Pelaihari Maze Park

Exploring the Uniqueness of Pelaihari Maze Park: Tanah Laut's Iconic Destination

Taman Labirin Pelaihari, officially managed by the Superior Livestock and Fodder Seedling Center (BPTU-HPT) Pelaihari, is one of the most unique and popular tourist destinations in South Kalimantan Province. Located in Tambang Ulang Village, Tanah Laut Regency, this place offers a blend of educational tourism, agrostological natural beauty, and fun physical challenges for all ages.

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Evolution and Development History

Initially, this area was not a commercial tourist object but part of a research and development facility for animal feed. As part of BPTU-HPT Pelaihari, the main focus of this location was on livestock breeding and maintaining quality grass. However, the creativity of the management in arranging hedges into a giant maze began to attract the attention of local residents.

With increasing popularity on social media, the management began a large-scale revitalization. What was once just an official facility has now transformed into a modern recreational park without losing its original function as a breeding center. This transformation is proof of how functional land utilization can be synergized with regional tourism potential.

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Adventure in the Green Maze

The main attraction of this place, as the name suggests, is the challenging plant maze. This maze is formed by hedges of red shoots and other shrub species, meticulously maintained to a height of about two meters. Visitors will experience a sense of adventure as they try to find their way out through the narrow, winding paths.

The unique experience inside this maze is not just about walking. Many visitors use this area for large-scale games of "hide-and-seek" or speed competitions to find the center point. In the middle of the maze, there is a wooden observation tower. From the top of this tower, visitors can see the overall maze pattern and help friends or family still trapped below by giving directional instructions.

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Family Recreation Facilities and Activities

Taman Labirin Pelaihari is designed as a comprehensive family destination. Besides the maze, there are various supporting facilities that make visitors want to stay longer:

1. Artificial Lake and Water Bikes: Around the park area, there is a calm artificial lake. Visitors can rent swan-shaped water bikes to circle the lake while enjoying the gentle breeze characteristic of the Tanah Laut hills.

2. Deer Sanctuary: As part of the BPTU-HPT facilities, there is a Sambar deer sanctuary. This serves as an excellent educational tool for children to interact directly and feed these protected animals under the supervision of officers.

3. Outbound Area and Flying Fox: For adrenaline junkies, there is a flying fox facility that glides over the green expanse, offering a stunning aerial perspective.

4. Aesthetic Photo Spots: The management provides many "Instagrammable" photo spots, ranging from suspension bridges, artistic decorations by the lake, to vast grasslands resembling savannas.

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Cultural Significance and Role for the Community

Taman Labirin Pelaihari plays an important role in the social life of the Tanah Laut community. This place often becomes a location for community gatherings, pre-wedding photo sessions, and school events. Culturally, the existence of this park strengthens Tanah Laut's identity as a region in harmony between the livestock and tourism sectors.

The existence of this destination also drives the local economy. The surrounding community benefits through parking management, food stalls selling South Kalimantan specialties like Soto Banjar and Pelaihari's signature pentol, and picnic equipment rentals. This park has become a symbol of pride for the people of Pelaihari, who have managed to present innovative tourism beyond the common beach tourism in the region.

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An Unforgettable Recreational Experience

One thing that distinguishes Taman Labirin Pelaihari from other parks is its natural atmosphere and relatively clean air, as it is surrounded by grass conservation areas and protective trees. Walking among the green plant walls not only provides a physical challenge but also a relaxing or healing effect for city dwellers tired of concrete landscapes. The sound of birds chirping and the sight of livestock grazing in the distance create a calming rural harmony.

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Visitor Information and Best Time to Visit

To get the maximum experience at Taman Labirin Pelaihari, visitors are advised to consider the following:

• Visiting Hours: The best time to visit is in the morning (08:00 - 10:00 WITA) or late afternoon (16:00 - 17:30 WITA). During these hours, the sun is not too hot, making activities inside the maze more comfortable. The late afternoon sunlight also provides beautiful visual effects for photography.
• Equipment: As the area is quite large and involves physical activity, wear comfortable sports shoes. Don't forget to bring a hat and drinking water, although there are many drink vendors outside the park.
• Accessibility: The location of Taman Labirin is on the side of the trans-Kalimantan highway, making it very easy to reach by both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. It is about a 1-hour drive from Banjarbaru City or about 15-20 minutes from the center of Pelaihari city.
• Entrance Fee: The entrance ticket price is very affordable, making it a favorite choice for a cheap yet high-quality tour in South Kalimantan.

Taman Labirin Pelaihari is a tangible proof of how innovation in land management can create public spaces that are both educational and recreational. With its combination of maze challenges, animal interaction, and agricultural natural beauty, this place remains a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Bumi Tanah Laut.