kalimantan travel

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Kalimantan – the expansive Indonesian part of Borneo – is an adventure in every sense of the word. Remote jungle, snaking rivers and interior mountains serve up endless opportunities for epic rainforest hiking, while its cities are low-key and little visited by Indonesian standards. You can travel here for weeks without meeting another foreigner, and at least some knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia is recommended.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Samboja Lestari

A Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation project, Samboja Lestari houses more than 150 orang-utans on a series of islands, along with a separate sun bear…

Islamic Center

The western skyline of Samarinda is dominated by this must-see complex containing an ornate and colourful mosque with adjacent observation tower. The…

St Joseph's Cathedral

Pontianak's dramatic domed cathedral was opened in 2015, replacing the earlier 1908 church deemed not large enough to accommodate the city's Catholic…

Orang-utan Feedings

Tanjung Puting National Park

Orang-utan feedings at Tanjung Puting National Park are part of an ongoing rehabilitation process, but also allow visitors a near-guaranteed opportunity…

Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan

The more authentic of Banjarmasin's floating markets is about one hour by boat northeast of the centre on the Martapura River.

West Kalimantan

Known for its high-quality rice, this verdant farming village at the foot of Gunung Palung, 10km northeast of Sukadana, has a unique attitude and…

Betang Banua Tengah

Built in 1864, this betang is home to Tamambaloh Apalin Dayak. Debate over whether it's the oldest longhouse in the region (if not Kalimantan) abruptly…

KWPLH Sun Bear Conservation Center

This informative sun bear conservation centre is surprisingly straight to the point about the heartbreaking plight of all of Kalimantan's animals. Seven…

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Wildlife & Nature

Mar 29, 2012 • 4 min read

With a new international terminal at Kalimantan’s Berau airport in Indonesian Borneo opening in April 2012, newly proposed routes from Kuala Lumpur and…

Nov 11, 2010 • 6 min read

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Kalimantan is Indonesia’s share of Borneo, an island of impenetrable jungles, endangered orangutans and the Dayaks, former head-hunting tribes with long earlobes. Covering some 540,000 sq km (200,000 sq miles), Kalimantan represents nearly 30 percent of Indonesia’s land area, but barely six percent of the population live here. From its hinterland of low-altitude mountain ranges, great rivers cascade from the interior and those on the coast. Improved road and air transport have superseded the traditional commercial river traffic, but the rivers now attract tourists seeking to travel deep inland to visit surviving forests and Dayak communities.

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Best things to do in kalimantan.

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6 days  / from 830 USD

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10 days  / from 2100 USD

Royal Bali - Culture & Beaches

Enjoy a luxurious stay in Bali, with hand-picked 5 Star Hotels. This trip includes privately guided tours as well as leisure time, ideal for families with kids. Highlights include sea temple Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih rice terraces and Uluwatu temple with its famous Kecak dance.

Tanjung Puting National Park’s orangutans are Kalimantan’s biggest tourist draw. First brought to the world’s attention by Birute Kaldikas, who started studying them at Camp Leakey in the 1970s; this is the most accessible area for wildlife-viewing, and as the nature-loving world continues efforts to protect some of the planet’s oldest forests, interest in the furry red apes is not likely to wane.

Few tourists visit South Kalimantan, but its capital, Banjarmasin, is one of the island’s most colourful towns. West Kalimantan is the most unexplored of all Indonesia’s Bornean territories, though upgraded infrastructure makes inland journeys here increasingly straightforward. Welcoming Dayak longhouse settlements and national parks are the rewards.

Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan) is the destination of choice for ‘soft’ adventurers happy to travel by air-conditioned houseboat up Sungai Mahakam (Mahakam River) to see Dayak settlements, while doing a bit of wildlife spotting en route. For extreme trekkers, however, the possibilities are endless, with the only limitations being time, money and stamina.

Kalimantan is an off the tourist trail destination, waiting to be discovered.

© Shutterstock

This vast, wild territory used to be known for its headhunters. Today orangutans head the list of attractions. Here are the best things to do in Kalimantan.

#1 See orangutans at Tanjung Puting National Park

At orangutan rehabilitation centres across Kalimantan, the race is on to protect the apes’ habitat from deforestation and to educate the community. Orangutans have grabbed world headlines not only for their endangered status but also because their numbers have dropped dramatically over the last few decades. The best-known centre is Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting National Park, Central Kalimantan.

The centre's job is to teach the orangutans basic skills so they can survive in their jungle habitats, and to release them back into the wild. Whether or not orangutan rehabilitation programmes are successful is debatable, but through their work they attract global attention to the problem, thereby forcing state and local officials to take action. Nowadays, in addition to orangutans, most centres focus on protecting remaining forests and replanting which, in turn, helps to secure the futures of hundreds of other species that play vital roles in forest ecosystems.

#2 Cruise the Mahakam River

The most popular way to reach Dayak country is by houseboat up the Mahakam River. The main destinations of nearly all Mahakam cruises are Tenggarong, Muara Muntai, Danau Jempang, Tanjung Isuy, Mancong and the Melak area (Eheng and Kersik National Park). Nowadays houseboats cannot travel further upriver than Tering in mid-Mahakam. One Samarinda tour operator, De’gigant Tours, includes Muara Pahu in its cruises due to the excellent wildlife spotting on the Bolongan River, with freshwater dolphins as the highlight.

Stops at Dayak villages and watching life along the river are also attractions, as well as the changes of the river from vast and wide to narrow channels, while small hinterland villages are replaced by towns, and rather solitary travel becomes crowded with ships of all sizes getting ready to haul cargo through the Makassar Strait.

Mahakam River at Borneo Island Indonesia © Shutterstock

#3 Go trekking in the Kersik Luwai Nature Reserve

The 5,000-hectare (12,355- acre) reserve is ideal for trekking, sheltering 100-plus species of orchids, including the famous ‘black’ variety, Coelogyne pandurata, which blooms April through December. Nearby Dayak villages Pepas Eheng and Ombau Asa have lived-in longhouses. Pepas Eheng can be reached in one hour by car from Melak. There’s a beautiful waterfall, Jentur Gemuruh, at Ombau Asa. Ask around if you wish to witness a funeral ceremony in progress; the rituals feature the sacrifice of a water buffalo performed with spears.

#4 Go shopping in Singkawang

Just outside Singkawang are a couple of huge ceramic kilns turning out vases and jars. The large Chinese population in this area descended from the miners who arrived here to work during the gold rush at the beginning of the 19th century. There are several striking Buddhist temples in the area. Nearby, Pasir Panjang beach is ideal for swimming. Also in the vicinity, the Gunung Poteng hill resort is a great place for nature-lovers with its cool, fresh air. Raya Pasi is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the parasitic Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.

One of the main temples in Singkawang Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia © Shutterstock

#5 Visit the longhouses of Putussibau

Putussibau is the last town in West Kalimantan on the Sungai Kapuas. It is a pleasant, surprisingly sophisticated town with a lively market and an array of accommodation options. There are many impressive longhouse communities, easily accessible from a good road running upstream from the town along the Kapuas. The fabled ‘Cross-Borneo Trek’ passes this way. There are further attractive longhouses off another road that runs north from Putussibau to the Malaysian border, most of which accept guests for overnight stays.

All of the big cities on Kalimantan have a selection of places to stay that range from cheap hostels to luxury, five-star spots that are worth blowing the budget for. Many visitors to Kalimantan will aim to stay on a Dayak longhouse or stay overnight at a forest camp. Away from the big towns, accommodation is a little more basic with homestays and guesthouses par for the course.

Hudoq dance is typical culture of Dayak tribe © Shutterstock

Central Kalimantan

In this area you're likely to be staying on a river boat. However, Pangkalan Bun has a decent range of places to stay, including business hotels near to the airport. Elsewhere, expect basic guesthouses or homestays.

East & North Kalimantan

If you're here to dive, Derawan has a number of great resorts with bungalows that hang over the water. Balikpapan, Berau, and Samarinda all have decent accommodation for most budgets. Beyond these places, guesthouses are your best bet. Most are basic.

South Kalimantan

Most people will stay in Banjarmasin. It has budget and mid-range hotels in the middle of town.

West Kalimantan

South of the river, Pontianak has a lot of accommodation choice. Else, you're likely to be kipping either on a Dayak longhouse or in the forest.

Browse the best places to stay in Kalimantan .

© Janelle Lugge / Shutterstock

There are numerous ways to reach Kalimantan from across Indonesia and from neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia and Brunei. It may work out cheaper to use Kuala Lumpur or Singapore as your long-haul destination rather than Jakarta or Bali . You can then book a flight with a regional budget airline such as AirAsia directly to your final destination in Kalimantan.

Many travellers enter Kalimantan via Balikpapan, which has daily flights from numerous Indonesian cities, as well as ferries from Java. The West Kalimantan gateway is Pontianak, connected by air with Kuching in East Malaysia, as well as major Indonesian cities. Visitors seeking orangutans in Central Kalimantan can fly to Palangkaraya or Banjarmasin. Internal flights link these major cities with various smaller inland towns such as Putussibau.

