The Charm of Gunung Rambutan Waterfall along the Trans Kalimantan Corridor between South and East Kalimantan
Winding along the Trans Kalimantan land route linking South Kalimantan (Kalsel) and East Kalimantan (Kaltim), travellers are treated to views of green hill landscapes and tropical forest that delight the eye. One point now a favourite for road users is Gunung Rambutan Waterfall. Located in Batu Sopang District, Paser Regency, the waterfall stands at about 25 metres high and cuts through the hillside right at the roadside.
For travellers making roughly an eight-hour journey from Banjarbaru City (the capital of Kalsel) or about 1.5 hours from the Gunung Halat rest area, the waterfall feels like an oasis. The sound of the water and the cool air offer a potent remedy for fatigue.
Unlike waterfalls that require visitors to venture deep into the forest, Gunung Rambutan Waterfall is very easy to access. Its location right beside the road allows anyone to stop by free of charge.
“It is indeed quite beautiful, especially being by the roadside; there is no need to enter the forest as with most waterfalls,” said Wartono, a traveller from Kalsel who was crossing this route for the first time on his way to Balikpapan.
Many visitors use the moment to snap photos, enjoy the spray, or dip their feet in the natural pool. This bustle has also brought prosperity to locals who run food and drink stalls around the site.
Although enchanting, the Gunung Rambutan area is known as a route prone to accidents. The road’s steep and winding contours demand high concentration, especially when meeting large freight trucks.
Beyond its substantial potential as an iconic tourist site, management of Gunung Rambutan Waterfall is deemed lacking. Basic facilities such as sanitation or MCK (public restrooms) in the area are poorly maintained, similar to the conditions at the Gunung Halat rest area.
Aside from facilities, natural factors also pose challenges. At the peak of the rainy season, the waterfall’s flow can rise dramatically. “On this route we must be more careful. Besides the busy and climbing road, heavy rain can cause the water flow to reach the highway and increase landslide risk,” said Nauval, a driver from Banjarbaru.
The presence of Gunung Rambutan Waterfall testifies to Kalimantan’s extraordinary natural wealth. However, without professional management and attention to road safety, there are concerns this tourism potential will remain merely an emergency stop posing risks to road users.
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The Sei Ulin Bridge on the main Trans Kalimantan route in Banjarbaru, the capital of South Kalimantan, has been repaired and officially reopened to road users.
Trans Kalimantan’s national road in South Kalimantan has again suffered damage at several points, with the most severe on the Sungai Turak stretch, Hulu Sungai Utara to Kelua, Tabalong.
Trans Kalimantan road sections in South Kalimantan again experienced damage at several points.