East Kalimantan has quite a lot of wonderful spots to explore. From small exotic islands, lush green forests, and panoramic karst formations, this province has it all. One of the most beautiful karst areas to visit is Sembinai Hill.
This hill is a literal stone garden carved naturally in the middle of the forest. You will need to walk through lovely trek to get to the hill. Even though the trip might be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Here is all you need to know about Sembinai Hill.
Location and access
Administratively, Sembinai Hill is located at Kasungai Village, Batu Sopang District, Paser Regency. This large karst area is located in the southern part of East Kalimantan. The village, where you can park your vehicle and start your trekking activity, is easily accessible. The closest town would be Tanah Grogot. Kasungai is roughly ten kilometers away from the main Kalimantan road.
Trekking through the river
Once you get to the parking spot, you will have to walk through the bank of Kasungai River. The stream is not too strong and the panorama is great. The trek is also quite easy even though you might encounter some cliffs. Most people also set up their tent by the river. The overall atmosphere is relaxing, almost soothing. The sound of the small stream is a perfect companion to spend your night here.
The Summit
Early in the morning, you have to climb to the summit of this hill. The climb would be relatively easy, without any extreme trek. You need to get to the peak before the sun rises to see the absolute beauty of the hill. A lot of pointy peaks spike up, creating an otherworldly view. This summit is a stone garden with the beauty of the panorama. This place is also very photogenic. Some people even climb to some of the peaks to get the best picture.
The Caves
Just like most karst areaa, there are also several caves in Batu Sopang. You can find at least three big caves in this area. People usually explore the caves after they finish enjoying the peaks. The biggest ones near the peaks are Goa Pintu 1 (Door 1 Cave) and Goa Pintu 2. There is another big cave located near the road; Goa Tengkorak (Skull Cave). The caves are the home of countless bats.
Sembinai Hill in Kasungai Village is lowkey a great exploration area in East Kalimantan. This area, even though is not really popular, offers a great trekking route for those who love venturing into nature.
