Kayan Mentarang National Park

Kayan Mentarang National Park

Kayan Mentarang National Park is a vast tropical rainforest protected area on Borneo Island, known for its exceptional biodiversity and traditional Dayak cultures. It offers unique trekking adventures and wildlife viewing opportunities in one of Southeast Asia's last intact rainforests.

3,362,000
Acres Protected
Estimated 150+
Miles of Trails
1,000-3,000 (est.)
Annual Visitors
1996
Year Established

About Kayan Mentarang National Park

Kayan Mentarang National Park
 

Kayan Mentarang National Park spans approximately 13,605 square kilometers across the Indonesian provinces of North and East Kalimantan on Borneo Island. The park encompasses rugged mountainous terrains, dense tropical rainforests, and river systems that form the upper reaches of the Kayan and Mentarang rivers. This landscape supports one of the richest biodiverse ecosystems in the world, with numerous endemic species, including orangutans, clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and diverse flora such as dipterocarp trees and orchids. The park is also culturally significant, home to several indigenous Dayak communities who maintain traditional lifestyles and sustainable land-use practices. Visitors can explore Kayan Mentarang through multi-day jungle treks, river expeditions, and cultural visits to local villages. The park offers challenging trekking routes combined with opportunities for wildlife spotting and experiencing remote rainforest environments. Due to its remote location and rugged terrain, the park attracts adventurous travelers and researchers interested in tropical ecology and indigenous cultures. Its protected status helps safeguard critical habitats amid pressures from logging and palm oil plantations elsewhere on Borneo. With extensive biodiversity, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage, Kayan Mentarang National Park remains a vital conservation area and a captivating outdoor destination in Indonesia.

Highlights

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Kayan River trek – a remote river expedition through surrounding rainforest

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Home to rare wildlife including orangutans and clouded leopards

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Traditional Dayak villages offering cultural insight and eco-tourism

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Pristine highland rainforest ecosystems with rapid biodiversity assessments

Notable Natural Features

Kayan and Mentarang Rivers

These major river systems run through the park, providing vital waterways for both wildlife and traditional transport routes used by local communities.

Biodiversity Hotspot

The park contains a vast array of plants and animals, some endangered and endemic, making it critical for conservation and ecological studies.

Dayak Longhouses

Traditional communal homes of the indigenous Dayak people offering visitors a glimpse into local customs and sustainable living.