After lunch in Muara Muntai, we continue our journey to the final destination of Tanjung Isuy where we will stay at the Dayak Long House (Long House).

Read: Long House Hotel in Tanjung Isuy: Loou Taman Zamrud

Our motorboat moved at a slow speed while we tried to observe the river view and hoped to see Pesut Mahakam. Pesut Mahakam is a species of freshwater dolphin that is only found in the Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and is the only species of freshwater dolphin that still survives in the world. Pesut Mahakam is an endangered animal. The population is estimated to only have around 80 individuals remaining.

Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any Pesut Mahakam during our journey, but we did observe a variety of birds busy searching for food.

Birds At Semayang Lake

Lake Semayang and Lake Melintang

Lake Semayang has an area of around 13,000 hectares, while Lake Melintang has an area of around 11,000 hectares. These two lakes are part of the Mahakam Watershed (DAS) and are surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. This lake is a habitat for various kinds of flora and fauna and is home to various kinds of birds, fish, and other animals.

Things to do at Lake Semayang and Lake Melintang
 
  • Boating around: Tourists can explore Lake Semayang and Lake Melintang by boat to enjoy the natural beauty of these two lakes.
  • Fishing: Lake Semayang and Lake Melintang are ideal places for fishing.
  • Visiting Dayak villages: Tourists can also visit Dayak villages located around Lake Semayang and Lake Melintang to get to know the culture and customs of the Dayak people.

To get to Semayang and Melintang Lakes, you can just hop on a boat along the Mahakam River. Boats are available for rent in neighboring areas such as Muara Muntai or Tanjung Isuy.

Travel Tips to Lake Semayang and Lake Melintang
 
  • The best time to visit is during the dry season, namely from June to September. During the rainy season, the Mahakam river will overflow and can disrupt tourist travel.
  • Transportation to Lake Semayang and Lake Melintang is quite limited. Tourists can use public transportation or rent a private vehicle.
  • Bring adequate equipment, such as comfortable clothing, sunscreen and personal medication.