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Kalimantan
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Explore Indonesian Borneo through Kalimantan's rainforests, river towns, Dayak cultures, equatorial cities and reef-fringed islands.

Kalimantan is the Indonesian portion of Borneo, a vast island region divided among five provinces: West, Central, South, East and North Kalimantan. Its geography ranges from equatorial rainforest and peat swamps to broad river valleys, mangrove coastlines, island reefs and upland forests along the Malaysian border. Distances are considerable, and the region is best understood as a collection of distinct destinations rather than a single compact circuit.
Read more about Kalimantan
Pontianak, on the equator in West Kalimantan, is a practical introduction to riverine urban life and the history of the Kapuas basin. South Kalimantan has a different character, shaped by the Barito River, the floating markets around Banjarmasin and the Banjar sultanate tradition. In Central Kalimantan, Palangka Raya provides access to forest landscapes and the Sebangau area, while Tanjung Puting is known for boat journeys through habitat associated with orangutans.
East Kalimantan combines industrial and commercial centres such as Balikpapan and Samarinda with extensive forests, limestone country and offshore islands. The Berau archipelago, including Derawan, Maratua and Kakaban, offers clear waters, coral reefs and marine habitats, although access normally requires careful planning. North Kalimantan is more remote, with the great river systems and montane forests of the Kayan Mentarang region providing a markedly wilder setting than the coastal cities.
Kalimantan's cultural life reflects Indigenous Dayak communities, Malay and Banjar traditions, Chinese Indonesian heritage, Javanese and other migrant communities, and the long influence of Islam, Christianity and older customary practices. Longhouses, river settlements, craft traditions and local festivals reveal only part of this diversity; visitors should approach customary communities through responsible, locally organised visits rather than treating culture as a performance. In cities, mosques, markets, coffee shops and food stalls provide more everyday points of contact.
The region's food is closely tied to rivers, forests and coastal trade. Banjar specialities such as soto Banjar and ketupat kandangan sit alongside smoked or grilled fish, rice dishes, freshwater produce, tropical fruit and snacks including amplang and bingka. Travel is often more rewarding when built around one province or a carefully chosen pair: river and forest journeys can involve long road transfers, boat travel and weather-related changes, while reef trips need attention to sea conditions and conservation rules.

When is the best time to visit Kalimantan?

Best: June–August · 30–31°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30250
February30230
March30240
April31220
May31210
June (best)31200
July (best)30190
August (best)31200
September31210
October31220
November30230
December30240

Getting to and around Kalimantan

How to get there

Kalimantan is served by airports in or near its principal cities, including Supadio at Pontianak, Syamsudin Noor near Banjarmasin, Tjilik Riwut at Palangka Raya, Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan at Balikpapan, APT Pranoto at Samarinda and Juwata at Tarakan. Balikpapan is an important gateway for East Kalimantan and access to the Nusantara development area. Domestic flights are usually the practical way to cover large distances; international visitors commonly connect through Jakarta, Surabaya or other Indonesian hubs. Check current routes and entry requirements before travelling, as services can change.

Transportation

Travel within Kalimantan varies sharply between cities and remote districts. Urban areas have taxis, app-based car services in some locations, minibuses and motorbike taxis, while longer journeys use intercity buses, hired cars or domestic flights. Rivers remain essential transport corridors, with boats serving communities and park access points, but departure arrangements and journey times can be weather-dependent. A car with a local driver is useful for dispersed attractions and rural roads; self-driving is less comfortable where roads are poorly marked, traffic is unfamiliar or ferries are involved. Walking and cycling are mainly practical within urban districts.

