Unmul Samarinda Botanical Garden

Authentic Dipterocarp Forest Ecosystem

The main strength of Unmul Samarinda Botanical Garden lies in its hilly topography and dense forest vegetation. This area is dominated by lowland Dipterocarp forest ecosystems, a type of forest characteristic of the Kalimantan mainland. Visitors will be greeted by rows of giant trees such as Meranti (Shorea sp.), Keruing, and Ulin (Ironwood) towering high, creating a cool natural canopy.

The biodiversity here is incredibly rich. Besides the collection of hardwood trees, KRUS is home to various types of local wild orchids and traditional medicinal plants often used by the Dayak people. The existence of this well-preserved ecosystem allows various local fauna to thrive. If lucky, visitors can hear the distinctive call of the Hornbill or see squirrels and long-tailed macaques swinging from tree branches, creating a natural symphony rarely found in urban areas.

Artificial Lake and Water Landscape

One of the most iconic natural features of Unmul Samarinda Botanical Garden is the presence of a fairly large artificial lake in the center of the area. This lake functions as an ecosystem balancer as well as the aesthetic center of the garden. Its calm water surface reflects the shadows of the surrounding green trees, creating a very photogenic scene.

Around the lake, aquatic vegetation and shrubs grow lushly, providing nesting places for water birds. The presence of this water body provides a constant cool sensation, lowering the surrounding air temperature so visitors remain comfortable even when the Kalimantan sun is scorching.

Outdoor Activities and Exploration Experience

Unmul Samarinda Botanical Garden is designed to facilitate various outdoor activities that bring humans closer to nature. Some must-try experiences include:

1. Forest Walks and Light Trekking: There are walking trails that cut through the forest, allowing visitors to walk while breathing in pure oxygen. These trails have varying elevations, offering a light yet refreshing physical challenge.

2. Water Tourism with Paddle Boats: Visitors can rent duck-shaped paddle boats or rowboats to explore the lake's nooks and crannies. This is the best way to enjoy the beauty of KRUS from a different perspective.

3. Mini Zoo: As an educational facility, there is an area that houses several endemic Kalimantan fauna such as Saltwater Crocodiles, Mouse Deer, and various types of predatory birds. This provides an opportunity for children to get to know local fauna up close.

4. Wood Museum: Unique to KRUS, there is the Tuah Himba Wood Museum which houses a collection of various types of wood from all over Kalimantan, as well as handicrafts typical of local tribes. This is an intellectual experience that complements your nature adventure.

Best Time to Visit

To get the maximum experience, the best time to visit Unmul Samarinda Botanical Garden is in the morning between 08:00 and 11:00 WITA. During these hours, the air is still very fresh, a thin mist sometimes still blankets the hilly areas, and bird activity is at its peak.

Seasonally, visiting at the beginning of the dry season (around June to August) is highly recommended so that forest exploration activities are not hampered by slippery paths due to rain. However, for those who want to see the vegetation in its most fertile and green condition, visiting at the end of the rainy season offers a very lush forest view.

Conservation and Environmental Protection Efforts

As an area under an educational institution, Unmul Samarinda Botanical Garden holds an important mandate in ex-situ conservation. This area functions as a "gene bank" for Kalimantan flora that is becoming rare due to deforestation. The management regularly conducts seedling propagation of endemic trees and keeps the forest area sterile from illegal logging activities.

Visitors are also encouraged to participate in environmental protection with strict rules regarding the prohibition of littering and feeding wild animals. The existence of KRUS serves as a green fortress protecting the water catchment area for Samarinda city, preventing floods, and acting as lungs that filter air pollution.

Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Located on Jalan Kuaro, Tanah Merah Village, Samarinda Utara District, access to KRUS is quite easy. It is about 15-20 kilometers from the center of Samarinda city and can be reached in 30-45 minutes by private vehicle or online transportation.

The available facilities are quite adequate to support tourist comfort, including:

• Spacious parking area for motorcycles and cars.
• Gazebos or wooden huts scattered along the lake and under trees for resting.
• Food courts selling local Kalimantan cuisine.
• Safe children's play area.
• Shaded jogging track.

Unmul Samarinda Botanical Garden is tangible proof that urban development can go hand in hand with nature preservation. For residents of Samarinda and international tourists alike, this place is not just a tourist destination, but a space to reconnect with nature, absorb the tranquility of the forest, and admire the biodiversity that is the noble identity of the island of Kalimantan. If you are looking for peace amidst the city's hustle and bustle, KRUS is the perfect answer.