Discover the natural beauty of Kalimantan through various enchanting lakes that offer an unforgettable holiday experience, from crystal clear lakes to natural destinations filled with unique flora and fauna.
Kalimantan, an island with dense tropical forests and rich in biodiversity, holds a variety of extraordinary natural beauty, one of which is a row of lakes spread throughout the region.
From crystal clear water to pristine environments, Kalimantan offers many impressive natural tourist destinations. Here are 10 exotic lakes that you must visit if you are planning a vacation to Kalimantan.
1. Tayan Belibis Lake: Hidden Paradise in West Kalimantan
Tayan Belibis Lake, located in West Kalimantan, is a tourist destination that is still relatively new but full of charm. With its beautiful natural scenery and clear lake water, this place offers much-needed tranquility for travelers seeking peace.
Surrounded by green trees and small hills, Belibis Tayan Lake is the perfect choice to enjoy a holiday away from the crowds. Although not widely known, its natural beauty makes this lake a hidden paradise worth exploring.
2. Sebedang Lake: Charming Natural Beauty
Sebedang Lake, located in Sebedang Village, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, is a natural lake surrounded by green hills and belian wood forests.
With an area of about 1 km², the clear water of the lake offers a refreshing experience, especially if you can go around using a boat or canoe to explore the entire lake.
The calm atmosphere around the lake and the fresh air make it a perfect place to rest and enjoy the beauty of nature.
3. Sentarum Lake: Natural Paradise and Habitat for Rare Animals
Lake Sentarum, located in Lake Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan, is one of the largest lakes in Southeast Asia that is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna.
This lake is one of the important points in the wetland ecosystem that also functions as a habitat for various animal species, including rare birds and freshwater fish.
The uniqueness of Lake Sentarum is the very significant change in water levels between the rainy and dry seasons, creating a stunning natural phenomenon with small pools full of fish.
4. Lake Laet: Natural Tourism That Spoils the Eyes
Located in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan, Lake Laet offers a calming natural view with cool air.
This lake is the right choice for those of you who are looking for tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Surrounded by green and beautiful natural scenery, Lake Laet provides a more private tourism experience, perfect for enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of Kalimantan.
5. Batu Belimbing Lake: The Uniqueness of Large Rocks and Black Water
Batu Belimbing Lake, located in East Kalimantan, offers a unique view with a large rock located in the middle of the lake, which is called Batu Belimbing by the local people.
The black color of the lake water is not due to turbidity, but because of the natural mineral content which gives it a mysterious and charming feel.
With a combination of large rocks and black water, Batu Belimbing Lake creates an exotic view that captivates tourists.
6. Singkawang Blue Lake: A Charming Mining Lake
Singkawang Blue Lake is a lake formed as a result of gold mining activities in this area. Despite its former mining origins, its bright blue water and natural surroundings make it a very popular tourist attraction.
Surrounded by the majestic Mount Pasti, Singkawang Blue Lake offers beautiful views and is perfect for photography sessions. The serene atmosphere and stunning views make this place very popular with visitors.
7. Jempang Lake: Natural Beauty and Dayak Benuaq Culture
Jempang Lake, located in West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, is one of the largest lakes in Kalimantan with an area of around 15,000 hectares.
This lake not only offers extraordinary natural scenery, but also provides an opportunity to learn about the Dayak Benuaq culture that lives around the lake.
The unique phenomenon that occurs every five years, where the lake dries up completely, is one of the main attractions that makes Jempang Lake different from other lakes.
8. Semayang Lake: Natural Beauty Combined with Rare Animals
Lake Semayang, located in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan, has an area of around 13,000 hectares and is a place full of biodiversity.
During the rainy season, Lake Semayang will unite with Lake Melintang, creating a stunning natural landscape.
In addition, Lake Semayang is also home to the Mahakam dolphin, a rare freshwater mammal that is now endangered. If you love nature tourism and rare animals, Semayang Lake is a must-visit.
9. Lake Melintang: A Charming Floating Village
Lake Melintang, located in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan, offers enchanting natural beauty. Around this lake there are several floating villages, which are villages built on poles or rafts.
Melintang Village is one of the most famous, offering peaceful and beautiful natural views. Lake Melintang is also a breeding ground for freshwater fish, making it an interesting tourist spot to explore.
10. Labuan Cermin Lake: The Beauty of Two-Taste Water
Labuan Cermin Lake, located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, is known for its unique water, which is called “two-taste water.”
The water on the surface of the lake tastes salty, while at the bottom of the lake it tastes fresh. The extraordinary clarity of the water makes this lake look like a mirror that reflects the surrounding scenery beautifully.
Although the journey to this lake is quite long, the beauty offered by Labuan Cermin Lake will definitely make all your efforts paid off.
Kalimantan is indeed home to many unexpected natural wonders, and the exotic lakes scattered throughout the island offer an unforgettable travel experience.
Each lake has its own charm, both in terms of its natural beauty and the biodiversity around the lake. If you are looking for a different and adventurous holiday experience, make sure to visit some of these 10 exotic lakes in Kalimantan.
