Danau Sentarum National Park
Danau Sentarum National Park represents lake wetland, freshwater
swamp forest, and tropical rain forest ecosystems.
Danau (Lake) Sentarum, a seasonal lake, is located in part of the
Kapuas River Basin, about 700 km from the estuary that flows into
the South China Sea. Surrounded by hills and highland, Lake Sentarum
forms an important water catchment area, and at the same time
regulates the water flow through the Kapuas watershed. All the areas
downstream are therefore highly dependent on the fluctuating water
level of the lake.
Like other areas of West Kalimantan, this Park has some peculiar and
endemic species of plant, including tengkawang (Shorea beccariana).
Lowland forest plants like jelutung (Dyera costulata), ramin (Gonystylus
bancanus), meranti (Shorea spp.), keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.), and
kayu ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri) can also be found.
Danau Sentarum National Park has a variety of fish species it is
estimated that there are about 120 species. Among them are the Asian
bony tongue (Scleropages formosus), belida (Notopterus chitala),
toman (Channa micropeltes), betutu (Oxyeleotris marmorata), jelawat
(Leptobarbus hoeveni), ketutung (Balantiocheilos melanopterus), and
the beautiful clown loach (Botia macracanthus). Other animals like
proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), orangutan (Pongo satyrus),
estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), false gavial (Tomistoma
schlegelii), siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), clouded
leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), great argus (Argusianus argus grayi),
and wooly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus stormi) also inhabit the
Park.
The drainage system from this freshwater lake and flooded forest
makes Lake Sentarum quite distinct from other lakes. Its
reddish-black water is a result of the tannin from the surrounding
peat swamp forest. In the rainy season, the depth of the lake may
reach 6-8 metres, flooding the surrounding areas and forest. During
the dry season, when the level of the Kapuas river gradually drops,
water from Lake Sentarum flows into Kapuas to restore the water
deficit and keep the water level of the river relatively stable.
Eventually, when the dry season reaches its climax, Lake Sentarum
and the surrounding areas become
a vast stretch of dry land, the fish from the lake inhabiting small,
scattered ponds.
Danau Sentarum National Park has been declared an International
Wetland Site under the Ramsar Convention in 1992.
The local people around Danau Sentarum National Park belong to the
Dayak tribes like the Iban, Sebaruk, Sontas, Punan and they still
live in a very traditional way. The characteristic longhouses (betang)
vary in size according to the number of people occupying them. This
could be between five and 30 families. A typical longhouse occupied
by fifteen to thirty families would have an average length of 186
metres and a width of 6 metres. The local way of life is fascinating
for tourists; the atmosphere of the betang is harmonious, simple,
and friendly, and visitors will usually be treated to a traditional
Dayak dance.
Interesting locations/attractions:
Bukit Lanjak and Nanga Kenelang: views over the lake, boating on
the lake, and watching birds.
Bukit Tekenang: research facilities, including a laboratory.
Best time of year to visit: June to September.
How to reach the Park: Pontianak-Sintang-Semitau by four wheel
drive, 11 hours; Sintang-Semitau by longboat, 7 hours. From Semitau
to the Park by public
boat heading for Lanjak. Pontianak-Putussibau by plane, about 2
hours; from Putussibau to Nanga Suhaid by longboat, about 7 hours.
Designated Minister of Forestry, SK.No.34/Kpts-II/99,
a total area of 132,000 hectares
Location Regency of Kapuas Hulu (Province of West Kalimantan)
Temperature 26° - 30° C
Rainfall 1,200 - 1,500 mm/year
Altitude 37 - 40 m asl.
Geographical location 111°56' - 112°25' E; 0°39' - 1°00' N
Park Office: Jl. Abdurahman Saleh 33
Pontianak, West Kalimantan
Tel. /Fax. : +62-561-734613
Related resources
National park in Borneo(Kalimantan):
- National Parks in Indonesia
- Gunung Palung National Park - Ketapang, West Kalimantan
- Tanjung Puting National Park - Kumai, Centre of Borneo
- Betung Kerihun National Park - Putussibau, West Borneo
- Baka Bukit Raya National Park - Sintang, West Kalimantan
- Kutai National Park - East Kalimantan
-
Kayan Mentarang National Park - Samarinda
