Open Pit Nam Salu Geosite is one of Belitong’s most striking landscapes, combining natural beauty with rich mining history. Once the largest tin mine in Southeast Asia, this vast open pit reveals the Kelapa Kampit Formation, a unique layer of rocks formed millions of years ago. Here, visitors can see metasedimentary flysch rocks, sandstones, altered claystones, chert, and the famous grey sand layer, which carried Belitong’s tin wealth. Fossils of radiolaria, along with traces of rare earth elements (REE) and other minerals, add to its scientific significance.
The open pit, now partly filled with water, creates a scenic lake surrounded by steep rock walls. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the dramatic landscape, while underground tunnels remind us of the old mining techniques used in the past. This geosite not only tells the story of Belitong’s role in the world tin belt but also serves as a living classroom of geology.
Beyond geology, Open Pit Nam Salu is home to unique biodiversity. The elusive tarsier (Chepalopachus bancanus saltator) has been reported here, along with several species of Nepenthes (pitcher plants)—locally called ketakong—that thrive around the pristine forests of nearby Mount Kik Karak.
The site also holds cultural and mystical values. Local folklore, ancestral traditions of the Kampit community, and stories from the era of tin mining add layers of history to the landscape. It is a place where natural heritage and cultural memory meet.
Today, local communities creatively manage Open Pit Nam Salu as a geotourism destination. Visitors can explore its geological wonders, learn about mining history, experience local culture, and appreciate the harmony between conservation and community empowerment.