REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Loksado is a home for Dayak Meratus tribe. Located in the headwater of Amandit River, South Kalimantan, Loksado has beautiful and natural scenery. One thing that the tourists should do in Loksado is Bamboo rafting or known as Balanting Paring.

Balanting paring means bamboo raft. Bamboo rafting is unique activity, because, instead of using inflatable boat or punt, it is used bamboo raft. Several bamboos, usually 16, are bound together. The raft is made shortly before the rafting begins. Also, it cannot be used more than once.

The rapid flow combined with challenging rocks make Amandit River good for rafting. With the rapid flow, the raft seems wildly dancing along Amandit River. In certain places, the raft can swing tremendously. Be steady or you will stumble! But do not worry since you will be accompanied by a jockey who knows the river well.

In some parts of the river, the flow is really calm and the river is shallow. At that point, the visitors can enjoy the beautiful view or take pictures. You can also jump and swim in the river.

The mileage of Bamboo rafting track is about 12 kilometers. It takes two and a half hours to get to the finish line. The finish line is in Tahuni Village. Tourists usually park their car in this village so that they can easily go back to Loksado. For those who do not have private car, they can take ‘motorbike taxi’ -or locally called ojek’- the starting point.

The idea of bamboo rafting came from the local. They wondered how they could sell their bamboo, as the limited transportation in remote area made it hard. 

Then they found a way. The farmers bound the bamboo. Next, they used it as a raft to Kandangan. In Kandangan, they sold their bamboo that they used for rafting.

To challenge your adrenaline, you should pay 200.000 IDR from Loksado to Tahuni and from Loksado to Muara Hatip, the price is 300.000 IDR. The tourists can reach Loksado by car from Banjarmasin, the capital of East Kalimantan. The total length from Banjarmasin to Kandangan (the capital city of Hulu Sungai Selatan -means "South Headwater" ) is 133 kilometers. Then, Kandangan-Loksado is about 38 kilometers. Even though the road is winding, the scenery is beautiful. The green forest accompanies you along the road. Go… go!

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