PELNI ferries call at Banjarmasin on the run between Surabaya and Semarang in Java. There are also PELNI services to Makassar in Sulawesi and to Tarakan in northern East Kalimantan, near the Sabah border. Other ferry ports on Kalimantan include Balikpapan, Kumai (for Tanjung Puting National Park), Pontianak, and Samarinda.

There are buses from Brunei as well as the Sarawak coast and Kuching in Malaysia which go to Pontianak and/or Putussibau. You may need to board a new bus at the border crossing.

As Kalimantan is a large island, which can take some time to move around, you may need several weeks or even a month to visit all of it. With intercity flights, the top highlights and most population destinations can all be covered in a week to 10 days. This would include visiting orangutans in Tanjung Puting National Park, sailing up the Mahakam River, hiking in the Meratus Mountains and staying with the Dayak.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Talk to our Indonesia travel experts .

Where once you would have to travel by river to cross most of Kalimantan, the island now has plenty of ways to get from end to end. There are several airports across the island which are reachable using cheap, domestic airliners. The road network is both expanding and improving (though still limited and in poor condition in places), which means public buses and private minibuses take travellers to most spots.

The Trans-Kalimantan highway extends from Batakan, south of Banjarmasin, to Balikpapan and then to Samarinda. It eventually connects to Bontang and Tarakan. Buses run from Banjarmasin to Balikpapan and Samarinda, as do ‘travel’ (pre-booked door-to-door minibuses or cars). Boats – taksi sungai (river taxi) or bis air (water bus) – are popular forms of transport for short hops, but have largely vanished as a form of long-haul transport.

Most major cities are connected by regional flights in less than an hour. Some flights will go via Jakarta. Cheap, regular and mainly hassle-free, it's a good way to get around. Smaller prop planes are still used in more remote destinations.

By bus or 'travel' (pre-booked minibuses)

Intercity buses in Kalimantan are generally comfortable, modern and ply routes across the country. However, 'travel' (pre-booked door-to-door minibuses or cars) are becoming an increasingly popular way to get around for many Indonesians. Around five times more expensive than long-distance buses, 'travel' are much more convenient and will pick you up from your hotel.

Aksi sungai (river taxi) and bis air (water bus) are two of a variety of watercraft that travel along rivers. For some river trips, it is possible to charter boats. Ask at your hotel.

The best time to visit Kalimantan depends on what you're here to do. The wet season (November to January) means you're unlikely to be hiking, but you'll have a better chance of spotting orangutans as this is when forest fruits tend to grow. Peak season is July to September and it is usually dry with consistent tropical temperatures. This is the best time to go diving in Kalimantan as the visibility is usually better. Note that Kalimantan is largely Islamic and will celebrate Ramadan at some point in April or May (depending on the Islamic calendar) which can close restaurants during the day.

Find out more about the best time to visit Indonesia .

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25 Best Things to do in Kalimantan + Itinerary

Posted on August 31, 2022 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on November 5, 2022

A trip to Kalimantan offers some of the best adventures you can have on earth , from trekking through the jungle to swimming with jellyfish, the island has a lot to offer to nature lovers and adrenaline junkies.

Even if a good part of the island has been destroyed by palm oil and paper industries, there’s plenty of wilderness left to explore. There you’ll find some of the most remote national parks in Indonesia, plenty of opportunities to see wildlife , and the incredible chance to discover the local traditional cultures.

Read on to discover all the adventurous things to do in Kalimantan and the best places to visit and add to your itinerary.

When traveling in Borneo keep in mind that distances between two destinations are usually huge and that most activities are quite expensive. You can travel to Borneo on a budget but you’ll be missing a lot of great adventures.

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Map of the best places to visit in Kalimantan

Kalimantan Travel Tips

• Kalimantan sees few international tourists, try to dress appropriately ( shoulder and knees covered for both men and women ). At the beach, it’s recommended to keep your clothes on if you go swimming. Most locals have probably never seen someone in a bathing suit, they won’t say anything but you’ll definitely look out of place.
• Distances are huge and sights are far apart, if you don’t have three months to spend in Kalimantan, you’ll have to pick only a couple of places and probably fly between them.
• Stay flexible and expect to have to make changes to your itinerary along the way. It’s hard to find information online about boat schedules, for instance, so you’ll just have to show up and ask for the schedule, and there might not be another boat going for a week.
• Don’t rely on Google Maps, many roads are not on it and many places are not at the right coordinates. Just ask your hotel for directions if needed.
• If you don’t speak Indonesian, download Google Translate and download Indonesian, so you can always communicate with locals even if you don’t have wifi.
• You can easily buy a sim card and some data, just note that the data and minutes you buy will only work in Kalimantan.

Best places to visit in North Kalimantan

Bunyu island.

Bunyu Island is a small island consisting of three villages, home to the indigenous Tidung tribe. There you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere and nice beaches to relax on, the main ones are Nibung Beach and Sungai Kura Beach . You can also hire a boat and go island hopping for the day.

Make sure to try Salak, a tasty fruit that is typical of the island.

To reach the island, you can take a speed boat from Tarakan. It takes around an hour.

White Mountain, Tanjung Selor

The white mountain is a popular tourist attraction among locals. You can climb on top for stunning panoramic views and explore the cave at the base of the mountain.

There are also a couple of waterfalls and places you can swim in the river outside of town, as well as nice beaches nearby.

Malinau in itself has nothing much to offer but is a good base to explore the Sesayap River Protected Forest and hike to a couple of nearby waterfalls.

Semolon waterfall is a popular attraction among locals, on the way you can stop by Desa Wisata Setulang , a Dayak traditional village, if you’re lucky you might witness a traditional dance show. Gunung Rian Waterfall is also a must-see with stunning scenery along the way.

Kayan Mentarang National Park

Kayan Mentarang National Park is Indonesia’s largest and most remote National Park, it’s also home to many endangered and endemic species . Getting there is an adventure in itself, as it’s only reachable by a 6-hour boat ride (on good days) along the Mentarang river from Tarakan.

You might also find flights from Samarinda or Tarakan, but you’ll still have to take a boat.

The park is great for hiking and wildlife watching . At the headquarter, they can direct you to a couple of guesthouses to spend the night and you can hire a guide there.

Best things to do in East Kalimantan

Travel up the mahakam river.

Going up the Mahakam river in East Kalimantan is truly a unique experience, the farther you get from the coast the deeper you enter Kalimantan’s wild rainforest. Traveling along the Mahakam river up to the heart of Borneo is the best way to observe the lush jungle and the Dayak culture . It’s also the place where you’ll see the last few remaining Irrawaddy pink dolphins , almost extinct now.

If you are in the area in August, you might want to get tickets to the Erau International Folk and Art Festival . Tribes from all over the world perform during this festival.

Derawan Island and Archipelago

Derawan archipelago is where you switch your hiking shoes for some well-deserved relaxation time, visiting the island is one of the best things to do in Kalimantan.

From the 31 islands you’ll find there, 4 are equipped to welcome tourists. Derawan Island is the most accessible and also the most crowded, mostly by local tourists coming over the weekend.

Maratua Island is more of a peaceful paradise and Sangalaki and Kakaban are wilder, with dense forests.

The Derawan archipelago is one of the best spots in Indonesia for diving and snorkeling . The reefs are incredibly well preserved and the marine life really diverse. Among the most common marine wildlife, you might see barracudas, sharks, mantas, and turtles.

The archipelago is also famous for its jellyfish lake in which you can swim.

Getting to Derawan Island is easy, there’s a regular boat service from Tanjung Redeb in Berau for 100k RP. To other islands, you’ll need to charter a boat and the price can be quite expensive. Same, once you’re in Derawan, the price of island hopping is pretty expensive.

Some hotels offer packages with lower prices, but you’ll still need to have a comfy budget if you want to fully experience the archipelago.

Labuan Cermin Lake

View this post on Instagram A post shared by opentrip derawan (@derawan_travel.id)

Unknown to most international travelers, Labuan Cermin is a beautiful lagoon known for its mirror effect . The place is surreal and quite unique. You can swim and snorkel in the lake.

Getting there is hard, some operators offer the tour from Derawan Island. Otherwise, you’ll need to get to BitukBituk district and then hire a boat to take you there.

Kutai National Park

Home to many sun bears, slow lorises, deer, plenty of small monkeys, and orangutans , among others, Kutai National Park sprawls for some 198,000 hectares of ironwood forest, lakes, and mangroves.

The two main entrance points are Sangkima and Prevab , you can arrange for transportation into the park from both towns. It’s best to arrange the trip via a local travel agency as once you get there you’re more or less in the middle of nowhere.

Beras Basah Island

Just a boat ride away from Bontang, the small island of Beras Basah is a nice place to visit if the weather is nice and you have a couple of hours to kill. The white sanded beach, crystal clear water, and palm trees make for a nice relaxing afternoon.

Balikpapan is one of the larger cities in East Kalimantan and makes a good starting point as you can easily fly there from most places in Indonesia. There, you’ll find several museums, malls, mosques, and natural attractions.

Kemala, Manggar, Lamaru, and Melawai Beaches are popular places to grab a bite, have a drink, and just chill at the beach.

