Sangkulirang – Mangkalihat Karts: Prehistoric rock art area

Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat is a karst landscape in East Kutai containing numerous caves and rock shelters with thousands of ancient paintings spread across roughly 35 different locations. These limestone formations create a natural network of caverns and sheltered walls that hold these artworks on their surfaces.

Research shows the rock paintings date back between 5,000 and 10,000 years, created by hunter-gatherer societies in this region. These artworks mark a crucial period when people first recorded their experiences on rock surfaces.

The paintings display animals, human figures, and abstract patterns that reveal how early communities saw their world. These images offer glimpses into the daily lives and beliefs of people who lived in this region long ago.

The site spans a large area with many scattered locations, so visitors should plan visits to different caves in advance. Sturdy footwear and adapting to the varying light conditions inside the rock shelters help make exploration safer and more comfortable.

The limestone formations of the karst landscape have naturally preserved these ancient artworks across thousands of years. This geological feature protected the paintings from weathering and decay, allowing visitors today to see them in nearly original condition.