Makroman Crocodile Sanctuary in East Kalimantan

Visitors take photos with baby crocodiles. Image credit: the author.

The Makroman Crocodile Sanctuary, located in the city of Samarinda, East Kalimantan on Borneo Island, is a fascinating natural tourist destination. It’s situated in Pulau Atas Village, Makroman Subdistrict, Palaran District, about 17 kilometers from the city center of Samarinda. Crocodiles, once known as vicious creatures, are still considered dangerous animals, but humans have managed to breed them in captivity.

The sanctuary became known around the early 20th century, originally as an attraction for tourists, rather than for breeding or harvesting crocodile products. Then, in the 1960s, commercial operations to produce goods from crocodiles began, such as collecting eggs from the wild or breeding them in captivity. This was done due to the dwindling crocodile population in the wild and the threat of extinction for certain species.

The sanctuary initially operated to meet the demand for crocodile leather, which is highly valuable, sometimes fetching hundreds of dollars per hide. Finished products like bags or shoes can be worth thousands of dollars. Over time, other products from crocodiles, such as their meat, began to be used in certain cuisines in various countries.

In China, for example, crocodile meat is believed to have medicinal properties, helping to treat fever and prevent cancer, according to traditional Chinese medicine. The Makroman Crocodile Sanctuary not only uses crocodile skins but also other products made from these animals.

Makroman Sanctuary also serves as an eco-tourism attraction

In addition to producing crocodile products, the Makroman Sanctuary also serves as an eco-tourism attraction. With crocodile populations declining in the wild, the sanctuary offers visitors the chance to observe these animals up close. While the crocodiles in the sanctuary live in different conditions compared to those in the wild, it doesn’t stop visitors from being fascinated by these fierce creatures.

In Indonesia, there are several crocodile sanctuaries, and in addition to serving as breeding grounds and conservation centers, these places are also used for education and research. Crocodile sanctuaries attract both local and international tourists due to their uniqueness. Not every country or region has such a facility, so it’s no wonder that the Makroman Crocodile Sanctuary is a popular destination for travelers.

During your visit, you’ll be treated to a crocodile feeding show, where a staff member will toss a chicken into a crocodile pen. You’ll get to witness the crocodiles devouring the chicken. 

Crocodiles that reach the appropriate age and size are harvested for their skins, meat, and other body parts. Crocodile skins are in high demand for making products like bags, shoes, and other fashion accessories, with a single hide worth thousands of dollars, making this industry quite profitable.

Crocodile meat is consumed by certain groups

Crocodile meat is consumed by certain groups and is believed to have health benefits as a traditional medicine. At the Makroman Crocodile Farm, you can observe crocodiles in their daily lives—how they eat and interact with one another. Kids will likely be fascinated and eager to learn about these animals. However, it’s important to keep a close eye on them and make sure they’re safe during the visit.

At the sanctuary, there are three types of crocodiles you can encounter:

• Saltwater Crocodile (Buaya Muara)
• Siamese Crocodile (Buaya Siam)
• Sepit Crocodile (Buaya Sepit)

The sanctuary spans 7 hectares in Samarinda, and don’t worry about being bitten by a crocodile—there are barriers between the visitors and the animals. However, be cautious and don’t try to stick your hand into the crocodile enclosures, as this is very dangerous. 

All the types of crocodiles at the sanctuary can be found in various rivers across East Kalimantan and other parts of Indonesia. The Makroman Sanctuary doesn’t just breed one type of crocodile, but several different species.

-- Kek Yong