The Ketepu Peak in Merabu Village is a karst tower, a small part of the vast Sangkulirang-Mangkaliat karst region in East Kalimantan. From the village, it is reached by navigating the Lesan River using a small boat. About 25 minutes of the roaring sound of the outboard engine echoes, breaking through the entire forest. Agilely, the boatman, several times, maneuvers his boat on the winding surface of the Lesan River.
The journey continued with a 30-minute walk through the wilderness of the tropical rainforest in Merabu, Kalimantan. I was treated to a large old-growth trees native to Kalimantan. The scent of the forest was intensely penetrating my nostrils. It was incredibly refreshing and addictive.
Actually, there was something interesting that caught my attention during the trekking. There were signboards indicating adopted trees with the names of individuals or groups adopting them, placed on some of the large trees aged from tens to hundreds of years that we encountered along the journey. According to the story from the manager of Merabu Village Tourism, to date, there have been thousands of large trees prepared for adoption within the Merabu Village Forest area
So, these trees can be adopted for two years and can be extended for an additional two years, and so on. Well, the donation funds will be used to support the well-being of Merabu Village. Among them, scholarship programs for students in Merabu. And, of course, to prevent deforestation and continue to preserve the sustainability and conservation of nature in Merabu.
In less than an hour since we left the Nyadeng Pier on the banks of the Lesan River, we arrived at one of the gems of Merabu Village: the Nyadeng River and Lake. Its expanse is only about a quarter of a hectare. However, its clear, turquoise-colored water looks very contrasting and enchanting.
As the time was getting late, we only rested here briefly. Then, we hurriedly continued our trekking journey towards Ketepu Peak. We did decide to spend the night at Liang Ketepu, which is located only about five minutes before the summit. The next morning, after descending from the peak, we would have more time to enjoy the exoticism of Lake Nyadeng
Indeed, its elevation is not even up to 500 meters above sea level (masl). However, reaching the summit is no easy feat. The steep climbing terrain with slopes ranging from 40 to 70 degrees is enough to make my breath catch as we ascend. The sharp and slippery limestone rocks along the climbing path, made wet by the weather, required me to be constantly cautious. We took occasional breaks to relieve fatigue and catch my breath. Truly, the trek managed to make me a bit overwhelmed.
After about 60 minutes of climbing and crawling, we finally arrived at the entrance of Liang Ketepu. Although it was still relatively bright at that time, the approaching twilight that would usher the sun back to its shelter was getting closer. In less than five minutes along the corridor, we reached the front of Liang Ketepu on the other side. Before heading to the summit, we left our sleeping gear and dinner supplies inside Liang Ketepu.
Amidst the dimming twilight, we witnessed the grandeur of the karst hills. Truly, it was absolutely breathtaking. I couldn't help but express my awe. Layers of limestone rocks formed hills upon hills with dozens to hundreds of towers, presenting a sight not commonly seen in Kalimantan. It made me momentarily hold my breath, taking in the beauty of the panorama laid out before my eyes, before returning to Liang Ketepu and overnight there.
Early in the morning, we ascended again towards the summit. The hills and karst towers, seemingly competing to pierce the sky, appeared even more majestic and enchanting. Dozens to hundreds of karst towers resembled the curved back of a resting dragon.
A thin mist seeped through, shrouding the expanse of karst and the lush wilderness of the tropical rainforest. After the gaze, only grandeur and magnificence were visible. The Lesan River appeared winding, cutting through the green valley sprawled like a carpet
Standing at Ketepu Peak, gazing at the hills and karst towers, it felt like stepping into the backdrop of the movie 'Avatar.' Ketepu is part of the Mushroom Hills, soaring to an elevation of over 1000 m asl. Alongside ten other hills, Mushroom has carved the spectacular landscape of Sangkulirang Mangkalihat. The best time to witness this breathtaking view is in the evening or morning when the mist hovers and blankets this vast karst expanse.
Harley Sastha