Outside of town, you can visit the Sun Bear Sanctuary and the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary.

RECOMMENDED TOUR – Orangutan, Sunbear, and Mangrove Day Tour

Things to do in South Kalimantan

Nestled in the mountains in southern Borneo, Loksado is the best and most accessible place for trekking. It’s also a good place to observe Bukit Dayak’s culture and traditions, and of course, do some bamboo rafting down the river. While trekking, expect to see numerous waterfalls and several remote Dayak villages.

Floating market in Banjarmasin

Banjarmasin is home to several important floating markets, another unique experience, especially as floating markets are becoming rarer and rarer. You’ll need to leave early morning and arrange for a boat in advance. It’s surprisingly untouristy and the sellers are not all over you. It’s also a good opportunity to try some local fruits.

From Banjarmasin, you can also visit Kaget Island , a protected area known to be home to proboscis monkeys.

Candi Laras Margasari

From Banjarmasin you can take a day trip to visit Candi Laras Margasari . One of the few Hindu temples left on Kalimantan island, dating back to the 12th century.

Pulau Sambergelap

Pulau Sambergelap is known for its pristine beach and beautiful coral reef. The island is a popular weekend day trip destination among locals. You can snorkel there and just relax on the beach or arrange for a diving trip.

To get there, take a speed boat from Kotabaru.

Pelaihari makes a nice stop along the way or day trip from Banjarmasin.

Don’t miss the iconic Rimpi Hills , believed to look like the Windows XP original wallpaper. Gunung Kayangan and Teletubbies Hill also offer nice viewpoints .

Things to do in Central Kalimantan

Sebangau national park.

One of the last remaining peat swamp forests in Borneo, Sebangau National Park is home to around 6000 wild orangutans . The park offers plenty of hiking opportunities , with most trails leading to stunning viewpoints. There are also a couple of lakes to enjoy.

There are 2 ways into the park, driving from Palangkaraya to Kareng Bangkirai, or through the Katingan river.

Palangkaraya

Palangkaraya is the perfect place to take a cruise up into Central Kalimantan on a traditional ‘rangkan’ river boat to see the local fauna and flora.

The city is also home to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation’s Education Centre at Nyaru Menteng, and a couple of great hiking trails leading to stunning viewpoints.

A nice stop along the way, Sampit is known for Pandaran Beach (considered one of the best beaches in Kalimantan) and the Orchid Park at Pembuangan Hulu.

You can also hire a boat and explore the river a bit, locals like to do that to watch the sunset, or head to Danau Salju , a blue lake surrounded by white sand.

Tanjung Puting National Park

Tanjung Puting NP is one of the most famous attractions in Central Kalimantan. There, you’re guaranteed to see semi-wild orangutans. They rehabilitate the babies and after, free them in the jungle. They have feeding time where the orangutans are free to come if they want to or not.

The park is only accessible by boat, the boat ride is epic with many chances to spot wildlife. It’s also a good place for trekking (it’s mandatory to hire a guide). It’s recommended to spend at least two nights at the park if you don’t want to rush.

Beware that the price is relatively high. The cheaper way, if you’re not a large group, is to go through an agency. If you’re planning on going to Sumatra or to the Malaysian part of Borneo you’ll find way cheaper options to see orangutans. Count at least 300 USD for a 3-day 2-night trip.

RECOMMEND TOUR – Orangutan Tour Tanjung Puting 3D2N

Places to visit in West Kalimantan

There are plenty of interesting sights to see in Pontianak, the capital of the West Kalimantan province. Don’t miss the Palace of Kadriyah Sultanate from the 18th century and the West Kalimantan Museum to learn more about the local culture.

Pasir Panjang Beach

One of the nicest beach destinations in West Kalimantan, Pasir Panjang Beach is ideal to relax and unwind for a couple of days. You’ll find a couple of bungalows and small hotels nearby.

Betung Kerihun National Park

Betung Kerihun National Park is located near the border with Malaysia and is part of the Transborder Rainforest Heritage of Borneo. The park is mostly interesting if you want to witness the local Dayak culture and go bird watching.

To get there, head to Matalo where you’ll find one of the park’s offices, they’ll help you arrange for transportation to the park (most of the park is only accessible by boat). It’s better if you go as a group to share expenses.

Danau Sentarum National Park

Danau Sentarum National Park is one of the best places to see wildlife in Kalimantan. The park is mainly constituted of swamps, lowland forests, and seasonal grassland, and is the home to 237 bird and 143 mammal species.

There are two entrance points: Lanjak in the north and Simitau in the south, you’ll need to register at one of them (150k/day). You’ll also need to arrange for a guide (150K/day) and for a boat (400k to 700k/day). The park is inhabited and counts about 20 villages, it’s a good opportunity to do a homestay in one of the longhouses there.

Experiences in Kalimantan

Join the cap goh meh festival in singkawang.

This busy Chinese town holds a colorful ceremony each year during the 15th day of the lunar new year. Famous for its huge night market, classic shophouses and about 1000 temples, the city lighten up for the ceremony where Chinese dragons and lions mix with Dayak holy men.

Surpass yourself with the Cross Borneo Trek

This is the ultimate jungle trekking experience, you’ll need time, money, and strength to achieve this 15-day trek across the Bornean rainforest. It’s a challenge, you’ll need to be physically prepared for this. You’ll also need a good budget since you’ll need to hire a guide and go through an agency.

After going up the Mahakam river, you’ll start the trek at Tiong Ohang, trek across the Muller Mountains, and take a boat down the Kapuas River. The Kapuas Hulu area is great to immerse yourself in the Dayak culture and visit some of the few remaining longhouses in Kalimantan.

A 15-day trek costs about 4000 USD per person (including transportation by boat from the east coast to the starting point and to the west coast from the finish point).

Kalimantan Itinerary

A good idea would be to focus on one area only, unless you have a few weeks.

Banjarmasin would be a good base, you can spend a few days exploring either Tanjung Puting National Park or Sebangau National Park then head to the Derawan Archipelago.

You can also fly to Pontianak and focus on West Kalimantan.

If you can afford it and are short on time, going through an agency would be a good option. They’ll take care of everything for you and things will be less stressful. They’ll adapt to where you arrive and to where you want to go.

If you have a full month, you can just follow the main road that goes along the coast and visit some of the places listed above.

Related posts to help you prepare for your trip:

• Borneo – A 2-week itinerary in Malaysia
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Guide to the Derawan Islands

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Where to See Orangutans

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Best Time to Visit

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Airports in Borneo

Best Hotels in Borneo

Staying at an Iban Longhouse

Driving in Borneo

One Week in Borneo

Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo

Sarawak vs. Sabah

Guide to Kuching

Visiting Kalimantan

Guide to Kalimantan: Planning Your Trip

Fauzan Maududdin / EyeEm / Getty Images

Malaysian Borneo may get a lion’s share of the tourism, but Kalimantan—the Indonesian side—occupies 73 percent of Borneo, the earth’s third largest island ! Kalimantan is also home to the largest population of remaining wild orangutans in the world.

For travelers, fewer visitors in Kalimantan means contending with less traffic in the national parks and enjoying some seriously rewarding adventures. But these experiences don’t always come easily. With less of an international-traveler infrastructure than the more-often visited Malaysian part of the island, you’ll need to learn to navigate the challenges.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kalimantan is generally from June to September. Kalimantan receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, but summer months tend to be drier . Although less rain is obviously a good thing for trekking and exploring, sometimes the rivers used for transportation into national parks can dry up enough to slow boat travel.
• Language: At least 74 languages are spoken in Kalimantan! Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, however, the Banjarese language is widespread. Fortunately, the basic Latin alphabet makes reading signs and menus easier for travelers.
• Currency : Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Prices are usually written with “Rp” or “Rs” before the amount. Other than when making online bookings, plan to pay with cash in most places rather than card.
• Getting Around: With a rugged interior and roads prone to flooding, you’ll need to rely on regional flights for covering long distances. Traveling by boat along rivers is common, especially in national parks. In cities, ojeks (motorbike taxis) are often used for getting around town as are bemos, inexpensive minivans that circulate along routes.
• Travel Tip: You need extra patience and flexibility for moving around Kalimantan. Transportation often becomes delayed, canceled, or overbooked due to mismanagement or weather conditions. Build buffer days into your itinerary.

Things to See and Do

The best things to see and do in usually Kalimantan involve taking advantage of Borneo’s impressive biodiversity and local culture. The national parks and rainforests are home to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and many other types of endangered species. The islands just offshore provide some of the best underwater encounters in the world .

