Batakan Baru Beach

Characteristics of Landscape and Geography

Batakan Baru Beach has a unique topography compared to beaches in Java or Bali. One of its most prominent natural features is its very wide and gentle coastline, especially when the sea recedes. The sand has a fine texture with an exotic grayish-brown color—a characteristic mineralogy of South Kalimantan's soil, rich in river and sea sediment content.

On the landward side, the beach is lined with thousands of closely planted sea pine trees (Casuarina equisetifolia). The presence of this pine forest not only functions as a natural windbreak but also creates a cool microclimate amidst the scorching coastal weather. From the shoreline, visitors can see the silhouette of Datu Island in the distance, a small forested island that is part of the iconic visual landscape of Batakan Baru Beach.

Unique Ecosystem and Biodiversity

The ecosystem at Batakan Baru Beach is a blend of shallow marine and coastal forest ecosystems. In the intertidal zone, visitors can often find various types of shells, sand crabs, and other small biota that emerge at low tide. The presence of sea pine vegetation also serves as a habitat for various types of coastal birds and insects that maintain the local ecological balance.

One interesting aspect of biodiversity is the presence of coral reefs around Datu Island, which is about 1 kilometer from the coastline. Although not as deep as the waters in Sulawesi or Papua, the underwater ecosystem here is home to local reef fish. Furthermore, the hilly area around the beach is part of the foothills of the Meratus Mountains, which still holds rich tropical flora, contributing to the clean and fresh air quality around the tourist area.

Outdoor Activities and Tourist Experience

Batakan Baru Beach is designed to facilitate various outdoor activities that blend with nature. Some unique experiences that can be enjoyed include:

1. Horseback Riding Along the Coastline: One of the most iconic activities here is renting local horses. Riding a horse along the shoreline at sunset offers a classic adventure sensation rarely found in other destinations in South Kalimantan.

2. Camping Under the Pines: The spacious camping ground area under the shade of pine trees is a favorite among nature lovers. The flat ground, protected from direct sea winds, makes the camping experience comfortable.

3. Exploring Datu Island: Visitors can rent local fishing boats to cross to Datu Island. There, a religious site (a scholar's tomb) is surrounded by pristine island forest, offering a combination of nature and historical tourism.

4. Beach Sports and ATVs: The vast, firm sandy area allows visitors to play beach soccer or get an adrenaline rush by renting ATVs to traverse the provided trails.

Best Time to Visit

To get the best visual experience, it is recommended to visit during the dry season, specifically between May and September. During this period, the sky tends to be clear, offering spectacular sunset views with gradations of orange and purple reflecting on the calm sea surface.

In the morning, the air around the beach is very fresh due to the influence of oxygen from the pine forest. For those who wish to avoid crowds, weekdays are an ideal time, as on weekends or national holidays, this beach becomes a concentration point for tourists from various regions such as Banjarmasin, Banjarbaru, and Martapura.

Conservation and Environmental Protection Efforts

As a nature-based destination, Batakan Baru Beach faces challenges of abrasion and marine debris. The Tanah Laut Regency government, along with the local community, regularly replants pine and mangrove trees in specific areas to slow down coastal erosion by sea waves.

The implementation of the "Eco-Friendly Tourism" concept is being promoted by providing trash bins scattered throughout the public areas. Tourists are strongly advised not to bring single-use plastics to the shoreline and to maintain the integrity of the ecosystem by not damaging the existing vegetation. Protection of the Datu Island area is also tightened to preserve the small forest and the surrounding marine ecosystem.

Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Batakan Baru Beach is located approximately 125 kilometers from Banjarmasin City, with a travel time of about 2.5 to 3 hours by land. The road conditions leading to the location are well-paved, passing through green hilly scenery in the Pelaihari area.

The facilities at Batakan Baru Beach are now much more modern than before. There is a very spacious parking area, clean toilets, a prayer room, and neat rows of wooden gazebos along the beach. For tourists who wish to stay overnight without camping, there are various accommodation options ranging from local resident homestays to glamping (glamorous camping) that offer more comfort with direct sea views.

There is also a culinary center serving fresh South Kalimantan seafood, such as grilled fish seasoned with local spices, which can be enjoyed while feeling the calming sea breeze. With increasingly good management, Batakan Baru Beach is not just a recreational spot, but a representation of Tanah Laut's coastal natural wealth that must be preserved for sustainability.