Top city travel guides in Kalimantan

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

Destinations in Kalimantan

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

Best attractions in Kalimantan

Kalimantan's attractions are shaped less by one famous monument than by the scale and variety of its living landscapes. River journeys offer access to floating markets around Banjarmasin, the Kapuas basin near Pontianak and remote settlements where boats remain part of daily transport. In Central Kalimantan, Tanjung Puting National Park is known for wetland forest, orangutans and boat-based travel, while Sebangau National Park protects an important peat-swamp environment. West Kalimantan adds Gunung Palung National Park and the wetland scenery of Danau Sentarum. East Kalimantan combines the forest of Kutai National Park with the marine attractions of the Derawan archipelago, including diving and snorkelling around Derawan, Maratua and Kakaban. North Kalimantan is the gateway to the remote Kayan Mentarang landscape, where access is demanding and should be arranged locally. Urban attractions include museums, markets, mosques, civic buildings and cultural centres, while selected longhouse visits and craft workshops can provide insight into Indigenous traditions when organised respectfully. Travel times, permits and weather are part of the experience, so these destinations are better approached as carefully planned journeys than as quick excursions.

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Best landmarks in Kalimantan

The Equator Monument in Pontianak is Kalimantan's most recognisable geographical landmark, marking the equatorial line within the city and commemorating early surveying of the location. Banjarmasin's Sultan Suriansyah Mosque, one of the region's historic mosques, reflects the city's Banjar Islamic heritage and the long importance of the Kuin river district. In East Kalimantan, the Mahakam River is both a major natural landmark and a defining cultural corridor, linking Samarinda with settlements and landscapes upstream. The limestone country and waterways of the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat area form a significant natural and archaeological landscape, although access is not straightforward. The Derawan islands provide a different kind of landmark: low coral islands, lagoons and reef environments rather than monumental architecture. In North Kalimantan, the forested valleys associated with the Kayan and Mentarang rivers convey the scale of the interior. Longhouses and traditional houses in several parts of Kalimantan are also important cultural landmarks, but they should be visited with local permission and without assuming that every historic-looking building is a public attraction.

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Explore Kalimantan on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Kalimantan

Kalimantan's food reflects river fisheries, forest produce, coastal trade and the culinary traditions of Banjar, Malay, Chinese Indonesian, Dayak and migrant communities. South Kalimantan is particularly associated with soto Banjar, a fragrant chicken soup, and ketupat kandangan, rice cakes served with fish in a coconut-based sauce. Pontianak is known for a broad Chinese Indonesian and Malay food culture, while East Kalimantan offers dishes such as nasi bekepor and the savoury fish cracker amplang. Freshwater fish, grilled seafood, fermented preparations, sambal and tropical fruit appear widely, though recipes vary between towns and families. Warungs, market stalls and modest riverfront eateries are often the best places to encounter everyday cooking; larger cities also have cafés, hotel restaurants and contemporary Indonesian dining. Bingka and other sweet cakes are common regional treats. Visitors with dietary restrictions should ask about shrimp paste, fish stock, peanuts and fermented ingredients, and should remember that menus and opening arrangements can be limited outside the main urban centres.

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Best bars in Kalimantan

Evening life in Kalimantan is centred more on food, coffee, conversation and live entertainment than on a large club circuit. Pontianak, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan and Samarinda have the widest choice of cafés, hotel lounges, karaoke venues, restaurants and occasional live-music settings, with Balikpapan and Samarinda offering the most developed urban nightlife in East Kalimantan. In smaller towns, traditional coffee shops, food courts and family-run eateries remain more typical than late-night bars. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and some restaurants, but availability and licensing vary, particularly in predominantly Muslim communities, and public drunkenness is inappropriate. In forest, river and island destinations, evenings usually mean an early meal, quiet time at a lodge or a guided night walk rather than clubbing. Check local arrangements discreetly and follow venue rules, especially during religious holidays and in conservative neighbourhoods.

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Best nightclubs in Kalimantan

Evening life in Kalimantan is centred more on food, coffee, conversation and live entertainment than on a large club circuit. Pontianak, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan and Samarinda have the widest choice of cafés, hotel lounges, karaoke venues, restaurants and occasional live-music settings, with Balikpapan and Samarinda offering the most developed urban nightlife in East Kalimantan. In smaller towns, traditional coffee shops, food courts and family-run eateries remain more typical than late-night bars. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and some restaurants, but availability and licensing vary, particularly in predominantly Muslim communities, and public drunkenness is inappropriate. In forest, river and island destinations, evenings usually mean an early meal, quiet time at a lodge or a guided night walk rather than clubbing. Check local arrangements discreetly and follow venue rules, especially during religious holidays and in conservative neighbourhoods.

