Pulau Burung Mangrove Nature Tourism

Unique Ecosystem and Abundant Biodiversity

Pulau Burung Mangrove Nature Tourism stands on wetlands dominated by dense and lush mangrove vegetation. The island's main uniqueness lies in its fertile mud sediment soil, which is home to various mangrove species such as Rhizophora (red mangrove), Avicennia (grey mangrove), and Sonneratia (apple mangrove).

As its name suggests, Pulau Burung (Bird Island) is a paradise for birdwatchers. The dense mangrove forest provides nesting and feeding grounds for dozens of local and migratory bird species. If you're lucky, visitors can witness elegant white egrets standing among the mangrove roots or sea eagles diving sharply into the water to catch prey. Besides birds, this ecosystem is also inhabited by typical wetland fauna such as colorful mud crabs, unique mudskippers, and long-tailed monkeys often seen hanging from the treetops.

Experience Traversing the Green Corridor

The main experience at Pulau Burung begins with the journey to the island. Visitors must take a motorboat or "klotok" from the pier in Batulicin. During the approximately 10-15 minute journey, you will be treated to a view of a wide river estuary with the backdrop of large ships in the distance, creating an interesting contrast between industry and nature.

Upon arrival at the island, a neatly arranged wooden boardwalk will welcome you. This boardwalk is designed to cut through the mangrove forest, allowing visitors to walk deep into the heart of the forest without damaging the sensitive roots below. Walking on this boardwalk gives the sensation of being in a cool green corridor. The dense mangrove canopy overhead acts as a natural umbrella, shielding you from the scorching Kalimantan sun.

At several points, there are quite tall observation towers. From the top of these towers, your eyes will be treated to a panoramic view of the vast green carpet of the mangrove forest, blending with the blue sea and sky. This is the best spot for photographers to capture the landscape of Pulau Burung from a bird's eye view.

Outdoor Activities and Education

Besides traversing the wooden boardwalk, Pulau Burung Mangrove Nature Tourism offers various interesting activities:

1. Educational Tourism: The management often holds educational sessions for schools or environmental groups about the importance of mangroves in preventing coastal abrasion and as effective carbon absorbers.

2. Nature Photography: With the exotic mangrove roots as a backdrop and natural lighting filtering through the leaves, this place becomes a favorite location for landscape and pre-wedding photography.

3. Enjoying Local Cuisine: In the area around the tourist village on the island, visitors can taste fresh seafood and processed mangrove fruits, such as syrup or jam made from Sonneratia fruits, which have a fresh sweet and sour taste.

4. Fishing: For those who enjoy fishing, there are several spots on the island's periphery that are habitats for estuarine fish.

Best Time to Visit

To get the maximum experience, the best time to visit Pulau Burung is in the morning between 08:00 and 10:00 WITA or in the afternoon starting from 16:00 WITA. In the afternoon, the air temperature is cooler, and you have the chance to see flocks of birds returning to their nests at sunset, creating beautiful silhouettes on the horizon.

Seasonal variations also need to be considered. During the rainy season, the forest will look very green and fresh, but the river flow to the island might be higher. Conversely, during the dry season, access is easier, although the weather can be very hot. It is highly recommended to check the sea tide schedule before visiting, as the view of the mangrove roots visible during low tide offers a different aesthetic compared to high tide.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

Pulau Burung is not just a tourist spot but a vital conservation area for the ecological balance in Tanah Bumbu. The mangroves here function as a natural barrier against seawater intrusion and protect the coastline from the impact of large waves.

Environmental protection efforts are carried out collaboratively between the local government and the local community. The people of Pulau Burung are very aware of the importance of maintaining cleanliness; visitors are strictly prohibited from littering, especially plastic waste that can interfere with the respiration of mangrove roots. Regular mangrove seedling replanting programs are also often conducted to ensure the forest's regeneration is maintained.

Accessibility and Facilities

Access to Tanah Bumbu Regency can be reached by land from Banjarmasin (approximately 5-6 hours) or by air through Bersujud Airport in Batulicin. From the center of Batulicin city, you only need to head to the public ferry terminal.

The facilities at Pulau Burung Mangrove Nature Tourism are quite adequate for tourist comfort, including:

• Wooden Boardwalk: The main access around the forest.
• Gazebos: Resting places spread across several strategic points.
• Observation Towers: For viewing the scenery from a height.
• Food Stalls: Providing food, light drinks, and local culinary specialties.
• Public Toilets: Available in the area near the village entrance.
• Tour Boats: Available for rent for visitors who want to tour the island from the water.

Pulau Burung Mangrove Nature Tourism is proof that tourism and conservation can go hand in hand. This destination offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, inviting every visitor to love nature again while understanding the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems for the future of the earth. If you are in South Kalimantan, taking a moment at Pulau Burung will provide mental refreshment and an unforgettable natural spiritual experience.