of Mentawir Village in preserving this forest is very high, as they understand that mangroves are the village's protection from sea storms and a source of livelihood through marine products.

The Indonesian government, through the IKN authority, also places Mentawir as an important green zone in the Forest City concept. Protection of this forest includes prohibiting illegal logging of mangrove trees and regulating tourism zones to avoid disturbing sensitive animal habitats like Proboscis Monkeys.

Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Reaching the Mentawir Mangrove Forest is now easier with the ongoing infrastructure development towards the IKN area. From Balikpapan, visitors can use the sea route by renting a speedboat or wooden boat from Kampung Baru Port, with a travel time of approximately 45 to 60 minutes across Balikpapan Bay. This sea route offers bonus views of the maritime industry and the vast expanse of mangrove forests.

By land route, the journey can be taken from Penajam or Balikpapan via the route to Sepaku District. Although it takes longer (around 2-3 hours), the land journey offers views of the characteristic Kalimantan hills.

The facilities at the tourist location are quite adequate for visitor comfort, including:

• Organized parking area.
• Tourist information center.
• Safe walking paths (boardwalk).
• Gazebos or rest shelters at several points in the forest.
• Local stalls serving typical coastal cuisine and processed mangrove products such as pidada fruit syrup and jam.
• Public toilets and prayer facilities.

The Mentawir Mangrove Forest is tangible proof that tourism can go hand in hand with nature conservation. A visit here is not just about enjoying visual beauty, but also about feeling the pulse of life in one of the most productive ecosystems on earth. For anyone seeking tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of modernity, Mentawir is the perfect green escape in East Kalimantan.