Kalimantan, Indonesia Travel Guide

Explore the untamed beauty of Kalimantan, Indonesia's wild heart, where lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultures await your discovery.

Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness. This vast region is covered by dense rainforests, home to an incredible array of wildlife including the iconic orangutans. As you travel through Kalimantan, you'll have the opportunity to explore lush jungles, winding rivers, and traditional Dayak villages that offer a glimpse into the island's ancient heritage. One of the must-visit attractions in Kalimantan is the Tanjung Puting National Park, famous for its orangutan rehabilitation centers. Here, you can take a boat ride through the park’s meandering rivers, witnessing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. The park is also a sanctuary for other wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and a variety of bird species. For those interested in culture, a visit to a Dayak longhouse is a unique experience. These traditional wooden houses are home to the indigenous Dayak people, who are known for their intricate tattoos, wood carvings, and vibrant festivals. Engaging with the Dayak community offers a deep dive into their traditions and way of life, which have been preserved for centuries. Kalimantan's bustling cities like Balikpapan and Pontianak provide a contrast to its wild interiors, offering modern amenities, local markets, and a chance to sample delicious Indonesian cuisine. The region's markets are a sensory delight, brimming with exotic fruits, spices, and handmade crafts that make perfect souvenirs.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kalimantan.

Bring insect repellent as the rainforest is home to many insects.
Wear light, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes for jungle treks.
Try to learn a few basic Indonesian phrases to communicate with locals.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting Dayak villages.
Carry sufficient cash as ATMs might not be available in remote areas.

Top City Travel Guides in Kalimantan

The cities of Kalimantan, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Balikpapan

Destinations in Kalimantan

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Tanjung Puting National Park

Pulau Derawan

Tana Toraja

Explore Kalimantan: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Kalimantan

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Menara Pandang Banjarmasin

Discover the breathtaking views and rich culture at Menara Pandang Banjarmasin, an iconic city park and tourist attraction in South Kalimantan.

4.5

KIRAM PARK

Explore Kiram Park: A National Reserve in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, Offering Lush Landscapes and Diverse Wildlife for Nature Lovers.

4.3

Kum Kum Taman Wisata Palangka Raya

Discover tranquility and adventure at Kum Kum Taman Wisata Palangka Raya, a natural oasis in Central Kalimantan, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.

4.1

Sungai Batu Sei Gohong

Experience the serene beauty of Sungai Batu Sei Gohong, a tranquil river oasis in Central Kalimantan, perfect for nature lovers and adventurous spirits alike.

4.2

Best landmarks in Kalimantan

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Best Landmarks

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Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Experience the rich cultural diversity of Indonesia at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a captivating park featuring museums, gardens, and traditional performances.

4.6

Monas

Experience the breathtaking views and rich history at Monas, Jakarta's iconic national monument and a symbol of independence.

4.6

Prambanan Temple

Explore the stunning Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the beauty of Hindu architecture and rich cultural heritage in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

4.7

Tanah Lot

Discover the breathtaking beauty and cultural significance of Tanah Lot, Bali's iconic sea temple, where stunning sunsets meet spiritual heritage.

4.6

Best restaurants in Kalimantan

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Best Restaurants

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Ocean's Resto Balikpapan

Discover fresh and delicious seafood at Ocean's Resto Balikpapan - where flavor meets sustainability in East Kalimantan.

4.4

Bondy Bakery & Restaurant

Discover the rich flavors at Bondy Bakery & Restaurant - where seafood meets pastry perfection in Balikpapan.

4.5

Semua Senang (Pak Siyo)

Experience authentic Indonesian flavors at Semua Senang (Pak Siyo), where every dish tells a story of tradition and taste.

4.4

Effronte

Discover the exquisite flavors of Banjarmasin at Effronte - where culinary excellence meets elegant ambiance.

4.5

Best bars in Kalimantan

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Best Bars

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Celcius Club.Lounge & KTV

Discover the energetic nightlife of Samarinda at Celcius Club.Lounge & KTV, where great drinks and karaoke await you.

4.5

Heart Of Borneo (HOB)

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Heart of Borneo, a unique bar and restaurant in Balikpapan offering delicious cuisine and refreshing cocktails.

4.5

Nasa Luxury Club Karaoke

Sing your heart out at Nasa Luxury Club Karaoke, the ultimate destination for music lovers in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

4.3

Nashville HBI boec

Experience the vibrant nightlife and delicious dining at Nashville HBI Boec, the premier pub and cafe in Banjarmasin.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Kalimantan

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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All Nightclubs

Celcius Club.Lounge & KTV

Experience the ultimate nightlife at Celcius Club.Lounge & KTV in Samarinda, where great music, delicious drinks, and karaoke fun await.

4.5

Dejavu Kitchen, Bar & Ktv Samarinda

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Dejavu Kitchen, Bar & KTV Samarinda, where delicious food meets live entertainment and karaoke fun.

4.2

TOWN CLUB BALIKPAPAN

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Balikpapan at Town Club, where live music, karaoke, and a lively bar atmosphere await you.

4.9

Armani Executive Club

Discover the luxury nightlife experience at Armani Executive Club in Banjarmasin, where music, drinks, and vibrant energy unite for unforgettable nights.

4.3

Best shops in Kalimantan

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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Duta Mall Banjarmasin

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Duta Mall Banjarmasin, featuring diverse stores, dining options, and entertainment for everyone.

4.4

Ayani Megamal

Experience the vibrant shopping scene at Ayani Megamal, Pontianak’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

4.5

Singkawang Grand Mall

Shop, dine, and unwind at Singkawang Grand Mall, the ultimate shopping destination in West Kalimantan, offering a blend of local culture and modern convenience.