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Best shops in Kalimantan

Shopping in Kalimantan is strongest in its provincial capitals and market towns, where traditional markets sell fruit, spices, fish, clothing and household goods alongside modern malls and supermarkets. Pontianak has a particularly noticeable Malay and Chinese Indonesian retail and food culture, while Banjarmasin is known for busy markets and Banjar textiles and craft goods. In East Kalimantan, Balikpapan and Samarinda provide the broadest choice of mainstream retail, with local snacks and regional foods useful as practical souvenirs. Look for amplang, packaged coffee, sweets such as bingka, woven items, beadwork and responsibly sourced wood or fibre crafts. Dayak-inspired designs are widely sold, but buyers should ask about the maker, materials and cultural context rather than treating ceremonial objects as casual novelties. Markets and small shops usually require cash, and bargaining is customary in some settings but not everywhere. Avoid products made from protected wildlife, plants or undocumented timber, and confirm airline and customs rules before carrying food, craft materials or animal-derived items.

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Kalimantan essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Indonesian rupiah, coded IDR, as throughout Indonesia. Cards and contactless or QR-based payments are increasingly common in established hotels, shopping centres and urban restaurants, particularly in larger cities. Cash remains important for markets, small warungs, boat transfers, park fees, village services and rural accommodation. Carry clean, smaller-denomination notes and do not assume that a reliable cash machine will be available in remote coastal, forest or island areas.
Safety
Normal precautions apply in Kalimantan's cities, including care with valuables, transport after dark and unofficial cash or tour offers. Outdoor risks are more significant in remote areas: heat, humidity, insects, slippery forest paths, river currents, sudden rain and limited communications can complicate journeys. Follow guides' instructions around wildlife and boats, use life jackets where provided and check sea conditions before island trips. Smoke haze can affect some areas during dry-season fires, while heavy rain may disrupt roads and river crossings.
Emergency Situations
Indonesia's emergency arrangements apply across Kalimantan. Police can be reached on 110, fire services on 113, ambulance services on 118 or 119, and the search-and-rescue agency Basarnas on 115; the general 112 number may operate in some localities but should not be assumed to work everywhere. In remote forests, mountains and islands, formal rescue can take time, so provide a trusted person with your itinerary and use an established operator. Keep your accommodation's contact details and ask locally about the nearest functioning medical facility.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches, longhouses and villages, and remove shoes where local custom requires it. Ask before photographing people, ceremonies, graves, sacred objects or military and government facilities. Do not touch wildlife, feed animals or remove plants, shells or other natural material from protected areas. In villages and customary communities, accept guidance about access and behaviour rather than assuming that a public-looking space is available for exploration. Bahasa Indonesia is widely useful; a few polite words and a patient approach are appreciated.
Local Tips
Build extra time into any itinerary involving boats, forest roads or connecting flights, since rain, river conditions and operational changes can affect plans. For river markets, early morning is generally the most useful period, while rainforest wildlife is best approached quietly with a guide. Confirm whether park permits, boats, accommodation and transfers are included in an organised tour. Regional dishes can vary considerably between provinces, so ask vendors about ingredients if you have allergies, particularly when fermented fish, shrimp paste or nuts may be used.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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

Early riverine societies and the Kutai kingdom

Kalimantan's rivers supported settled communities and trading networks long before modern provincial borders existed. In East Kalimantan, the Kutai kingdom is remembered through Sanskrit inscriptions on stone pillars, generally dated to around the fourth or fifth century and among the earliest substantial written records from Indonesia. The inscriptions indicate the presence of Hindu political culture and links to wider maritime exchange. Later communities developed along the Mahakam and other rivers, where waterways remained the principal routes for people, goods and ideas.