• Enjoy the Derawan Islands: The Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan aren’t easy to reach, but they’re adorned with an astounding amount of marine life. The snorkeling and diving are unforgettable, and the archipelago is one of the largest nesting sites for green sea turtles in the world. Visitors can also go for a surreal swim in brackish lakes that are home to millions of stingless jellyfish.
• See Orangutans : Travelers can float quietly down the dark Sebangau River to see orangutans, gibbons, and other exciting wildlife that live along the banks in Sebangau National Park. The largest population of remaining wild orangutans lives in Kalimantan's treetop canopies. Tanjung Puting National Park is another popular place for spotting orangutans and other wildlife by boat.
• Explore Balikpapan: Borneo is blessed with many natural wonders, but not all of your time has to be spent sweating in the rainforest. Balikpapan is a large, modern city in East Kalimantan that’s home to nice beaches, shopping, and friendly local residents willing to share their culture. When the city begins to feel hectic, there are World War II sites, a mangrove park, and an impressive botanical garden waiting to be explored.
• Visit a Longhouse : You can opt to visit or even stay in a Dayak (indigenous peoples) longhouse on a tour. A stay usually includes a meal, cultural demonstrations, and lots of tuak (palm wine) drinking. Experiences are a mixed bag ranging from touristy to authentic. Generally speaking, the more difficult a longhouse is to reach (many are only accessible by river), the more memorable the experience .

What to Eat and Drink

Seafood lovers are really going to enjoy themselves in Kalimantan where fresh fish (ikan) of all varieties, shrimp (udang), and squid (cumi-cumi) are delicious and inexpensive. Chicken (ayam) and goat (kamping) are also common on menus. Vegetarians can find tempeh , a soybean product that originated in Indonesia hundreds of years ago, on some menus.

Although hot soup may not sound appealing when you’re pretty well atop the equator, local residents do enjoy several different meat-heavy soups (soto) with and without noodles. Homemade sambals are often available for spicing things up, but smell them first: some are made with belacan (shrimp paste), which can come across extra fishy to some people, especially if you've never tried it. Enjoy the many delicious tropical fruits that can be difficult to find at home.

Kalimantan isn’t known for its nightlife. In fact, some entire cities are completely dry or only serve beer to tourists (legally or otherwise). Bintang is the ubiquitous beer found throughout Indonesia; it’s a pale lager produced by Heineken. Tuak is a local spirit created from palm sap by indigenous communities.

Where to Stay

Balikpapan and larger cities have high-rise hotels. You’ll recognize a few of the big chains but many are Asian brands. In smaller areas, you’ll be staying in guesthouses and independently owned hotels. Family homestays with communal areas and shared meals are common. Although guesthouses will probably try to upsell you for national park tours and snorkeling trips, the reception desk is a great place to get information about local events and to book drivers when needed.

With closer proximity to the mainland, tiny Derawan Island has the most accommodation options and the only (sometimes) working ATM in the Derawan chain. If you’re up for taking another boat hop, Maratua Island is generally considered a more attractive place to stay—but accommodation is more expensive. Many of the smaller hotels, particularly on Maratua Island, don’t have online listings. Don’t worry too much if the one or two sizable hotels on booking sites are completely full.

Kalimantan Travel Tips

• The term “Dayak” is used to encompass more than 200 groups of indigenous peoples who live in Borneo. If you know the name of a particular ethnic group you're trying to reference (e.g., “Iban”), use that instead.
• The Erau Festival is an exciting celebration of indigenous culture held every September. Processions in full traditional regalia, feasts, ceremonies, and lots of partying take place. Tenggarong and Samarinda in East Kalimantan are two good places to see the event.
• Finding a working ATM isn’t always possible in remote areas such as base towns for national parks and in the Derawan Islands. You’ll want to stock up on cash when in major hubs. Consider carrying some U.S. dollars that could be exchanged in a pinch . As usual, stick to using ATMs that are attached to bank branches.
• Kalimantan can be a little more challenging for independent travelers than Malaysian Borneo, but that makes the experience feel extra rewarding. Knowing some key words in Bahasa Indonesia helps facilitate making travel arrangements. If you’re short on time or energy, you’ll be best served by taking advantage of local guides , drivers, and tours that can provide a smoother experience. Instead of booking online, wait until you arrive to arrange tours; doing so increases the chance your money will stay in local communities.
• Regional flights on small aircraft are subject to bad weather and overbooking with people and cargo. Much like the local hotels, many of the smaller airlines don’t have an online presence. You’ll need to visit their counter in the airport or book flights through an agent.

Staying Safe

• Although Kalimantan is home to all sorts of potentially dangerous wildlife, the lowly mosquito is actually the most dangerous creature on the island. Take extra precautions to avoid bites , especially at sunset when mosquitoes most often transmit Dengue Fever .
• Drinking homemade arak can be dangerous . Methanol poisoning from consuming homemade spirits kills locals and tourists every year throughout Indonesia.
• Driving a scooter is a great way to get around in Kalimantan, but road conditions are chaotic in many places. Only rent a scooter if you’ve got plenty of experience .

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Kalimantan Tours

At Your Service

Cruise Borneo Rivers

Wonderful Destinations

Jungle orangutan wildlife trips

Visit & Explore the Wildlife Jungles

Dayak Tribe Culture Experience

Meet the Locals

Paradise Beach & Sea destination

Palm beach paradise

Kalimantan Popular Tour Destinations

Tanjung puting wildlife.

Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the great wonders of Borneo. The klotok boat Jungle Cruise is an orangutan wildlife mecca for tourist. The nature reserve is a refuge for Borneo’s 15,000 species of plants, 222 species of mammals, 420 resident birds, and numerous other reptile, amphibian and fish species

Derawan Island

This Derawan Archipelago has several islands as Maratua, Kakaban and Sangalaki are occupied by the native Bajau people, known as the nomadic seamen, living in their traditional villages, and even in the stilt houses build in the sea. The beautiful sea gardens with paradise white beaches and coastal forests make it an ultimate tourist destination

Mahakam River

The Fascinating Mahakam River at Indonesia Borneo Island is the tourist highway route into Kalimantan hinterland. The river from the spring at the mountains in the deep hinterland to the coastal delta, measures almost 1.000 kilometers. Cruise trips brings you to the colorful Culture longhouse Dayak settlements, where the native Borneo people hide in the rainforest

Banjarmasin & Loksado

Banjarmasin known of its culture floating market and river life, has little to the north the Meratus Mountain range Dayak longhouse villages with emarld forest view, the Bamboo Raft adventure downstream the Amandit River are the main tourist attractions.

Teluk Sumbang

Kalimantan 's golden triangle, from adventuring the jungle wildlife, authentic culture, to dive or relax chilling the bounty beach. Teluk Sumbang at the coastal line of Berau regency in East Kalimantan. From the eco lodge you can easy explore the karst jungle, canoeing the mangrove forest, or dive the coral reefs, explore Bajau Tribe of Kaniungan Island

Kutai Park Orangutan

Kutai National Park Tours, Adventure the jungle trails to explore wild orangutans in the tropical rainforest tree tops of Indonesia East Kalimantan province. The Reserve is designed for short expedition hikes to explore the flora and fauna animal species like proboscis monkeys, deer, crocodiles, cloud leopard, marbled cat, Flat head cat, leaf monkeys, macaque, tarsier who hide in the forest of Borneo.

Sebangau Park

Sebangau National Park is located at the Sebangau River south of Palangkaraya, and known of its large population of wildlife including orangutans and agilegibbon. While not far located from Palangkaraya, it is not easy to reach, and need some expertise. The WWF do research and have build accommodation facilities for visitors to contribute the eco-tourism development

Kayan Mentarang

KAYAN MENTARANG NATIONAL PARK COMPRISES THE LARGEST REMAINING BLOCK OF RAINFOREST IN BORNEO AND AS SUCH FORMS AN IMPORTANT REFUGE FOR NUMEROUS ENDEMIC ANIMAL SPECIES. THE CULTURE IS VARIOUS OF ETHNIC DAYAK TRIBES AS KENYAH, AND PUNAN, WHO HAVE CONSERVED THE BIODIVERSITY OF THIS KALIMANTAN MOUNTAIN REGION. DUE THE REMOTE LOCATION, TOURS ARE AN ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Kalimantan Adventure Tours

Visit former Nomadic Punan Dayak tribe

Culture Tribe Experience

Nomadic Dayak Punan Rainforest Hunt Gathering experience in Kalimantan

Meratus Mountain Hike the Cloud Rainforest

Mountain Jungle Trekking

The Meratus mountain is Green Belt of flora and fauna in South Kalimantan.

Explore Upper Mahakam River Rainforest

Remote Dayak Tribe & Jungle

The Upper Mahakam River is a remote area of wild rainforest in Borneo.

Kayan Mentarang Park Adventure Kalimantan

Visit & Explore the Wild Jungle

Kayan Mentarang is an isolated area of 1,600,000 ha of rainforest in Borneo.

Visit the Heart of Borneo trek the virgin Jungle

Off the Beaten Track

Rainforest trek through the heart of Borneo mountain bioregion.

Cross Borneo Rainforest Trek

Remote Adventure Trekking

Cross East to West Borneo through the deep jungle of the Muller Mountains.

Introducing Kalimantan: Your Travel Guide

Split between Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia is the large island of Kalimantan. The Indonesian portion of the island covers the lower two-thirds of Sumatra. The region is undergoing major changes. You can still find traditional Dayak villages in the interior, but coal and mineral mining combined with palm oil plantations has resulted in the destruction of much of the original forests.

Most of the large urban settlements on Sumatra are located on the coast. Cities like Samarinda and Banjarmasin are the business hubs. They are the main ports where minerals, oil and palm oil are exported to other parts of Indonesia. While the hotels are nice, there is not much to do in the cities. Though they are a necessary stop on a trip inland.

