Mangrove and Proboscis Monkey Conservation Area (KKMB)

Exploring the Mangrove and Proboscis Monkey Conservation Area (KKMB): The Green Lungs in the Heart of Tarakan City

North Kalimantan's Tarakan City might be known as an oil and gas industrial hub since colonial times, but behind its urban hustle and bustle lies a green gem that serves as the last bastion of coastal biodiversity. The Mangrove and Proboscis Monkey Conservation Area (KKMB) is not just an ordinary city park; it is a giant natural laboratory spanning approximately 22 hectares, offering an intimate encounter between humans, lush mangrove forests, and the iconic endemic primates of Kalimantan.

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A Mangrove Oasis Amidst the City's Concrete

The main uniqueness of KKMB lies in its highly strategic location, right in the center of Tarakan city, close to commercial areas and the port. As soon as you step through its gates, the noise of motor vehicles is immediately replaced by nature's symphony: the rustling of wind through mangrove leaves, the chirping of coastal birds, and the occasional splash of water from submerged aerial roots.

The ecosystem in KKMB is dominated by a pristine primary mangrove forest. You will find rows of Rhizophora (red mangrove), Avicennia (grey mangrove), and Sonneratia (apple mangrove) trees that are decades, even centuries, old. The intertwined prop roots create an artistic landscape while also functioning as natural wave breakers that protect Tarakan's land from sea abrasion.

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Home to the "Dutch Monkey"

The undeniable attraction of KKMB is the presence of the Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus). This long-nosed primate, the mascot of Kalimantan, lives freely in this area. Unlike observing proboscis monkeys in the inland rivers of Kalimantan, which requires boats and hours of travel, at KKMB, visitors can see them up close just by walking on the wooden boardwalk.

You can observe their social behavior—watching the large-nosed alpha male lead his group, mothers carrying their babies, and agile young proboscis monkeys leaping from one branch to another. The presence of proboscis monkeys here is an extraordinary conservation success, considering they are able to adapt and breed amidst urban activities.

Besides proboscis monkeys, this ecosystem is also inhabited by other typical mangrove fauna. If you look closely, you might spot mudskippers walking on the mud, colorful fiddler crabs, and various types of water birds like egrets and kingfishers, which often dive sharply to catch prey among the roots.

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Tourism Experience and Outdoor Activities

Exploring KKMB is done via a ulin (ironwood) wooden boardwalk that cuts through the dense forest. This path is designed in such a way that visitors do not damage the mud structure or disturb the growth of mangrove aerial roots.

1. Wildlife Observation and Photography: This is the main activity. Nature photographers often spend hours here to capture rare moments when proboscis monkeys are eating mangrove shoots or when they display unique facial expressions.

2. Educational Tourism: KKMB is a favorite destination for students and researchers. There are information boards explaining the types of mangroves and the life cycles of the fauna within, making it a perfect place to understand the importance of coastal ecosystems.

3. Healing and Relaxation: A leisurely walk under the dense canopy provides an instant relaxing effect. The air within the area is much cooler and richer in oxygen compared to the outside, making it a perfect escape from Tarakan City's hot temperatures.

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Best Time to Visit

To get the best experience, the timing of your visit is crucial. Proboscis monkeys are usually most active in the morning (08:00 - 10:00) and afternoon (15:00 - 17:00). During these hours, they typically descend to lower branches to forage, making them easier to observe.

Additionally, pay attention to the sea tide. When the tide is high, the area looks exotic as the forest seems to float on water. However, when the tide is low, you have the opportunity to see the activities of mud-dwelling creatures like crabs and mudskippers in more detail.

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Conservation Efforts and Environmental Protection

KKMB is managed with strict protection principles. Its status as a conservation area ensures that no tree felling or animal hunting is permitted. The Tarakan City government, along with the local community, continuously strives to keep the area clean from plastic waste carried by ocean currents.

Visitors are strictly prohibited from feeding the proboscis monkeys. This is important to maintain their natural foraging instincts and prevent dependence on humans, which can damage their digestive system's health. The presence of this forest also acts as a natural filter, purifying pollutants before water reaches the open sea, thus maintaining the water quality around Tarakan Island.

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Accessibility and Facilities

Access to KKMB is very easy due to its location on the edge of Tarakan City's main road, precisely on Jalan Gajah Mada. From Juwata International Airport, the journey takes only about 15-20 minutes by land vehicle.

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

• Spacious parking area.
• Information center and ticket counter with affordable prices.
• Well-maintained and safe wooden boardwalks suitable for children and the elderly.
• Several gazebos or resting huts at strategic points for sitting and observing wildlife.
• Clean toilets and trash bins scattered along the path.

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Conclusion

The Mangrove and Proboscis Monkey Conservation Area (KKMB) is tangible proof that urban development and nature conservation can go hand in hand. For tourists visiting North Kalimantan, this place offers an authentic jungle adventure experience without leaving the comfort of urban facilities. Gazing into the eyes of a proboscis monkey behind the dense mangrove leaves will provide a new perspective on how precious Indonesia's natural wealth is, which we must continue to protect for future generations.