Prevab Mentoko: A Hidden Treasure in the Heart of Kutai National Park
Imagine starting a journey into the depths of Borneo’s rainforest—where city noise fades, Wi-Fi disappears, and all that’s left is the symphony of birds, insects, and swaying trees. Welcome to Prevab Mentoko, a hidden gem in East Kalimantan’s Kutai National Park, and one of the highlights of the Borneo Local Journey experience.
This isn’t your typical tourist trail. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just visit nature—you feel it, breathe it, and walk in rhythm with it. With giant trees lining your path and the possibility of spotting a wild orangutan overhead, this journey becomes more than just travel—it becomes connection.
Camp Kakap: The Heartbeat of the Forest
At the edge of this protected jungle, you’ll find Camp Kakap—a simple yet meaningful stop in your journey through the forest. Built from legendary ulin (ironwood), Camp Kakap is a place of strength and peace. It’s not just a basecamp—it’s a reflection of the resilience of the rainforest and the people working to protect it.
Facilities include:
- 10 basic rooms for researchers, students, and eco-minded guests
- A quiet prayer room (mushola)
- Two clean, functioning toilets
- A shared kitchen and forest-view dining area
Don’t expect five-star luxury. Expect something better: an authentic jungle journey.
A Journey Through Science and Discovery
For over 50 years, Prevab Mentoko has been more than just a forest—it's been a living laboratory where world-class scientists have conducted groundbreaking research on orangutans and rainforest ecology.
A quick timeline of the journey so far:
- 1969–1970: Early fieldwork by American scientists from the University of Washington and UC
- 1980s: Japanese researchers joined the journey, expanding insights into orangutan behavior, diet, and social life
- Today: Local scientists, students, and conservationists carry on the legacy
Contributions that matter:
- Deep understanding of orangutan parenting, communication, and foraging
- Data that informs global conservation strategies
- Real-world training for young scientists and local leaders
This is a place where knowledge is grown, shared, and passed on—generation to generation. And many current park guides began their journey as student researchers here.
Not for Mass Tourism—And That’s the Point
Prevab is not about crowds or commercial tours. It’s a restricted conservation zone, managed by Kutai National Park Authority (Balai TNK), where only responsible, low-impact journeys are allowed.
Activities permitted:
- Scientific research
- Environmental education
- Small-group ecotourism (only with licensed guides)
Every visit must be pre-approved and guided—ensuring that the forest stays protected for future generations of both humans and wildlife.
Planning Your Journey to Prevab Mentoko
Your journey begins in Balikpapan or Samarinda, heading toward Sangatta, the entry point to the park.
Option A: Private Vehicle (Our Recommended Route)
- Travel time: 4–8 hours (depending on the road)
- Cost: Rp1,000,000–2,000,000/day (including a driver)
- Scenic stops along the way:
- Pampang Cultural Village
- Bontang Mangrove Forest
- Kutai Timur Equator Monument
Option B: Public Transport (Budget-Friendly, More Complex)
- A mix of local buses, angkots, and motorbikes
- Total cost: Around Rp180,000–240,000
- Best for those who enjoy a more rugged travel journey
Option C: Overnight Commercial Bus
- Direct Balikpapan → Sangatta route
- Cost: Rp400,000–700,000
- Easy and comfortable, but tickets usually require local contacts
From Sangatta to Prevab:
This leg of the journey is regulated and must be arranged with a certified local guide. Your guide will handle:
- Entry permits
- Boat transport
- Coordination with park authorities and rangers
Spontaneous visits are not allowed. Every journey into the forest must be planned with care and respect.
Challenges and Hope Along the Way
Yes, Prevab Mentoko still faces threats like illegal logging and environmental pressures. But it’s also a symbol of hope—a place where governments, scientists, local communities, and travelers come together in a shared journey of conservation.
It shows us that protecting nature is not just a goal—it’s a continuous effort, and we’re all invited to take part.
Why This Journey Matters
Prevab Mentoko is:
- An irreplaceable ecological treasure
- A rare rainforest, home to wild orangutans, hornbills, gibbons, and countless other species
- An outdoor classroom
- A learning space where young minds—local and global—study nature up close
- A personal journey
- A place that encourages reflection, balance, and appreciation for the natural world.
Join the Borneo Local Journey
Visiting Prevab is not just a vacation—it’s a meaningful journey into the heart of Borneo. When you walk lightly, respect the rules, and share the story, you become part of something larger. A movement to protect, respect, and preserve one of the last great rainforests on Earth.
Let’s Plan Your Journey Together
Whether you’re a curious traveler, a student, or a passionate nature lover—we’d love to guide you on this unforgettable experience.
📞 WhatsApp: +62 851 7203 4410
📧 Email: alma@borneolocaljourney.com