TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT
BAKA-BUKIT RAYA
Geographical location : 112°15-112°60 E ; 0°30-0°65 S
Administrative location : Provinsi Kalimantan Barat (Kabupaten
Sintang) and Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah (Kabupaten Kotawaringin Timur)
Area : 181,090 hectares
Temperature : 7° - 32° C
Rainfall : 3,400 mm/year (average)
Altitude : 150 - 2,278 masl
Best time to visit : June - September
The forest areas of (Bukit Baka-Bukit Raya National Park) are
dominated by the peaks of Pegunungan Schwaner. This forms mountainous tropical
rain forest ecosystem with a relatively high humidity. 817 species of plants
have been recorded, in 139 families including Dipterocarpaceae, Myrtaceae,
Sapotaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Ericadeae. Also there are medicinal values plants
and plants used for handicrafts, tools, construction and consumption. Various
species of forest orchid completing. There is also the magnificent rafflesia
(Rafflesia sp.), a giant flower parasite which is assumed to be similar to
those growing on Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia). Among the endemic species are
Symplocos rayae, Gluta sabahana, Dillenia beccariana, Lithocarpus coopertus,
Sellaginnela magnifica and Tetracera glaberrima.
The mammals that inhabit this park include clouded leopard (Neofelis
nebulosa), orangutan (Pongo satyrus), sun bear (Helarctos malayanus
euryspilus), maroon leaf monkey (Presbytis rubicunda rubicunda), slow loris
(Nyticebus coucang borneanus), deer (Cervus unicolor brookei), spotted giant
flying squirrel (Petaurista elegants banksi), and spotted civet (Visvessa
tangalunga).
Among the bird species are the helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil),
rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros borneoensis), black hornbill
(Anthracoceros malayanus), emerald dove (Chalcophaps indica), little cuckoo
dove (Macropygia ruficeps), great argus (Argusianus argus grayi), and the
Bornean peacock pheasant (Polyplectron schleiermacheri) - both are the most
elusive pheasants in the world and among the most threatened by human
activities.
Rare and unique species of mammal and reptile in the Park include the
horned frog (Megophyrs nasuta), green monitor lizard (Varanus prasinus) and
bengkarung (Mabouya sp.).
The indigenous people living around the the park are mostly descended
from Dayak tribes like the Limbai, Ransa, Kenyilu, Ot Danum, Malahui, Kahoi,
and Kahayan. Of great cultural interest are ancient statues made of belian
wood, artworks and other items made of rattan, bamboo and pandan.
Interesting locations/attractions :
Bukit Baka (1,620 masl) and Bukit Raya (2,278 masl) : mountain climbing,
kayaking/canoeing, observing animals and plants, and cultural tourism.
Sungai Senamang River, Sungai Sepan Apui : rafting, thermal springs,
observing animals and plants.
Sungai Ella : waterfalls.
Nearby interesting spot : Kaburai (Forestry Training and Research
Centre) and Tumbang Gagu (traditional Dayak longhouses).