Kelam, Granite monolith in Sintang, Indonesia

Kelam is a granite mountain summit in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, rising as a large bare rock dome over the flat surrounding landscape. Its sides drop steeply and nearly vertically, making the exposed stone visible from a great distance across the lowlands.

A German botanist made several visits to the mountain in the late 19th century and recorded its plant species and geological features. His work brought the area to the attention of scientists beyond Borneo for the first time.

Local legend explains the rock as a boulder carried by Bujang Beji, a powerful man from Kapuas Hulu, to dam the Melawi River out of envy of Temenggung Marubai, who controlled that river. The goddesses laughed at him, the binding grass rope snapped, and the stone fell at Jetak, where it stuck fast. Some also tell that it fell as a meteorite.

The town of Sintang is the closest base for starting the route to the summit, and most visitors begin their journey from there. Facilities along the way are scarce, so it is worth bringing enough water and supplies before heading up.

A carnivorous plant grows on the bare granite near the top that is found nowhere else in the surrounding region and survives only on this type of exposed rock surface. It can be spotted during a climb of the upper sections if you scan the stone carefully.