North Kalimantan, Indonesia Travel Guide

Discover North Kalimantan: Indonesia's hidden gem with untouched rainforests, rare wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage.

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North Kalimantan

North Kalimantan, Indonesia's youngest province, offers a pristine and unspoiled wilderness for adventurous travelers. Known for its dense rainforests, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, North Kalimantan provides a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Explorers can trek through the lush forests of Kayan Mentarang National Park, home to rare species like the Bornean clouded leopard and the orangutan. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 300 species of birds inhabiting the area. For those interested in marine life, the Derawan Islands offer some of the best diving spots in the region, where you can swim alongside manta rays, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the province's indigenous Dayak tribes, who maintain their traditional way of life. You can visit longhouses, experience traditional ceremonies, and learn about their unique customs and crafts. The local markets are also a great place to sample exotic fruits and handmade souvenirs. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural experiences, North Kalimantan promises an unforgettable journey into one of Indonesia's most remote and enthralling regions.

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Pack light, breathable clothing and good hiking shoes for exploring the rainforests.
Bring insect repellent and anti-malaria medication, as the area is prone to mosquitoes.
Hire a local guide to navigate the national parks and learn about the indigenous culture.
Carry cash, as ATMs and card payment options are limited in remote areas.
Respect local customs and ask for permission before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities.

Destinations in North Kalimantan

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

Pulau Derawan

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

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

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in North Kalimantan

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Melawai Beach

Discover the tranquil beauty of Melawai Beach in Balikpapan, where golden sands meet stunning sunsets and local flavors await.

4.4

Mahakam Lampion Garden

Discover the enchanting Mahakam Lampion Garden, a theme park filled with vibrant lanterns, delightful food, and magical experiences in Samarinda, East Kalimantan.

4.4

Istana Kuning

Discover the royal heritage of Central Kalimantan at Istana Kuning, a historical museum showcasing the region's regal past and cultural significance.

4.4

Bukit Matang Kaladan

Discover Bukit Matang Kaladan, a breathtaking hiking destination in South Kalimantan, rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences.

4.5

Best landmarks in North Kalimantan

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Melawai Beach

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Melawai Beach in Balikpapan — where stunning sunsets and rich local culture await every traveler.

4.4

Khatulistiwa Park

Explore Khatulistiwa Park: A serene recreation center where nature, culture, and the Equator converge in Pontianak, Indonesia.

4.4

Borneo

Discover the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage of Borneo, an island paradise in Southeast Asia.

4.4

Titik Nol IKN Nusantara

Explore Titik Nol IKN Nusantara, the visionary heart of Indonesia's new capital, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich cultural significance.

4.6

Best restaurants in North Kalimantan

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Lemakan Samudra

Experience exquisite seafood dining at Lemakan Samudra in Tarakan – where flavor meets stunning ocean views.

4.6

Pusat Kuliner Seluwing

Discover authentic Javanese cuisine at Pusat Kuliner Seluwing – a vibrant family-friendly dining experience in Malinau Kota.

4.3

RM. CELEBES

Experience authentic Indonesian cuisine at RM. Celebes in Berau—home to mouthwatering grilled fish and warm hospitality.

4.3

Bakso Enggal Rasa

Experience authentic Indonesian cuisine at Bakso Enggal Rasa - a top destination for bakso lovers in Tanjung Selor.

4.5

Best bars in North Kalimantan

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INUL VIZTA TARAKAN

Experience the joy of singing at INUL VIZTA TARAKAN, a lively karaoke bar offering a diverse music selection and vibrant atmosphere in Kalimantan.

4.3

MR Fuji Karaoke & Cafe

Experience the joy of singing and savoring delicious food at MR Fuji Karaoke & Cafe in Tarakan City, a perfect blend of fun and flavor.

4.2

Oo Moo Grill!

Experience the vibrant flavors of Tarakan at Oo Moo Grill, where every grilled dish is a celebration of local culinary traditions.

4.3

Cafe Rindu Malam

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Cafe Rindu Malam, where music, drinks, and good times await in Tarakan City, North Kalimantan.

4.1

Best nightclubs in North Kalimantan

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Celcius Club.Lounge & KTV

Experience the electrifying nightlife of Samarinda at Celcius Club.Lounge & KTV, where music, drinks, and fun come together for an unforgettable evening.

