Kalimantan Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs in Kalimantan, Indonesia. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip.


Introduction to Kalimantan

Kalimantan is the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, which is the third-largest island in the world. It is located in Southeast Asia and shares borders with Malaysia and Brunei. Kalimantan comprises four provinces, including East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan. The island is known for its verdant jungle forests, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural heritage. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs of Kalimantan.

List of Places to Visit in Kalimantan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Museum Mulawarman (Samarinda, East Kalimantan)
  2. Palace of the Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara (Tenggarong, East Kalimantan)
  3. Dayak Longhouses (among the tribes in West and Central Kalimantan)
  4. Benuaq Heritage Museum (Sangatta, East Kalimantan)
  5. Sanggam Museum (Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan)

Natural Attractions of Kalimantan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Tanjung Puting National Park (Central Kalimantan)
  2. Derawan Islands (East Kalimantan)
  3. Mahakam River (East Kalimantan)
  4. Mount Meratus (South Kalimantan)
  5. Bukit Raya National Park (Central Kalimantan)

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kalimantan

  1. Mount Kinabalu (East Kalimantan)
  2. Mount Merabu (Central Kalimantan)
  3. Mahakam River Trek (East Kalimantan)
  4. Cempaka Diamond Mines (South Kalimantan)
  5. Bukit Raya Trek (Central Kalimantan)

Best Things to Do in Kalimantan: Activities and Tours

  1. Jungle trekking and wildlife spotting in Tanjung Puting National Park.
  2. Exploring the underwater world in Derawan Islands.
  3. Visiting the traditional Dayak longhouses in West and Central Kalimantan.
  4. Exploring the diamond mines in Cempaka, South Kalimantan.
  5. River cruising on the Mahakam River, East Kalimantan.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kalimantan

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Balikpapan, the capital of East Kalimantan and transfer to Samarinda.
Day 2 Visit the Museum Mulawarman and explore Samarinda.
Day 3 Travel to Sangatta and explore Benuaq Heritage Museum.
Day 4 Hike the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan.
Day 5 Journey to the Borneo Jungle and explore Tanjung Puting National Park.
Day 6 Travel to Derawan Islands and enjoy the beach.
Day 7 Return to Balikpapan for your departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Kalimantan

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Nasi Kuning (yellow rice)
  2. Ayam Goreng Kalasan (fried chicken)
  3. Soto Banjar (chicken soup)
  4. Sate Banjarmasin (grilled chicken skewers)
  5. Ikan Bakar (grilled fish)

Local Beverages

  1. Bir Bintang (local beer)
  2. Teh Tarik (pulled tea)
  3. Kopi Luwak (civet coffee)
  4. Sarsi (sarsaparilla soda)
  5. Teh Susu Jahe (ginger milk tea)

Where to Stay in Kalimantan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Swiss-Belhotel Balikpapan (East Kalimantan)
  2. Gran Senyiur Hotel (East Kalimantan)
  3. Aston Samarinda Hotel & Convention Center (East Kalimantan)
  4. Mercure Banjarmasin (South Kalimantan)
  5. Hotel NEO Palma Palangka Raya (Central Kalimantan)

What to Buy in Kalimantan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Dayak handicrafts (Central and West Kalimantan)
  2. Diamonds (South Kalimantan)
  3. Batik Sarawak (Central Kalimantan)
  4. Traditional woven cloth (East Kalimantan)
  5. Dried fish (East Kalimantan)

Local Culture and Customs of Kalimantan

Kalimantan is home to various Dayak ethnic groups who follow their traditional lifestyle and beliefs, which include animism and shamanism. Visitors can witness traditional ceremonies, such as the Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival) and Adat Dangdut (Traditional Dance) in Central Kalimantan. It is important to respect local customs and traditions when visiting Kalimantan.

Best Time to Visit Kalimantan

The best time to visit Kalimantan is during the dry season, which is from May to September. This is the best time to explore the outdoor natural attractions and hike the mountain trails. The wet season, from October to April, can be challenging due to heavy rainfall and flooding in some areas.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kalimantan

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Learn some basic Indonesian language.
  3. Keep an open mind and be adventurous.
  4. Wear appropriate clothing in the religious and cultural sites.
  5. Use mosquito repellent when exploring the jungle.

Don’t:

  1. Touch the head of a local person.
  2. Point fingers or feet at people or holy things.
  3. Wear revealing clothing in public places.
  4. Litter in the natural and cultural sites.
  5. Disrespect people’s religion or beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kalimantan

Kalimantan is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should pay attention to their surroundings and take typical precautions. There have been reports of petty crimes in some urban areas, so visitors should exercise caution when carrying valuables. It is also advisable to use a local guide when exploring the countryside.

Health in Kalimantan

Visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, by using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing. It is also advisable to drink bottled water and avoid consuming raw food in the rural areas of Kalimantan.

Getting to Kalimantan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kalimantan

  1. Sepinggan International Airport (Balikpapan, East Kalimantan)
  2. Ahmad Yani International Airport (Pontianak, West Kalimantan)
  3. Syamsudin Noor International Airport (Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan)
  4. Tjilik Riwut Airport (Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan)

Bus Stations Near Kalimantan

  1. Sungai Lilin Bus Station (East Kalimantan)
  2. Mitra Sejati Bus Station (West Kalimantan)
  3. Landasan Ulin Bus Station (South Kalimantan)
  4. Pahandut Bus Station (Central Kalimantan)

Other Options

Visitors can take the ferry from Malaysia or Brunei to Kalimantan’s ports. There are also river cruise options for exploring the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan.

How to Get Around in Kalimantan

Transportation options in Kalimantan include car rentals, taxis, buses, and boats. Visitors can use local guides and tours to explore the more remote areas. It is also possible to explore the natural attractions on foot or by bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Kalimantan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Bali, Indonesia
  2. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  3. Singapore
  4. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
  5. Kuching, Malaysia

Conclusion

Kalimantan is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, offering natural wonders, cultural heritage, and unique experiences. With its diverse flora and fauna, traditional villages, and natural outdoor adventures, Kalimantan is an excellent destination for any traveler looking for a unique and exciting experience. This comprehensive guide to Kalimantan will help you plan your visit and make the most of your time on the island.



    Central Kalimantan
    East Kalimantan
    South Kalimantan
    West Kalimantan