Unique Karst Hot Springs Boost East Kalimantan Village Economy
- 10 Jun 2026 20:28 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Pemapak Salty Hot Springs in Biatan Bapinang Village, Berau, is gaining popularity as a unique tourism destination in East Kalimantan.
- Unlike most hot springs, the warm and salty water originates from heat retained in karst formations rather than volcanic activity.
RRI.CO.ID, Samarinda - A little-known natural attraction in Berau, East Kalimantan is drawing growing numbers of visitors and helping revive the local economy after villagers began serious tourism management in recent years.
The Pemapak Salty Hot Springs in Biatan Bapinang Village are unusual with the warm, salty waters coming not from volcanic activity but from heat retained in karst formations, creating a distinctive bathing experience about 120 kilometers from Tanjung Redeb.
"People in East Kalimantan no longer need to travel out of the region for hot-spring tourism, just visit Biatan Bapinang Village," said Head of the East Kalimantan Tourism Agency, Ririn Sari Dewi, in Samarinda on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Ririn explained the springs result from water percolating through karst rock that absorbs heat, then surfaces at the village pools. She praised the local community for managing the site independently and turning it into a sustainable rural livelihood.
"Management involving the local community is the key for existing resources to be successfully used to drive the village economy," she said, as quoted by Antara.
Village secretary, Septi Eunike, emphasized the rarity of the phenomenon. "There is no volcano here, yet karst appears that produces hot water," said Septi, underscoring the natural charm of the area.
The village administration has granted formal management rights to the local village-owned enterprise (BUMDes) together with the village tourism group (Pokdarwis). Although the springs were opened to the public in 2004, Septi said serious, organized management has only occurred in the past three years.
That focus has translated into rising visitor numbers from across East Kalimantan. Village records show weekday attendance typically averages 200 to 300 visitors per day, with weekend peaks reaching as many as 600 people.
To improve visitor comfort, the village has added facilities including public soaking pools, tent rentals, and a private VIP area for visitors seeking a more secluded experience. "We also provide a space for VIP visitors who want to enjoy a more private atmosphere," added Septi. ***
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