The great rivers of Sumatra are the main highways into the interior. The most popular place to arrange a tour is the town of Tanjung Putting. Travel agencies offer overnight trips on a traditional Klotok boat through the national park. These boating holidays are a chance to come face to face with some of the exotic and varied wildlife of the region, including the famed Orang Utans.

Kalimantan is a difficult island to explore, especially if you an’t speak Indonesian. For all its charms it is the exotic islands that surround Kalimantan that attract most of the tourists. Top of the list are the beautiful Derawan Islands where you can swim with stingless jellyfish and depending on the season even whale sharks.

Transport and Infrastructure

Travelling around Kalimantan is difficult. The island is huge and there are few roads inland. In the countryside many of the roads are little more than dirt tracks. Private transport is relatively expensive and outside of the major urban centres the hotels are basic. While exploring Kalimantan is a great adventure, you’ll need a lot of time and patience to get anywhere.

Flying is the most convenient and fastest way to travel around Kalimantan. All of the major cities on the island have large airports. Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier, operates routes between most of the cities. Local companies run many smaller routes into the interior for mining staff.  For low cost carriers we recommend Air Asia or Lion Air.

Kalimantan: Local and City Guides

To help you arrange your trip around Kalimantan we collected a selection of our most useful resources for exploring the island. You can find a variety of city guides, hotel recommendations and itineraries in the links below. We hope you find them useful for arranging your holiday.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/3″] Pontianak Pontianak Travel Guide

Balikpapan Balikpapan Travel Guide [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/3″] Banjarmasin Banjarmasin Travel Guide

Derawan Derawan Travel Guide [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/3″] Cross Borneo Trek How to Arrange your Cross Borneo Trek

Tanjung Puting How to Arrange your Klotok Tour [/su_column] [/su_row]

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Flora and fauna
• 4.2 Climate
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By land
• 6.3 By ferry
• 7 Get around
• 12 Stay safe

Kalimantan is the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo , the third largest island in the world. The Indonesian part covers around 580,000 km 2 (225,000 sq mi) although the vast area is home to only 12 million people, so most of the area, particularly the interior, is very sparsely populated. The vast rainforests in Kalimantan are some of the most bio-diverse areas in the world.

In 2022, Indonesian president Joko Wikdodo announced that Indonesia would be moving its capital from Jakarta to a new purpose-built city called Nusantara in East Kalimantan.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• -1.148889 116.903056 1 Balikpapan — is called Oil City in Indonesia, because most of the major oil & gas companies have offices there
• -3.438903 114.830881 2 Banjarbaru — capital of South Kalimantan
• -3.314429 114.592254 3 Banjarmasin — the biggest city in Kalimantan. Famous for its floating market.
• -2.68333 111.617 4 Pangkalanbun
• -2.21 113.92 5 Palangkaraya — capital of Central Kalimantan
• -0.020556 109.341389 6 Pontianak — capital and culinary centre of West Kalimantan
• -0.502222 117.153611 7 Samarinda — capital of East Kalimantan
• 0.9 108.983333 8 Singkawang — the city of one thousand Chinese temples
• 3.3 117.633333 9 Tarakan — an inshore island and the largest city of North Kalimantan

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 1.7 115 1 Apo Kayan — remote highland plateau inhabited by Dayak tribes
• 2.284167 118.244167 2 Derawan — an offshore island with diving and marine attractions
• -1.24 110.239167 3 Gunung Palung National Park
• -2.7946 115.4953 4 Loksado — the gateway to Meratus mountainous range
• -2.88 111.88 5 Tanjung Puting National Park — home of the famous Bornean Orangutan

Understand [ edit ]

While in Malay and English, Kalimantan is used to refer only to the Indonesian-controlled part of Borneo, the term is used to refer to the entire island of Borneo in Indonesian .

Flora and fauna [ edit ]

The Borneo rainforest is 130 million years old, making it one of the oldest rainforests in the world and 70 million years older than the Amazon rainforest. Borneo is very rich in biodiversity compared to many other areas. There are about 15,000 species of flowering plants with 3,000 species of trees, 221 species of mammals and 420 species of birds. Subject to mass deforestation, the remaining Borneo rainforest is one of the only remaining natural habitats for the endangered Bornean orangutan. It is also an important refuge for many endemic forest species, as the Asian elephant, the Sumatran rhinoceros, the Bornean clouded leopard, and the Dayak fruit bat.

Climate [ edit ]

Kalimantan has an equatorial climate, with the average temperature ranging between 23 and 31°C. The island receives around 300mm of rain per year, with a light rainy season between March and May, and a more intense one between November and January. Rainfall however considerably lower than in many neighbouring parts of Indonesia.

Talk [ edit ]

There are 74 living languages spoken in Kalimantan. Indonesian is the official language, while the Banjar language serves as a lingua franca on much of the island except in West Kalimantan, where Malay is more popular. Other major languages include Dayak (Bornean) and a number of dialects related to the Chinese Hakka and Minnan (Teochew) languages.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

There are several international airports in Kalimantan, with connections to and from Malaysia. In addition, there is a wide array of flight connections to and from other Indonesian islands, mainly Java .

• Supadio Airport ( PNK  IATA ) near Pontianak is the primary airport on the Indonesian side, with international flights from Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia) and domestic flights from Medan and the main cities of Java.
• Syamsudin Noor Airport ( BDJ  IATA ) near Banjarmasin is an airport located in South Kalimantan , with good connections to destinations throughout Kalimantan and Java .
• Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport ( BPN  IATA ) near Balikpapan with domestic flights from many Indonesian cities.
• Samarinda APT Pranoto International Airport ( AAP  IATA )
• Juwata Airport ( TRK  IATA ) near Tarakan servers the northeast of Kalimantan, with a range of domestic destinations.
• Also the airports of Tanjung Redeb ( BEJ  IATA ), Pangkalan Bun ( PKN  IATA ), Ketapang ( KTG  IATA ), Sampit ( SMQ  IATA ), Palangkaraya ( PKY  IATA ) serve destinations on Java island.

By land [ edit ]

The only formal way to enter Kalimantan by land from Malaysia is at the Entikong-Tebedu crossing between West Kalimantan and Sarawak . As the crossing is listed only as a visa-free entry point, nationalities who do not qualify for this will have to apply for visas beforehand. Read more about this in the article about the trip from Pontianak to Kuching or vice versa.

By ferry [ edit ]

There is an international daily ferry connection from Tawau in Sabah, Malaysia, to Nunukan and Tarakan in North Kalimantan province.

Domestic ferry connections to several ports of Kalimantan (Pontianak, Ketapang, Kumai, Sampit, Banjarmasin, Batulicin, Balikpapan, Samarinda, Tarakan, and Nunukan) are operated by PELNI . In almost all cases it is advisable for tourists to fly instead, except perhaps for trips to Kalimantan from relatively nearby islands such as Bangka-Belitung and the Riau Islands .

Get around [ edit ]

Distances on Kalimantan are long and public transport is spotty and expensive. The easiest option may well be to book an arranged tour.

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ], diving [ edit ].

Most diving activities takes place in the Berau Archipelago in the Celebes sea, around the islands of Derawan , Sangaliki and Maratua in East Kalimantan, there are also some less visited dive sites in West Kalimantan , these include Batu Payung and Radayan island in the vicinity of Singkawang and Karimata islands reserve further south, some 100 kilometers of the coast from Ketapang .

Eat [ edit ]

In West Kalimantan , you may eat Chinese-Indonesian cuisine, Malay cuisine, and Dayak cuisine. Banjarese cuisine is easily found in South Kalimantan . When you visit East Kalimantan , you can try local Kutai cuisine.

Drink [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

River boats are known to sink, especially on the Kapuas River. If you travel on a river boat, ensure a life jacket is provided and do not get on a dangerously-overcrowded boat.

Go next [ edit ]

• East Malaysia : Sabah and Sarawak

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Kalimantan Travel Guide

Covering two-thirds of Borneo’s lass mass, Kalimantan is an area of intense natural beauty where visitors are treated to glimpses of a vast range of flora and fauna as they explore.

• Muara Teweh
• Palangka Raya
• Pangkalan Bun
• Sebangau National Park
• Sungai Balantikan
• Sungai Kahayan
• Sungai Lamandau
• Tanjung Puting National Park
• Derawan Islands
• Kayan Mentang National Park
• Kutai National Park
• Sungai Belayan
• Sungai Kedang Kepala
• Sungai Mahakam
• Banharmasin
• Gunung Palung National Park
• Pasar Panjang
• Sungai Kapuas

Introduction

This part of the world is still largely unvisited by tourists, which gives the tourist a strong sense of adventure and mystery. Those wishing to travel deep into the forest will need to hire a guide, preferably combined with a boat trip along the network of waterways that bisect the forest.

There are a number of villages located within the forest, where most of the inhabitants still follow traditional cultural and spiritual practices. For many visitors, Kalimantan offers a rare insight into the true nature of Borneo and the people who live there that can be seen in few other places these days.