4.4

Toko Kalimantan Souvenir (Oleh - Oleh Tarakan)

Discover the essence of Kalimantan at Toko Kalimantan Souvenir, where local crafts and culture come alive in a vibrant shopping experience.

4.8

Explore Kalimantan on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kalimantan, mapped for you.

Kalimantan Essentials

Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, is accessible through several major cities. The main entry points are Balikpapan (Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport), Banjarmasin (Syamsudin Noor Airport), and Pontianak (Supadio Airport). International flights often connect through Jakarta, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur before reaching these airports. Domestic flights are frequent and offer connections from various parts of Indonesia. Additionally, ferries operate between Java and Kalimantan, offering a scenic route for those preferring sea travel.
In Kalimantan, transportation options include buses, taxis, and rented cars. Public buses and minibuses (angkot) connect most towns and cities, though schedules can be irregular. Taxis are available in urban areas and are generally affordable. Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring remote areas but be prepared for varying road conditions. For river travel, which is common in Kalimantan, speedboats and traditional longboats (klotok) are popular choices. In cities like Balikpapan and Banjarmasin, ride-hailing apps such as Gojek and Grab are also available.
The official currency in Kalimantan is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to remote areas. Currency exchange services are available at airports and major banks.
Kalimantan is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are necessary. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While most regions are safe, it is recommended to avoid the border areas near Malaysia in West Kalimantan due to occasional security issues. Stay updated on local news and follow advice from local authorities.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Major cities have hospitals and medical facilities with English-speaking staff. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in urban areas for minor health issues. For more serious conditions, evacuation to Jakarta or another major city may be necessary.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques and temples. Public Transport: Do be patient and polite. Don't expect strict adherence to schedules. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. Handshakes are common, but use both hands to show respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Kalimantan like a local, visit traditional markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region, including the rainforests, rivers, and wildlife. For a unique experience, take a river cruise on a traditional klotok boat to see orangutans in their natural habitat.

When is the best time to visit Kalimantan?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kalimantan

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kalimantan. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat tin-gal]
- YesYa
  [ya]
- NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
- Please/You're welcomeSilakan/Sama-sama
  [si-la-kan/sa-ma sa-ma]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
- How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [ba-ik. dan ka-mu]
- Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-kah ka-mu bi-sa ber-ba-ha-sa in-gris]
- I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya ti-dak meng-er-ti]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, silakan
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, si-la-kan]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
- Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, silakan
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, si-la-kan]
- Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
- Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [per-gi ja-uh]
- Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
- Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
- I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]
- I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li]
- I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
- That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
- Can you lower the price?Bisakah kamu menurunkan harga?
  [bi-sa-kah ka-mu me-nu-run-kan har-ga]
- What time is it?Pukul berapa?
  [pu-kul be-ra-pa]
- It's one o'clockIni pukul satu
  [i-ni pu-kul sa-tu]
- Half past (10)Setengah (10)
  [se-teng-ah (10)]
- MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
- AfternoonSiang
  [si-ang]
- EveningSore
  [so-re]
- YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
- TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
- TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
- 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
- 2Dua
  [du-a]
- 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
- 4Empat
  [em-pat]
- 5Lima
  [li-ma]
- 6Enam
  [e-nam]
- 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
- 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
- 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
- 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]
- Where's a/the...?Dimana ...?
  [di-ma-na]
- What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [a-pa a-la-mat-nya]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah kamu menunjukkan (di peta)?
  [bi-sa-kah ka-mu me-nun-juk-an (di pe-ta)]
- When's the next (bus)?Kapan bus selanjutnya?
  [ka-pan bus se-lan-jut-nya]
- A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ...)
  [ti-ket (ke ...)]

History of Kalimantan

The Kingdom of Kutai Martadipura, established around the 4th century, is one of the oldest known Hindu kingdoms in Indonesia. Situated along the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, it was discovered through inscriptions on stone pillars called yupa. These inscriptions reveal the kingdom’s early adoption of Hinduism, making it a significant cultural landmark in Kalimantan’s history.
The Sultanate of Banjar, founded in the 16th century, played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in Kalimantan. Located in South Kalimantan, the sultanate was a major trading hub in the region, dealing in precious commodities such as gold, diamonds, and spices. The influence of the Sultanate extended into the cultural and social fabric of Kalimantan, leaving a lasting legacy.
The Dutch began their colonial conquest of Kalimantan in the 17th century, focusing on controlling the lucrative trade routes and resources. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) established several trading posts and exerted influence over local sultanates. By the 19th century, Dutch rule became more consolidated, bringing significant changes to the administrative and socio-economic landscape of Kalimantan.
During World War II, Kalimantan was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The occupation led to significant hardship for the local population, including forced labor and resource exploitation. Resistance movements emerged, contributing to the broader struggle for Indonesian independence. The end of the Japanese occupation marked a pivotal moment in Kalimantan’s modern history.
The Dayak people, indigenous to the interior regions of Kalimantan, are known for their rich cultural heritage, including traditional longhouses, intricate tattoos, and vibrant festivals. The Dayak society is organized into various tribes, each with its own customs and traditions. Their unique way of life and deep connection to the forested environment offer a fascinating insight into the indigenous culture of Kalimantan.
In the mid-20th century, the Indonesian government initiated the Transmigration Program to alleviate population pressure on Java and promote development in less populated regions, including Kalimantan. This program led to significant demographic changes, introducing diverse ethnic groups to the island and affecting the social and environmental landscape. The program's impact is still evident in the mixed communities and development patterns seen today.
In recent decades, Kalimantan has undergone rapid development, driven by industries such as logging, mining, and palm oil plantations. This has brought economic growth but also significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and habitat loss. Efforts to balance development with conservation highlight the ongoing struggle to preserve Kalimantan’s unique ecosystems while fostering sustainable growth.