Meratus Mountain
Meratus Mountain stretches from the southern to the northern regions of South Borneo, forming a vast and significant mountain range. This area is home to the Meratus Dayak ethnic group, who have lived in harmony with the land for generations. The Dayak people reside in remote parts of the Meratus range, maintaining a lifestyle that includes nomadic farming, hunting for animals, and conducting traditional ritual ceremonies as an integral part of their cultural practices. The highest peak in the range is Mount Besar, which dominates the landscape.
The Meratus mountain area is a dense forest region located within South Kalimantan province, extending from the southeast to the north, and borders the neighboring province of East Kalimantan.
It is known as the "Green Belt," a protected area that plays a vital role in preserving the region's natural environment. The Meratus region boasts an incredibly rich variety of plant and animal life, including several endemic species found only in Kalimantan. Many of these species are currently at risk of extinction, which makes their protection and conservation essential for the survival of the local ecosystem.
The forest in the Meratus area is composed of various types of vegetation. Old secondary growth forests typically have a continuous canopy that reaches over six meters in height. These forests are often dominated by dense bamboo groves which provide shade and prevent the entry of tree seeds, thereby influencing the regeneration of the forest. On the western side of the Meratus mountains, you’ll find the hill dipterocarp forest, which is the natural vegetation type that defines the region. The rock formations in the Meratus range include remnants of the ocean floor, limestone, and sedimentary rocks, contributing to the unique geological landscape of the area.
Trekking through the Meratus mountains offers an unique opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of the tropical rainforest. As you walk through the wilderness, you can breathe in the fresh, moist air of the forest, while the gentle sounds of nature, such as the flowing rivers and the roar of waterfalls, create a serene and breathtaking atmosphere.
The Meratus Mountains is the jungle livelihood for thousands of the Dayak Meratus people. The Mountains functions as a water catchment area that guarantees regular irrigation cycles for the lower lands along the rivers.
