Kayan Mentarang National Park

Kayan Mentarang Overview

Kayan Mentarang National Park, located in the heart of Borneo, Indonesia, is a sprawling expanse of pristine wilderness that covers approximately 5,500 square miles (14,521 square kilometers). Situated in North Kalimantan, this remarkable park derives its name from two key rivers that flow through the region, the Kayan and the Mentarang, and it is known in the local Dayak language as “Kayan Mentarang.”

The park’s vast and rugged terrain is a showcase of dense tropical rainforests, towering mountains, and tranquil river valleys, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most remote and biologically rich protected areas.

The terrain of Kayan Mentarang is a captivating mix of rugged peaks, including Mount Batu Ayau and Mount Apo, steep ridges, and lush lowlands. This diverse topography is blanketed by an extensive rainforest that features a mix of dipterocarp trees, moss-covered forests, and a variety of flowering plants and orchids.

The park is also dotted with cascading waterfalls, such as the breathtaking Long Alango Falls, which enhance its natural beauty and provide vital freshwater habitats. The dense forests and varying altitudes create a mosaic of ecosystems, each teeming with unique life forms.

Kayan Mentarang National Park is a haven for wildlife, boasting extraordinary biodiversity. It is home to a variety of mammals, including the elusive clouded leopard, the endangered Bornean orangutan, sun bears, and the Bornean gibbon. Other notable inhabitants include pygmy elephants and the critically endangered pangolin.

The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 300 recorded bird species, including the rhinoceros hornbill, the great argus pheasant, and the rare Bornean peacock-pheasant. The intricate food webs within the park support an incredible variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects, ensuring its place as a vital reservoir of Bornean biodiversity.

Among the park’s most popular features is its cultural richness, as it is home to indigenous Dayak communities who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries. These communities, including the Kenyah, Punan, and Lundayeh, offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about traditional forest management practices, weaving techniques, and spiritual customs. The traditional longhouses in the region, known as Lamin or Uma, provide insight into their communal way of life.

Visitors to Kayan Mentarang can explore the park through eco-trekking, birdwatching, and river kayaking, all of which offer immersive ways to engage with its landscapes and wildlife. Guided tours led by local Dayak communities add cultural depth to the experience. However, accessing the park can be challenging, often requiring travel by small planes and riverboats, making it ideal for adventurous travelers seeking remote and untouched natural beauty.

The park faces conservation challenges, including illegal logging, habitat fragmentation, and encroachment. However, its management has made significant strides in promoting community-based conservation efforts. Collaborations between local communities and conservation organizations have bolstered sustainable practices and protected critical habitats, serving as a model for preserving biodiversity while respecting indigenous cultures.

Park Map

Kayan Mentarang National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Kayan Mentarang National Park, located in the heart of Borneo, Indonesia, is a biodiverse haven renowned for its rich wildlife and cultural heritage. Encompassing dense rainforests, rugged mountains, and pristine rivers, the park is home to an impressive array of animal species. Below are some of the popular species found in this park:

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi)
This elusive big cat is one of the park’s iconic predators, known for its striking cloud-like coat patterns. It is a highly skilled climber and prefers dense forests for hunting and shelter.

Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)
This scaly mammal is recognized for its unique armor-like scales and its ability to curl into a ball for protection. It primarily feeds on ants and termites, using its long, sticky tongue.

Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
A critically endangered primate, the Bornean orangutan is known for its intelligence and reddish-brown fur. They are arboreal and rely on the forest canopy for food and nesting.

Banteng (Bos javanicus)
A wild cattle species, the banteng is found in the park’s grasslands and forests. Males have dark brown coats, while females and juveniles are lighter in color.

Malay Civet (Viverra tangalunga)
This nocturnal mammal is known for its distinctive black-and-white stripes and spots. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal within the ecosystem.

Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus)
This unique monkey, endemic to Borneo, is known for its long, bulbous nose and reddish-brown fur. It is a strong swimmer and often found near rivers and mangroves.

Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)
The smallest bear species in the world, the sun bear has a distinctive orange crescent on its chest. It is an omnivore that forages for fruit, insects, and honey.

Bornean Gibbon (Hylobates muelleri)
These agile primates are known for their loud, melodic calls that echo through the forest. They move through the canopy with remarkable speed and grace.

Bornean Slow Loris (Nycticebus borneanus)
A small, nocturnal primate with large, reflective eyes, the Bornean slow loris has a toxic bite and primarily feeds on insects and tree sap.

Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
This small wild cat resembles a domestic cat but has distinctive spotted and striped markings. It is an excellent hunter and thrives in forested areas.

Birds

The birdlife of Kayan Mentarang National Park is as extraordinary as its mammalian residents, with diverse species showcasing vivid plumage and unique calls. Below are some of the park’s notable bird species:

Horned Frogmouth (Batrachostomus cornutus)
This elusive bird is known for its camouflaged plumage, resembling tree bark. It is nocturnal and feeds primarily on insects.

Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros)
A striking bird with a large, colorful casque on its beak, this hornbill is a symbol of the park’s rich biodiversity. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal.

Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)
This rare and endemic bird has a distinctive bald, red head and is often found in flocks, foraging for insects in the forest canopy.

Black-crowned Pitta (Erythropitta ussheri)
This brightly colored bird is a ground-dwelling species known for its melodious calls and striking plumage with red, blue, and black hues.

Bornean Peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron schleiermacheri)
An endemic species, this pheasant is noted for its iridescent feathers with eye-like patterns. It is shy and elusive, often found in dense undergrowth.

Whitehead’s Trogon (Harpactes whiteheadi)
This stunning trogon features a bright red belly and metallic green back. It prefers high-altitude forests and is a favorite among birdwatchers.

Storm’s Stork (Ciconia stormi)
A critically endangered species, this stork is recognized for its striking black-and-white plumage and red facial skin. It is often found near rivers and wetlands.

Bornean Leafbird (Chloropsis kinabaluensis)
This small, vibrant green bird is a nectar feeder and often found flitting among flowering trees.

Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)
Also known as the snakebird, this water bird is known for its long, slender neck, which it uses to spear fish in rivers and lakes.

Bornean Ground Cuckoo (Carpococcyx radiceus)
A rare ground-dwelling bird with a striking appearance, it is known for its low, resonating calls and secretive behavior in dense forests.