Do you like exploring the wild? The Karaenta Nature Reserve is a protected forest area that you can visit. This area has become a habitat for various species of flora, fauna and biodiversity which are usually used for scientific research. Once you visit it, you will be amazed by its various beauties from all sides.
This 1000 hectare nature reserve has around 200 types of plants and moss. Not only that, this nature reserve is famous for the presence of a black monkey called Macaca Maura. To find out more details about the Karaenta Forest, let’s look at the information below.
Attractions of Nature Reserves
1. Macaca Maura Habitat
As has been explained, this nature reserve is known as the habitat of Macaca Maura or the famous wild black monkey. This unique animal will immediately run away if it recognizes a foreign sound or suspicious movement that endangers it. Until now, there is only one officer who can summon the monkeys.
The officer named Haro studied and made whistling sounds to call the monkeys for years. Therefore, if you don’t meet Macaca Maura at all when you come here, you can ask Mr. Haro for help who feeds the herd of wild monkeys.
Please note that this species is a protected animal and has become a national asset because of its rare population and habitat. This monkey species is quite unique because it is very friendly and can be summoned at any time. You don’t need to be afraid of its existence.
2. Get to know the Protected Forest Area
The Karaenta Nature Reserve is a forest that is protected and preserved because of the presence of a variety of unique flora, fauna and biodiversity. Not only that, this forest also functions as a place to collect water from underground as a reserve. You could say this forest has many benefits for the sustainability of the ecosystem.
3. History of discovery
What is no less interesting about this natural tourist attraction is the history of its discovery. This location was first discovered and researched by a naturalist from England named Alfred Russel Wallace. Between July and October 1857, he researched more deeply until he discovered interesting facts about flora and fauna that had never been discovered in his previous research.
In 1869, he published the results of his research in the book The Malay Archipelago. This work is what attracts many researchers to conduct research in this forest area. After that, the central government has designated this area as a nature reserve as a conservation area.
Not only the Karaenta Nature Reserve, there are four other conservation area units in the Maros-Pangkep Karst Area, such as the Pattunuang Cave Nature Tourism Park, the Bulusaraung Nature Reserve and the Bantimurung Nature Reserve. At the beginning of its establishment, the five conservation area units had an area of around 11,909 hectares.
4. Salukang Kallang Cave
Something that is no less interesting is the Salukang Kallang Cave. Based on the results of the expedition carried out, this cave stretches to an astonishing length, namely around 12,463 meters. The views presented are truly amazing, especially the many ornaments and pools of water which have become habitats for fish and shrimp.
5. Tanette’s Cave
Interestingly, Salukang Kallang Cave is one unit with Tanette Cave. This cave has an extraordinary size with a length of about 9,700 meters and reaches a height of about 25 meters. The name was given because of the difference in the location of the cave mouth. If the two caves are explored from one direction, the length is around 22 km, making it the longest cave in the world.
There are many things that can be found throughout the cave. Apart from the beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites, this cave has become a habitat for various animals ranging from spiders, centipedes, millipedes, to swallows. It can be seen that the cave is free from human interference and is still natural.
6. Interesting research
Various researchers have made this place their home for several years to better understand the behavior of tailless monkeys. One of them is from Kyoto University named Professor Kunio Watanabe. He has conducted research in this nature reserve since the 1980-1990s. The results of their research have also become a valuable contribution to the government in its efforts to preserve this species.
Not only Watanabe, a scientist named Dr. Erin from San Diego University also researched it in 2010. It could be said that this nature reserve has a lot of interest among environmental lovers and researchers who are hungry for natural science. Nature-loving students or community members who are conducting research also often visit it.
Address, Location Route and Entrance Ticket
Travel access to the nature reserve is quite easy and the location is on Jalan Poros Maros – Soppeng, Samangki Village, Simbang District, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi. There are various modes of transportation that you can choose according to your comfort, both four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles.
You can start your journey via Jalan Poros Camba in the Simbang District area. Then you need to travel until you reach the center of the nature reserve. Please note that Jalan Poros Camba is the only main road that connects Maros Regency and Bon Regency. You can use it to traverse the nature reserve.
Enjoying the beauty of nature with its diverse flora and fauna does not need to cost a lot of money. This is because the entry ticket price is relatively cheap on weekdays, foreign visitors are charged IDR 210,000 and IDR 310,000 on weekends. Meanwhile, local visitors are charged IDR 16,000 on weekdays and IDR 21,000 on weekends.
Interesting Activities to Do
Explore the Nature Reserve
The Karaenta Nature Reserve is quite busy with visitors, especially on holidays. Apart from its natural beauty, the unique flora and fauna are quite attractive to local and foreign visitors. One of the activities you can do is explore the nature reserve to see the diversity of flora and fauna.
Exploring the Cave
Within the reserve, there are Tanette Cave and Salukang Kallang Cave. You can walk along it but make sure that you are accompanied by an officer or another group. Because, there is a lot of fauna that lives in it so it is quite dangerous. Try to remain alert while at the location.
Interact with Macaca Maura
During your trip through the nature reserve, you might meet a favorite animal called Macaca Maura. If you have no luck in finding the way, you can always ask for help from a handler or forest officer known as a Ranger. It is the ranger who can call the wild monkeys.
Available Tourist Facilities
Talking about facilities, of course there is no need to doubt this nature reserve. The management has provided facilities in the form of accommodation that you can use to spend the night. The prayer room can also be visited to carry out worship. The parking area is also large enough to accommodate various types of vehicles at once.
That is an explanation of what are the interesting things about the Karaenta Nature Reserve that are interesting to learn about before visiting it. It could be said that this tourist attraction is suitable for nature lovers and visitors who have a hobby of adventure. It should be noted that it is strictly forbidden to give food to monkeys.
