Travel

Kereng Bangkirai as the Main Entrance to Sebangau National Park

BorneoGaze - February 20, 2026

Authors: Yulia P. M., Laela N., M. Rizki R., & Meysi S. I.

Editor : R. F. Nugraha

While Switzerland is known for the scenic beauty of the Aar River, Central Kalimantan offers a destination just as captivating in its own way: Air Hitam Kereng Bangkirai.

Photo by : Media Center Palangka Raya

Air Hitam Kereng Bangkirai

Air Hitam Kereng Bangkirai carries a unique history. Before becoming a tourist attraction, the area functioned as a rowing venue and even hosted several national rowing championships. In 2017, local residents transformed it into a tourism destination, recognizing its natural and cultural potential.

In May 2025, the site collaborated with the regional Transportation Department and Tourism Department to strengthen its role as a center for cultural activities in the surrounding area. Today, it also serves as the main gateway to Sebangau National Park, with the Ministry of Forestry officially opening access to the national park through this entrance.

The Area and Location

Sebangau National Park spans approximately 568,700 hectares (5,687 km²), making it one of the largest peat swamp forest conservation areas in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the main gateway destination, Air Hitam Kereng Bangkirai, covers around 1,600 hectares (1.6 km²). Located about 12 kilometers from the center of Palangka Raya, the pier can be reached in roughly 20 minutes by car, making it both accessible and convenient for visitors.

Photo by : HaloDayak.com

Photo by : Jadesta

The History of Sebangau National Park

Before its designation as a national park in October 2004, Sebangau was an active HPH (Forest Concession Rights) area from the 1970s to the 1990s. During that period, the forest suffered severe degradation due to illegal logging and fires. Its reclassification as a national park marked a major step toward conservation and ecological restoration.

Today, Sebangau National Park is known for its well-preserved natural beauty and remarkable biodiversity. Its fauna includes orangutans, owa-owa (gibbons), sun bears (beruang madu), proboscis monkeys (bekantan), and clouded leopards (macan dahan). The park’s flora features meranti trees, ironwood, bejakah roots, marikubung, acacia, gaharu, and the unique kantong semar (pitcher plant). This rich ecosystem makes Sebangau an important conservation area as well as a popular ecotourism destination.

Management and Community Support

In its early years, Air Hitam Kereng Bangkirai was facilitated and managed by local residents. After two years of operation, the Tourism Department began providing more intensive management support.

The Tourism Department primarily oversees land-based facilities, including grandstands, gazebos, and the pier. Water-based recreational facilities are managed jointly: some are owned by local residents, while others have been partially funded through grants from various donors. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment between the community and the government to develop sustainable tourism.

Available Facilities

Visitors to Air Hitam Kereng Bangkirai can enjoy a range of facilities, including:

Gazebos
Numerous gazebos are available for visitors who wish to relax while enjoying views of the dark waters and surrounding peat forest.
Grandstands
Although modest in size, several grandstands provide comfortable seating areas for visitors to sit and take in the scenery.
Culinary Stalls
A variety of local foods are available, many featuring flavors from across Kalimantan.
Boats
Tourists can choose between paddle boats and tourist boats. Paddle boats are operated using foot pedals similar to bicycle pedals, while tourist boats are operated by a boat driver who guides visitors along the river.
Souvenirs
Visitors can purchase local handicrafts, with rattan-woven mats being among the most popular souvenirs.
LAHG UPR Area
The nearby LAHG UPR area serves as a rest and living space connected to university activities in Palangka Raya.

Why Is This Destination Famous?

The Natural Phenomenon of “Black Water”
The dark color of the water comes from a natural process in which peat roots and leaves soak and release organic substances into the water, creating its distinctive black appearance.
Unique Tourist Activities
Visitors can enjoy river cruises, paddle boating, and floating huts, offering a relaxing way to experience the peatland environment.
Attractive Photo Spots
The wooden pier, black water reflections, and surrounding forest make it a popular location for photography.
Main Gateway to Sebangau National Park
As the primary entrance to Sebangau, the site provides access to one of Indonesia’s most important peat swamp ecosystems.
Easy Access and Affordable Tickets
Located only 20–30 minutes from Palangka Raya, the destination offers affordable entrance tickets starting from around Rp5,000, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

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