Bukit Telang

Geographical Characteristics and Unique Landscape

Visually, Bukit Telang is often nicknamed "Teletubbies Hill" by the local community due to its neatly vegetated mounds. Unlike the Meratus Mountains, which are dominated by karst rocks and primary forests, Bukit Telang is dominated by an ecosystem of alang-alang grass and wild grasses that thrive on the typical red lateral soil of South Kalimantan.

The main uniqueness of this hill lies in its elongated ridgeline. From its peak, visitors can see 360 degrees without obstruction from large trees. On one side, a neatly arranged expanse of oil palm and rubber plantations is visible, while on the other, the silhouette of the Meratus Mountains appears bluish in the distance. The curves of these hills create dramatic green color gradients, especially when hit by oblique sunlight in the morning and afternoon.

Biodiversity and Savanna Ecosystem

Although dominated by grasslands, Bukit Telang is an important part of the highland ecosystem in Tanah Laut. The vegetation here consists of various types of natural fodder grasses, shrubs, and some pioneer tree species. This ecosystem is home to various types of birds of prey such as the Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus), which is often seen soaring above the hill searching for prey among the grasses.

Furthermore, during certain seasons, small wildflowers bloom among the alang-alang, adding to the richness of colors on the surface of the hill. The presence of these grasslands also plays an important role in maintaining water absorption for the areas below, preventing soil erosion on the rather steep slopes.

Tourist Experience and Outdoor Activities

Bukit Telang offers a relatively short but quite challenging trekking experience for beginners. To reach the highest peak, visitors must walk for about 30 to 60 minutes along an uphill dirt path.

1. Climbing and Trekking: The climbing path at Bukit Telang is known for its steepness, reaching 45 to 60 degrees at some points. Although tiring, the path is relatively safe due to its solid ground surface. This activity is very popular among young people who want to test their stamina without having to undertake multi-day mountain expeditions.

2. Landscape Photography: With a backdrop of rolling green hills, this place becomes a favorite location for pre-wedding photo sessions, macro photography of wildflowers, and drone photography. When a thin mist descends, the atmosphere becomes very magical, similar to the scenery in the highlands of Europe or New Zealand.

3. Camping: Enjoying a night on the summit of Bukit Telang is an experience sought after by backpackers. With no significant light pollution, the sky above Bukit Telang offers a very clear view of the starry sky (Milky Way). As dawn approaches, climbers will be treated to a sunrise view that slowly emerges from the horizon, illuminating the savanna with golden hues.

Best Time to Visit

The choice of visit time greatly determines the experience one will have at Bukit Telang. There are two different faces of this hill depending on the season:

• Rainy Season (December - April): This is the best time if you want to see Bukit Telang at its greenest and most lush. The grasses will grow tall and fresh. However, the trekking path will become very slippery and muddy, so footwear with a strong grip is required.
• Dry Season (July - September): During this season, the grass turns golden yellow, giving an exotic African savanna feel. The advantage is that the trekking path is dry and the sky is usually very clear without clouds, making it perfect for watching the sunset.

It is highly recommended to start climbing at 05:00 AM to catch the sunrise or at 04:30 PM to avoid the scorching midday sun, which can be quite intense in open fields.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

As an increasingly popular destination, Bukit Telang faces challenges in environmental preservation. The main problems often encountered are plastic waste left by visitors and the risk of land fires during the dry season, as dry alang-alang grass is highly flammable.

Conservation efforts are carried out voluntarily by the surrounding community and nature lover communities. Visitors are strongly urged to adhere to the Leave No Trace principle. Bringing back trash is an obligation for every climber. Furthermore, making bonfires directly on the grass is strictly prohibited to prevent vegetation damage and the risk of forest fires.

Accessibility and Facilities

Bukit Telang is located about 65 kilometers from Banjarmasin City, or about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. The access to Martadah Village is well-paved and can be reached by two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles.

After arriving at the parking area managed by residents, visitors must continue their journey through a path passing through residents' rubber plantations before reaching the foot of the hill. The facilities at Bukit Telang are still relatively simple to maintain its natural authenticity. In the lower area (foot of the hill), there are facilities such as:

• A spacious and secure vehicle parking area.
• Small stalls selling mineral water and snacks.
• Simple toilets provided by local residents.

Given the absence of clean water facilities or stalls at the summit, climbers are strongly advised to bring sufficient drinking water supplies before starting the ascent.

Bukit Telang is not just a green mound of earth; it is a representation of South Kalimantan's hidden beauty, offering tranquility amidst a savanna expanse. Its natural pristine state demands respect from every visitor so that its beauty can continue to be enjoyed by future generations. With thorough preparation and an environmentally conscious attitude, the journey to the summit of Bukit Telang will be an unforgettable spiritual and physical experience in Tanah Laut.