Another great way to see some of what the area has to offer is by taking a dawn canoe ride to the floating markets at Banjarmasin. Trekking in Kayan Mentarang National Park is also popular as lucky visitors can glimpse animals such as sun bears, orangutans, macaques and proboscis monkeys.

Kalimantan is a good place for adventure tourism as the unspoilt natural beauty offers a number of surprises such as the rapids of Sungai Mahakam . The Dayak villages offer the chance to interact with the region’s native people and perhaps learn a little about their traditional way of life.

Although it is possible to camp out in the forest, most visitors prefer to stay in the city of Pontianak where there are plenty of good places to stay and restaurants serving a range of different cuisines. This is a good place to use as a base, perhaps spending two or three days to embark on a series of different daytrips.

Getting There & Away

Getting to Kalimantan is rather tricky. The closest access point is Pontianak , where there is an airport with regular flights to Jakarta (2 hours) and Kuching (1 hour). There is also a regular bus service running between Pontianak and Kuching (10 hours). From Pontianak airport, visitors to Kalimantan will need to take a short taxi ride and a longboat through the area itself to see the sights.

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• Central Kalimantan
• East Kalimantan
• South Kalimantan
• West Kalimantan
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Home » Travel Guides » Indonesia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Kalimantan (Indonesia)

15 Best Places to Visit in Kalimantan (Indonesia)

Kalimantan is part of Indonesia and is located on the island of Borneo (which incidentally is Kalimantan in Indonesian). 73% of Borneo is covered by Indonesia and the rest is made up of Malaysia and Brunei. Kalimantan actually means ‘Burning Weather Island’ and derives from the Sanskrit for Kalamanthana as it is located close to the equator and as a result you can expect it to get pretty hot here. If you want to check out the equator in person, then make your way to the city of Pontianak which lies directly over the equatorial line.

The island is the third largest in the world and you will find acres of lush jungles here as well as snaking rivers and rugged countryside. As you would expect, trekking and hiking in the unspoilt rainforests are a favorite pastime here and you can check out all the local flora and fauna such as proboscis monkeys as you do so. Certainly if you want to get back to nature and check out a part of Indonesia that is far less visited by travelers, then Kalimantan is an excellent choice, and is also one of the most beautiful islands in this part of the world.

Here are the best places to visit in Kalimantan :

1. Derawan Island

Derawan Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia and lies off the coast of the main island of Kalimantan.

It is part of its own small archipelago and is one of the best places to dive in and around Kalimantan.

The waters here teem with marine live such as blue ring octopus and scorpion fish, and you can also find bobbing seahorses as well as ghostpipe fish.

There is a famous rock here named the Blue Trigger Wall which is some 18 meters long and sits at 10 meters below the surface of the water and this is one of the top dive spots in Derawan.

2. Balikpapan

Located in Eastern Kalimantan is the city of Balikpapan which is where you will find a more modern side to the island.

As such this is a great place to come if you want to ease into Kalimantan slowly and there are a good range of amenities here as well as a large shopping mall where you can check out how the youth of Kalimantan spend their weekends.

You will also find a number of museums and other attractions here to enjoy and it is also close to more rural areas if you want to explore outside the city.

It is also a good jumping off point if you want to fly within Kalimantan or explore some of the neighboring dive sites.

3. Maratua Island

Maratua Island lies between Indonesia and the Malaysian part of Kalimantan and also belongs to the Derawan Archipelago.

One of the main reasons to come here is to check out the two famous lakes that are found in the area in the form of Tanah Bamban Lake and Hajj Buang Lake.

There is a resort here that is known for its rooms that sit on top of water and the visibility is so good that you can see fish and turtles swimming underneath you.

As you would imagine, water sports abound here and you can enjoy snorkeling and jet skiing, or just rent a boat and check out the scenery from the water.

4. Banjarmasin

Banjarmasin is on Southern Kalimantan and it is also the place where you will find the mighty Meratus Mountains.

The city is bisected by long waterways that you can explore using small local canoes, and this is the perfect place to enjoy a city experience coupled with a strong local culture and traditions.

One of the best things to do is take a canal tour, or you can also visit the main mosque in town called Mesjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin to check out the gorgeous Islamic architecture.

5. Danau Sentarum National Park

The Danau Sentarum National Park is a large area of wetland that stretches for 132,000 hectares.

Much of the park is made up of low level rainforest as well as large peat swamps and this is the place to come if you want to find a large amount of indigenous flora and fauna in one picturesque place.

Some of the wildlife that you can expect here includes orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and crocodiles, or you can also check out pheasants and storks.

As if that wasn’t enough, some of the indigenous groups of Kalimantan also live in the park so you can visit their camps and see how people have lived on this island for centuries.

6. Kakaban Island

Kakaban Island is one of the most famous in Kalimantan and is known for its majestic lake that sits in the center.

The lake is full of graceful jellyfish although they are not poisonous, which means that you can swim with them and take in this amazing spectacle of nature close up.

The jellyfish are made up of two species called Golden Jellyfish and Moon jellyfish and the only other place in the world with a similar phenomenon is in Micronesia, so if you get the chance to visit Kakaban Island then make sure to take a trip to this amazing lake.

7. Kutai National Park

Another one of Kalimantan’s national parks is Kutai National Park which is covered in pristine ironwood forest.

The parks sprawls for some 198,000 hectares and you will find swathes of mangroves here as well as fields of colorful wild orchids.

The park was sadly razed to the ground in 1998 as a result of a devastating forest fire but now much of it has recovered and you will be able to see it restored to its former glory.

It is also the home of sun bears, slow lorises, deer, and orangutans.

8. Mahakam River

The Mahakam River is the longest river in East Kalimantan and is the central backbone of the community here, supplying the area with water and also being one of the ways to travel around the island, much of which is covered in rainforest.

The river is also the home of a species of freshwater dolphin known as ‘pesut’ and you can come here and spot these elegant marine creatures in their local habitat and take a river cruise that will also allow you to check out a huge number of other indigenous species.

9. Tanjung Puting National Park

Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the premium national parks in Kalimantan and it is here that you will find the largest number of elegant orangutans swinging from the trees.

There is a conservation and research center based here and the park is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

It spans 415,040 hectares of land and also has a sister park in adjacent Malaysia.

Just some of the activities that you can enjoy in the park include cruises along the river as well as boat tours where you can check out all the local wildlife and enjoy a leisurely cruise at the same time.

Just some of the animals that call the park home include clouded leopards, mouse deer, sun bears and red monkeys.

Sampit is a town that lies on the Sampit River and there are a range of attractions that you can enjoy in the town.

One of the best is the Pandaran Beach which is next to the mouth of the Sampit River and you can watch the point where the river filters out into the wider sea.

Another key attraction here is the Orchid Park at Pembuangan Hulu which is an area of forest land which, as the name suggests, is covered in pretty and colorful orchids.

11. White Mountain

White Mountain, or Gunung Putih in Indonesian, is located in the Bulungan Regency and is one of the most important peaks in Tanjung Palas.

The reason why people flock here is to hike to the peak of the mountain, and from here you can enjoy clear views across the surrounding countryside.

If you don’t like the idea of a mountain trek then you can explore the underground cave that is also found here and which you can get to via some scenic mountain slopes.

You can explore the area around the mouth of the cave and there are some 42 spotlights inside that will take you part of the way inside the main chamber.

12. Sesayap River Protected Forest

If you are in North Kalimantan then make sure not to miss a trip to the Sesayap River Protected Forest.

The best way to take in the majesty of the forest here is to go on a cruise down the river and you can see all the gorgeous scenery as well as enjoy towering lush trees and giant flowers.

There are also monkeys, snakes, and different hued birds to be enjoyed and this is a protected area of land so you know that the animals that live here are safe and not subject to hunting or poaching.

You can also look out for the Perengat trees here which have a special acidic fruit that is used in a range of natural remedies.

13. Pontianak

Pontianak is the largest city in Kalimantan and has a rather unfortunate name, as ‘pontianak’ is a kind of vampire in Malay.

There is no cause to be alarmed however, and Pontianak sits at the point where two mighty rivers called the Sungai Kapuas and Sungai Landak come together.

Some of the best spots in the city that you can visit include the Istana Kadriyah which is a former royal palace as well as the Museum Negeri Pontianak which is the national museum and a great spot to learn more about the history and culture of the area.

There is also an Equator Monument here and a traditional Dayak Longhouse.

14. Sembuku Sembakung National Park

Sembuku Sembakung National Park is the only place in Kalimantan where you will find elephants and this amazing natural forest stretches over some 400,000 hectares.

It is one of the newest areas of Indonesia to be declared a national park and runs along the border of East Kalimantan.

One of the big draws in the park is the fact that it covers six different areas of land which include mangrove swamps, rolling green hills, and lush forests.

15. Bunyu Island

Bunyu Island in Bulungan in North Kalimantan is one of the best places to see some local culture and also try the local food.

Bunyu is made up of three distinct villages which are home to the indigenous Tidung tribe of Kalimantan.

The island is also known for its famous fruit called salak which is one of the best and most delicious indigenous fruits in Indonesia, so make sure that you try some when you visit.

