Padang Luwai Nature Reserve, also known as Kersik Luwai, comprises an area of 5,000 ha and lies in East Kalimantan province. The site consists of heath forests and is mainly interesting for its flora. More than 100 orchids, among others the famous and rare black orchid (Coelogyne pandurata), and many epifytes grow in the reserve.
Padang Luwai Nature Reserve lies 16 km south of Melak, a village at the river Mahakam. You can reach Melak by riverboat from Samarinda. Three times a week, boats leave Sungai Kunjang harbour, a little south of Samarinda for a 30 hr. journey over the river Mahakam. To get to Samarinda take a bus from Balikpapan or Banjarmasin. The bus from Balikpapan stops near Sungai Kunjang harbour.
From Melak the reserve can be reached by jeep or motorcycle. It's also possible to walk the 16 km dirt track to the reserve.
WWF, Jl. Katamso 12, Samarinda.
More than 100 orchids, many epifytes.