Malay and Banjar Islamic sultanates

From the medieval period, Islam expanded through coastal trade, court diplomacy and connections with Malay maritime networks. The Banjar sultanate centred on the lower Barito region and influenced the political and commercial life of South Kalimantan, while Malay sultanates and coastal rulers shaped communities elsewhere. Islam did not erase older social customs or Indigenous belief systems; instead, religious practice developed alongside local law, kinship and river-based economies. Historic mosques, court traditions and food culture still reflect this layered past.

Dayak societies and the interior

The term Dayak covers numerous Indigenous peoples with distinct languages, histories and customs rather than one uniform community. Interior societies traditionally organised life around forests, rivers, shifting cultivation, hunting, craft production and regional exchange, with social structures varying widely between groups. Longhouses and customary territories remain important cultural reference points in parts of Kalimantan, although modern settlement, education, Christianity, Islam, state administration and commercial development have transformed many communities. Responsible travel requires recognising this diversity and avoiding generalisations.

European commercial expansion and colonial rule

European powers became increasingly involved in Kalimantan's trade from the early modern period, seeking forest products, minerals and control of strategic waterways. The Dutch expanded administrative authority over much of the island during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, while British influence developed in northern Borneo outside present-day Indonesian Kalimantan. Colonial rule altered taxation, labour, shipping and political relationships with local rulers. Ports, roads and administrative centres expanded, but the interior remained difficult to control and was never culturally or economically uniform.

Japanese occupation and the Indonesian Revolution

During the Second World War, Japanese forces occupied Dutch Borneo, disrupting colonial administration and imposing severe conditions on local populations. After Japan's surrender in 1945, the struggle over Indonesian independence affected Kalimantan through political organising, armed conflict and negotiations surrounding the end of Dutch rule. The transfer of sovereignty to Indonesia in 1949 brought the region into the new republic, although state institutions and transport links remained limited across its enormous territory.

Transmigration, timber and resource-led development

From the later twentieth century, government-supported transmigration brought large numbers of settlers, particularly from Java and Bali, to parts of Kalimantan. This changed the demographic and agricultural pattern of several districts and sometimes generated tension over land and customary rights. Logging, mining, plantations, oil, gas and coal also expanded, linking the region more closely to national and international markets. These industries produced infrastructure and employment while contributing to forest loss, pollution and continuing debates about Indigenous land, conservation and sustainable development.

Conservation and the new capital project

Kalimantan has become central to Indonesia's debates about rainforest protection, biodiversity and economic transition. National parks and protected landscapes conserve orangutan habitat, peatlands, mangroves and mountain ecosystems, but enforcement and land-use pressures vary. In East Kalimantan, Nusantara is being developed as Indonesia's planned national capital, bringing major infrastructure and demographic expectations to an area already shaped by mining, forestry and coastal industry. Its long-term effects remain a contemporary development question rather than a settled historical outcome.

Kalimantan in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Kalimantan

Discover Kalimantan with Evendo: A 100% free app-based travel guide covering top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more!

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Comprehensive hotel, tour, and ticket booking capabilities
  • Rich descriptions, images, maps, and local tips for each location
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Unlock the wonders of Kalimantan with Evendo, your all-in-one, free travel guide app. Explore attractions, book experiences, and navigate like a local.

  • History of Kalimantan and travel essentials
  • Easy navigation and 'Near Me' feature for nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Kalimantan, Indonesia, a land of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. With Evendo, your journey through this magnificent destination becomes effortless and unforgettable. Whether you're planning to visit the awe-inspiring Tanjung Puting National Park, explore the bustling city of Balikpapan, or relax on the serene beaches of Derawan Islands, Evendo has got you covered.

Our app offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Kalimantan. Each location comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easier than ever to plan your itinerary. Imagine discovering hidden gems like the floating market in Banjarmasin or the majestic Mahakam River with just a few taps on your smartphone.

But Evendo is more than just a guide. It’s a comprehensive travel companion that allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more juggling multiple websites or figuring out how to get tickets. Everything you need is in one place, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Plus, with our 'Near Me' feature, you can easily find attractions and services around you, no matter where you are in Kalimantan. Experience local culture with curated tips and navigate the city with ease, all with the help of Evendo.

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