Karimata Islands

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The Karimata Islands are a chain of small islands off the west coast of Indonesian Borneo, the largest of which is (Pulau) Karimata, being about 20 km (12 mi) across (east-west), and situated at

1°37′S 108°53′E / 1.617°S 108.883°E / -1.617; 108.883. It is part of Kayong Utara Regency of West Kalimantan province in Indonesia. Karimata has a wide range of ecosystems, from mangroves and tropical rain forest in the lowlands to on the summit of the c.1,000 m (3,281 ft) mountain (a spectacular example of the Massenerhebung effect). The mountain is composed of granite. A substantial population of cave swiftlets has historically been the source of birds nests for birds nest soup, but has decreased recently to near extirpation, due to overharvesting by non-indigenous collectors who have been arriving from the mainland. A number of small villages are situated on the coast, the largest of which is , on the eastern tip of the island. The island is renowned by inhabitants of the west coast of Kalimantan to have a serious malaria problem.

Dutch explorers visited the island a number of times, and there have been at least two recent visits by biologists. The island is classified as a nature reserve by the Indonesian government, but there has been no management of the area. There are rumours of plans for large tourist developments.