East Kalimantan Tourism Office Invites Visitors to Karst Hot Springs in Berau

The Tourism Office (Dispar) of East Kalimantan Province is inviting the public to visit the Pemapak Salt Hot Springs, whose water originates from karst absorption in Biatan Bapinang Village, Berau Regency. “People in East Kalimantan no longer need to travel outside the region for hot springs; they can simply visit Biatan Bapinang Village,” said Head of Dispar Kaltim Ririn Sari Dewi in Samarinda on Wednesday. The destination, located approximately 120 kilometres from Tanjung Redeb, offers the attraction of high-temperature bathing with a distinctive salty taste. “These hot springs are not thermal or volcanic; they result from karst rock absorbing heat, with the water then flowing and discharging here,” she explained. Ririn praised the efforts of the local village community in independently managing this natural potential. “Management that involves the local community is key to successfully utilising existing resources to drive the village’s economic engine,” she stated. The Secretary of Biatan Bapinang Village, Septi Eunike, emphasised that the phenomenon of hot water from a karst landscape is exceptionally rare. “There is no volcano here, yet karst formations produce hot water,” Septi said, highlighting the natural charm of her village. The Biatan Bapinang Village Government has officially granted management rights for this area to the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) together with the tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis). “Although it has been open since 2004, serious management only began in the last three years,” Septi explained. The community’s seriousness in managing tourism is evidenced by the steadily increasing number of visitors from various areas across East Kalimantan. According to data collected by village officials, tourist visits on regular days routinely reach an average of 200 to 300 people per day. “Public enthusiasm for holidays continues to peak every weekend, with a surge in visitors that can reach a maximum of 600 people,” Septi explained. For visitor comfort, the village management has equipped the area with various adequate facilities, such as public soaking pools and tent rentals. “We also provide facilities for VIP visitors who wish to enjoy a more private atmosphere,” Septi added.