Other good spots to visit here include pretty Nibung Beach and you will also find beach clubs and even a golf course here, or you can island hop around the area in a speedboat.

15 Best Places to Visit in Kalimantan (Indonesia):

• Derawan Island
• Maratua Island
• Banjarmasin
• Danau Sentarum National Park
• Kakaban Island
• Kutai National Park
• Mahakam River
• Tanjung Puting National Park
• White Mountain
• Sesayap River Protected Forest
• Sembuku Sembakung National Park
• Bunyu Island

A Glimpse of Kalimantan: The Exotic Beauty of Borneo

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Kalimantan’s beauty shines in its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife like orangutans and gibbons, and fascinating Dayak cultures. Immerse yourself in vibrant green landscapes, encounter gentle giants and exotic birds, and discover ancient traditions in harmony with nature. Explore from trekking the rainforest to cruising the Mahakam River, all while respecting this precious ecosystem. Kalimantan awaits!

Topography and Geology

Biodiversity, human history and cultures.

Some   Kalimantan   Travel Highlights

• Orangutan Sanctuary: Visit Tanjung Puting National Park to witness orangutans in their natural habitat and explore the parks riverine landscapes.
• Floating Markets: Experience the vibrant floating markets of Banjarmasin, where locals trade fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts from boats.
• Meratus Mountains Trek: Embark on a trek through the lush Meratus Mountains, encountering unique flora, fauna, and indigenous Dayak communities.
• Kapuas River Expedition: Take a river expedition along the Kapuas River to explore remote villages and witness traditional Dayak culture.
• Peat Swamp Adventure: Venture into the mysterious peat swamps of Kalimantan to discover unique plant and animal life.
• Derawan Islands: Explore the Derawan Islands, a pristine archipelago known for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life.
• Cultural Encounters: Engage in cultural exchanges with indigenous Dayak communities, learning about their traditions and way of life.
• Mahakam River Cruise: Embark on a river cruise along the Mahakam River, visiting traditional Dayak villages and experiencing their unique ceremonies and art.

Explore and enjoy the diverse culture, nature and uniqueness of Kalimantan

Pangkalan bun, floating market, mahakam river.

Kalimantan’s topography is a diverse and stunning canvas, featuring a mosaic of landscapes that range from lush rainforests to rugged mountains and meandering rivers.

The island is known for its pristine natural beauty, which is deeply intertwined with its geological history. A significant portion of Kalimantan’s land is covered by dense tropical rainforests, contributing to its status as one of the world’s last great wildernesses.

The island is crisscrossed by countless rivers, including the mighty Kapuas River, one of the largest in Indonesia. The extensive river systems are a lifeline for the island’s inhabitants and are often used as transportation routes through the interior.

The geological history of Kalimantan is marked by ancient mountain ranges and volcanic activity. The Meratus Mountains in South Kalimantan and the Muller Mountain Range in East Kalimantan provide a rugged and picturesque backdrop for exploration.

These landscapes offer numerous trekking and hiking opportunities , revealing stunning vistas of untouched wilderness.

Kalimantan is a biodiversity hotspot, renowned for its extraordinary range of flora and fauna. The island’s diverse ecosystems, from lowland rainforests to montane forests and peat swamps, support a vast array of species, many of which are endemic and unique to the region.

The rainforests of Kalimantan are home to iconic wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards, and pygmy elephants. The island’s rivers and waterways are inhabited by crocodiles, freshwater dolphins, and diverse fish species. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting the magnificent hornbills, kingfishers , and countless other avian species.

Two of the most celebrated inhabitants of Kalimantan’s rainforests are the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) one of three species, and Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus). Tanjung Puting National Park in South Kalimantan, serves as a sanctuary for both of these marvelous primates.

Kalimantan’s peat swamps are also ecologically significant, providing habitat for unique plant species and rare animals such as the Bornean peat swamp frog . The island’s mangrove forests along its coastline further contribute to its rich biodiversity.

Kalimantan’s human history is as varied as its landscapes. The island has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Dayak tribes , each with its own distinct cultures, languages, and traditions.

These communities have historically lived in harmony with the natural environment, relying on hunting, gathering, and shifting agriculture. The Dayak tribes are known for their intricate art, such as woodcarvings and beadwork, and their unique longhouses, which serve as communal dwellings.

These longhouses, constructed using traditional methods, offer a glimpse into the indigenous way of life. Kalimantan’s history also includes the influence of external powers, with various kingdoms and sultanates having left their mark on the region over the centuries.

The influence of Islam can be seen in the architecture and customs of the coastal areas, while the indigenous Dayak cultures continue to thrive in the interior.

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Kalimantan travel guide

Kalimantan is Indonesia’s name for its two-thirds share of Borneo, the world’s fourth-largest island (after Australia, Greenland and New Guinea). Borneo’s north coast comprises Malaysia’s Sarawak and Sabah, and the tiny independent oil-rich Brunei sultanate. Kalimantan, with an area of 540,000 sq km (200,000 sq miles), represents nearly 30 per cent of Indonesia’s land area, but is occupied by barely six per cent of the population.

Although the name Kalimantan may be unfamiliar, many of us have notions about Borneo: impenetrable jungles concealing Dayaks – the former head-hunting tribes with long earlobes – and dangerous wild animals may leap to the minds of romantics; the plight of endangered orang-utans evokes passionate conversation among animal-lovers; and forest degradation catches the attention of global warming-watchers.

From Kalimantan’s hinterland of low-altitude mountain ranges great rivers cascade, serving as crucial “highways” for hundreds of kilometres, as well as channels of communication between the people of the interior and those on the coast. Particularly in the east, where infrastructure is better developed, the rivers attract tourists who want to travel deep into jungle regions to visit the Dayak tribes. 

Tanjung Puting National Park’s orang-utans are Kalimantan’s biggest tourist draw. They were perhaps first brought to the world’s attention by Birute Kaldikas, who started studying them at Camp Leakey in the 1970s; this is the most accessible area for wildlife-viewing, and as the nature-loving world continues efforts to protect some of the planet’s oldest forests, interest in the furry red apes isn't likely to wane.

Places to visit in Kalimantan

Central and West Kalimantan

Central and West Kalimantan are both huge provinces that are rarely visited by tourists due to poor infrastructure and lack of promotional effort by the tourist industry. Although Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, is a busy trading centre, its equivalent in Central Kalimantan, Palangkaraya, isn’t much more than a small government administrative town. For both provinces the major industries involve deforestation – logging, palm oil and mining – placing them under the watchful eye of a carbon emissions-oriented world.

For adventurous souls, the still-extensive rainforests that survive in both areas hold many attractions. Six national parks protect remaining habitats, with orang-utans bringing the most international attention. But there are many more endangered species to search for, such as sun bears, Malayan tapirs, clouded leopards, a wide variety of gibbons, proboscis monkeys, tarsiers and slow lorises. Crocodiles and false gharials swim the rivers that criss-cross both regions, while pythons sun themselves in trees and hornbills soar above forest canopies.  

Dayak tribes, who have their own deep-seated cultural heritage, also attract tourists. The Ngaju of Central Kalimantan, for example, held so fiercely to their religion,  Kaharingan , that they fought the Indonesian government and won the right to have it acknowledged as one of the country’s officially recognised faiths. So strong is the Dayak influence in Central Kalimantan that the province also recognises their traditional laws. In West Kalimantan, many Dayak tribes live in the upper reaches of the Kapuas river and deep within the isolated national parks.

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Kalimantan Travel Guide

Your Kalimantan Travel Guide, famous for its great rivers, tropical rainforests, and the equator monument. This icon of Kalimantan became a magnet for those who want to enjoy the true tropical nature of Indonesia. A number of rivers with the title of “longest” and the tropical rain forest which is the third of seven major ozone fastener forest in the world is an amazing natural wealth of Kalimantan.

Investigate the famous rivers of kalimantan. From the top of a traditional boat, you’ll be presented with the charm of the rivers that become the vein of life for its people. In the rivers, it begins civilization.Floating houses or Lanting neatly lined up along the banks of the river, prepared to handle the ebb and flow of river water.

No less charming are forests , unspoiled by human hands. Explore the authenticity of the National forests which are decorated trees as high as 50 meters and reaches the age of 150 years. Various types of plants and rare animals can be found in the depths of this jungle.

Make sure you witness firsthand the Equator monument that stands firmly in the center of the city of Pontianak. Equator monument represents the pride of the community for their region as one of the places in the world passed by the Equator line. Make yourself as part of the lucky people who witnessed the incident of culmination point of the Sun.

Stop at the Thousand Islands River and you will be amazed with the amazing charm. Enjoy every inch of its beauty and feel the hospitality of the Dayak community that is always ready to welcome you warmly. Make your adventure trail in Kalimantan as unforgettable memories that always makes you compelled to return.

Kalimantan Places of Interest

• Tanjung Puting National Park
• Derawan and Sangalaki Islands
• Floating Market Lok Baintan

Read also : Central Kalimantan Travel Guide East Kalimantan Travel Guide

Kalimantan Population

The development of tourism in Kalimantan is suported by the friendly and warm attitude of the community in welcoming each newcomer. The arrival of the guests to the Dayak land has significant meanings and realized in the form of dance welcome. The Gong Dance perormed by Dayak Salako and dances from the girls Dayak Kayan Hulu illustrates the friendliness and sincerity in accepting guests.

