Gunung Halau-halau

Information

Elevation

1.901 m

Country

Indonesia (ID)

Location / Range

Meratus Mountains

Mountain type

non-volcanic (ophiolitic)

Volcanic?

No (non-volcanic)

Coordinates

-2.7106, 115.6259

Difficulty

Extreme — a long trail from low altitude (about 152 m) with a total elevation gain of nearly 1,750 m, dense forest terrain, multiple river crossings, and minimal trail markers

Best Season

Dry season around May–October. Avoid the rainy season (November–March) due to the risk of river flooding and landslides. Avoid February: customary closure for the Basambu Umang ceremony.

Permits & Rules

Note: as of 1 May 2026, the Dayak Meratus indigenous community declared a permanent closure of climbing access through a customary deliberation in Hinas Kiri Village. The Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency Government stated that there is as yet no official government decision on this matter (Antara, May 2026). Historically a SIMAKSI permit was not required, but it is mandatory to report to the local customary elder (Tutuha) and to use a local guide.

Hazards

Leeches are abundant throughout the lower forest trail; river crossings are dangerous during floods; some points have steep cliffs; risk of getting lost without a guide due to the trail's few markers; landslides in the rainy season

Description

Gunung Halau-halau (officially Gunung Besar) is the highest peak in South Kalimantan province at 1,901 metres above sea level. Located in the Meratus Mountains — an ancient ophiolite range of ultramafic and metamorphic rocks, non-volcanic in origin — the mountain sits at the boundary of three regencies: Hulu Sungai Tengah, Hulu Sungai Selatan, and Tanah Bumbu. The peak is sacred to the Dayak Meratus people (Urang Bukit), who practice the Kaharingan indigenous religion; a sacred kariwaya banyan tree stands near the summit and is used in spiritual rituals. As of 1 May 2026, the indigenous community declared a permanent closure of climbing access through a customary deliberation (musyawarah adat) at Desa Hinas Kiri, though the district government (Pemkab Hulu Sungai Tengah) stated no formal government regulation had been enacted as of that date. The trail is rated extreme, with a total elevation gain of nearly 1,750 metres from a low starting point through dense jungle and multiple river crossings.