Local wisdom taught them to respect and tolerate diversity of cultures and beliefs. This is evident from the provision of special dishes are halal place for the newcomers during the ceremony ijambe, especially Muslim immigrants. Because, typically, these ceremonies serve pork. Local knowledge is a provision harmonious life of the Dayak and other community groups.

Kalimantan Culinary

Travel to Kalimantan, is incomplete if you did not taste the typical culinary. You can hunt all over Kalimantan to find tounge-shaking foods. One of the unique snacks that are quite rare is Kenta. This Dayak typical food is made from sticky rice that was delicious with a mixture of grated coconut and water and a little sprinkling of sugar. Typically, these snacks can be found at local art festival performances.

Feel the sensation of Soto Banjar are eaten in the middle of the Floating Market. It gives incomparable pleasure from a bowl of soup mixed with rice or lead-wraped rice. You should taste is Singkawang Beef Rice Porridge, Pontianak Style Spicy Porridge, and bird’s nest soup. Enjoy the delights of Vegetable Umbut rattan sticks rattan intriguing tongue with a sour taste, sweetness, and bitterness.

Satisfied in enjoying Kalimantan culinary deight, you can aso bring little taste for relatives at home. Deer jerky, duck jerky, amplang, shredded fish meat, cracker base, aloe vera ‘dodol’, and bingke can be selected for your memento.

Kalimantan Tour Package

The island of Borneo is one of the major islands in Indonesia. This island is even the third largest island in the world. In the colonial era, Borneo was given the nickname Borneo, so until now the nickname was still attached.

Borneo itself is very famous for rivers that pass through its territory. Therefore, besides Borneo, the other nickname is Thousand Rivers Island. These rivers are also one of the Kalimantan points of interest. but of course there are many other interesting things that become Borneo tourist attractions such as orangutans, mangrove forest, the wildlife, and many more.

If you are interested in visiting Kalimantan, we have several interesting packages for Kalimantan travel. Our packages are divided into two part that is to visit East Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan. For the Central Kalimantan, we have main destination such as the Kalimantan orangutan tours, visiting the Dayak or local people, and see other wildlife in some river. While for East kalimantan, our focus is on Derawan island (diving spot), Sangalaki (swimming with jelly fish), and Maratua (snorkeling with Manta rays).

The recommended package from us is 4 days 3 nights Ourangutan Tanjung Puting tour and 3 days 2 nights Derawan Maratua Sangalaki Kakaban tour. To come to Kalimantan you can use airlines and arrived at Kalimantan airport. From there, we will picked you up to continue the trip to any destination in the package.

Read also : Kalimantan Tour Package

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Kalimantan Tours Activity Borneo

K a l i m a n t a n.

The Passion For Adventure Travelers

Indonesian Borneo Island

If you are looking for a beyond travel guide book adventure, or off the beaten track jungle trails, Kalimantan is the top holiday destination: much bigger, wilder and less touristic chunck of Borneo.

Borneo Island is the land of Dayak tribes and lush rainforests containing some of the richest flora and fauna in the world. The Indonesian part of Borneo is called “Kalimantan” and covers about two-thirds of the island. The northern part of Borneo Island consists of Malaysian Sabah & Sarawak and the tiny oil-rich sultanate, Brunei.

Kalimantan has an intriguing history of sultanates and indigenous Dayak tribes, with a wealth of ecological and cultural treasures that survive deep within the rainforests of the world’s third's largest island. With its legacy of Chinese, Malay, Hindu, Muslim, and Dutch influences, there is a virtual mosaic of traditions flourishing in the bustling seaports and riverside cities to be discovered.

• Kalimantan Travel Tips

Expect The Unexpected

Even with today's airstrips and boat connections, the Dayak territory of Indonesian Borneo island, is still among the most inaccessible on earth. For adventurers and solitude seekers, Borneo Island is a glorious tourism spot, just far enough from Bali as you could ever hope to get an off the beaten track culture and jungle wildlife experience. Our Tours and Trips are a collection of explorations of dream journeys that reflect our particular places. We created these expeditions for those who are adventures with patients and seek to expect the unexpected, those will enjoy the unforgettable tour experiences of cultures and nature. Due of Kalimantan ‘s wild terrain and field conditions, we recommend participants to use a travel insurance.

Kalimantan Flora & Fauna

Explore Borneo 's green gold

The flora and fauna of Kalimantan’s montane and lowland forests is amazing and each is an important genetic resource and wildlife habitat. The "green gold" exploitation that began in the late 1960s has destroyed more than half its forests, but a turning point is in process since 2001. Now the Indonesian government and the local people preserve and understand the beauty and wealth of Kalimantan's tropical forests for tourism activities. World travel guidebooks turned travellers to visit the rehabilitation centres in Kalimantan. Fortunately, recent research survey information draw a brighter picture of forests in good shape and detected an upwards wild animal jungle population including the endangered orangutan.

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Join Us For a Once-In-A-Life-Time Tour Kalimantan Borneo Adventure Trip !

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Discover the Natural Wonders of famed Tanjung Puting and Sebangau Orangutan National Parks from our comfortable boats. Relax on board while navigating the Majestic Rivers of Central Kalimantan. Every cruise benefits local Communities and Foundations.

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Tanjung puting national park & camp leakey cruise.

This cruise into the famed orangutan National Park is aboard our air conditioned boats, The Sekonyer and the Kumai, uniquely offering join in cruises on boats with air conditioned, ensuite cabins and our famous food.

Orangutan & Dayak Village River Cruise

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Want to glimpse a wild orangutan? This is your opportunity to try, on a cruise along the majestic Katingan River. An adventurous experience where few other tourists venture.

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Provides the perfect way for families, friends or businesses to cruise on board luxurious river boats, looking for a special experience to see the iconic orangutan in its native habitat. Our boats have different capacities and our programs tailored for your group

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Hino Bus RM 280 ABS Tenagai Armada PO Yessoe Travel Terjang Jalur Kalimantan

Unit bus terbaru Hino, Hino Bus RM 280 ABS layani kelas Excellent Plus baru PO Yessoe Travel

Diperbarui 29 Apr 2024, 06:12 WIB Diterbitkan 29 Apr 2024, 06:12 WIB

Liputan6.com, Pangkalan Bun - PO Yessoe Travel, perusahaan otobus asal Kalimantan Tengah yang melayani trayek antarprovinsi, baru saja menerima 5 unit armada baru yang didasari sasis  Hino Bus RM 280 ABS.

Penyerahan dilakukan langsung oleh Santiko Wardoyo, COO dan Direktur PT Hino Motors Sales Indonesia (HMSI) kepada Soebahagio selaku Direktur Utama PO Yessoe Travel di Kantor Pusat PO Yessoe Travel Kotawaringin Barat, Kalimantan Tengah, Kamis (25/4/2024).

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Unit bus  tersebut akan melayani kelas Excellent Plus baru PO Yessoe Travel dengan dukungan bodi Avante H8 dari Karoseri Tentrem yang dilengkapi sekat bagian depan antara pengemudi dan penumpang, dimana terdapat 32 kursi ergonomis dengan  leg rest  untuk mendukung kenyamanan perjalanan jauh bus Antar Kota Antar Provinsi (AKAP).

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Seluruh unit baru ini berkelir hitam dengan riasan grafis livery oranye bergambar Talawang, alias perisai khas Suku Dayak yang menjadi identitas PO asal Pangkalan Bun ini.

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Hino Bus RM 280 ABS merupakan bus teranyar Hino yang dirancang khusus untuk Indonesia. Bus ini dilengkapi mesin diesel common rail Euro 4 hemat bahan bakar, suspensi udara yang nyaman, sistem pengereman ABS canggih, dan sasis  space frame  yang memuat desain bagasi tembus untuk mengakomodir kapasitas volume ±9.000 liter.

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Sekilas Tentang Yessoe Travel

PO Yessoe Travel adalah salah satu perusahaan transportasi darat terdepan di Kalimantan Tengah, yang berdiri sejak tahun 1991 yang hingga kini melayani berbagai rute di Kalimantan Tengah hingga Kalimantan Selatan dengan berbagai pilihan kelas, mulai dari ekonomi,  executive  hingga  excellent .

Hino berani melayani PO di Kalimantan Tengah berhubung saat ini produsen kendaraan niaga tersebut memiliki Part Depo di Sampit, Kalimantan Tengah untuk menjamin ketersediaan suku cadang mereka di seluruh provinsi Kalimantan.

"Bagi customer setia Hino di Kalimantan Tengah, tidak perlu khawatir. Sebagai dealer resmi, kami selalu mendukung operasional bisnis pelanggan Hino, kami siap membantu memberikan layanan Total Support baik itu servis dan suku cadang. Karena kami memiliki jaringan dealer yang tersebar di Kalimantan Tengah, yaitu di Sampit, Pangkalan Bun, Palangka Raya, dan Muara Teweh" tutup Yoga Swara, Branch Manager Automobil Prima.

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