4.5

Cafe Rindu Malam

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Tarakan City at Cafe Rindu Malam, where karaoke meets delicious local cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.1

Laguna Karaoke

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Tarakan at Laguna Karaoke, where music, fun, and unforgettable moments await every night.

4.1

ICON Indonesia

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at ICON Indonesia, where vibrant music and karaoke come together in Tarakan City.

5.0

Best shops in North Kalimantan

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Duta Mall Banjarmasin

Discover shopping, dining, and entertainment at Duta Mall Banjarmasin, a vibrant hub for tourists in South Kalimantan.

4.4

Ayani Megamal

Explore Ayani Megamal in Pontianak: A vibrant shopping mall with diverse retail, dining, and entertainment options for the ultimate experience.

4.5

Singkawang Grand Mall

Experience shopping, dining, and entertainment at Singkawang Grand Mall, the premier shopping destination in West Kalimantan.

4.4

Toko Kalimantan Souvenir (Oleh - Oleh Tarakan)

Explore a treasure trove of authentic Kalimantan souvenirs at Toko Kalimantan Souvenir, Tarakan's premier shopping destination.

4.8

Explore North Kalimantan on the Map

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

North Kalimantan Essentials

North Kalimantan can be accessed via several routes. The main entry point by air is Juwata International Airport in Tarakan. There are frequent flights from major Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Balikpapan. Alternatively, you can reach North Kalimantan by sea, with ferries operating from Tawau in Malaysia to Nunukan. Overland travel is also possible from Sabah, Malaysia, through the border at Simanggaris.
Within North Kalimantan, transportation options include taxis, rented cars, and motorbikes. In urban areas like Tarakan, public minibuses (angkot) are common and inexpensive. For exploring more remote areas, consider renting a 4WD vehicle due to the challenging terrain. River transport is also popular, especially along the Kayan and Sesayap rivers; speedboats and traditional longboats (klotok) are widely used.
The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in major towns like Tarakan, Tanjung Selor, and Nunukan. It’s advisable to carry enough cash when traveling to remote areas.
North Kalimantan is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to stay cautious. Avoid displaying valuables and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. Some areas, particularly remote regions near the border, may have higher crime rates. Always check the latest travel advisories and consider hiring a local guide when venturing into less-traveled areas.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for general assistance. For medical emergencies, visit the nearest hospital or clinic; major towns have well-equipped medical facilities. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in urban areas. The local police can be reached by dialing 110.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural and religious areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering mosques and avoid interrupting prayer times. Public Transport: Do be respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. Handshakes are common but wait for the other person to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drinks offered by hosts. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience North Kalimantan like a local, visit traditional markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with the Dayak and Tidung communities to learn about their customs and traditions. Don’t miss exploring the Kayan Mentarang National Park for a unique eco-tourism experience. Try traditional dishes like 'sate payau' (deer satay) and 'nasi subut' (rice with wild ferns).

When is the best time to visit North Kalimantan?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for North 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 North Kalimantan. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [sə-lə-mat ting-gal]
- YesIya
  [ee-ya]
- NoTidak
  [tee-dak]
- Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [see-la-kan]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [tə-ree-ma ka-see]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
- How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [ba-eek. dan ka-moo]
- Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-ka kamu bi-sa ber-ba-ha-sa ing-gris]
- I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya tee-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, see-la-kan]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya tee-dak ma-kan da-ging]
- Cheers!Selamat menikmati!
  [se-la-mat menik-ma-ti]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, silakan
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, see-la-kan]
- Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
- Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [per-gi ja-oh]
- 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
  [ee-tu ter-la-loo 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?Jam berapa?
  [jam be-ra-pa]
- It's one o'clockJam satu
  [jam sa-tu]
- Half past (10)Setengah sebelas
  [se-ten-gah se-be-las]
- MorningPagi
  [pa-gee]
- AfternoonSiang
  [si-ang]
- EveningSore
  [so-re]
- YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
- TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri ee-nee]
- TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
- 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
- 2Dua
  [du-a]
- 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
- 4Empat
  [em-pat]
- 5Lima
  [lee-ma]
- 6Enam
  [e-nam]
- 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
- 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
- 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
- 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]
- Where's a/the...?Di mana ...?
  [di ma-na ...?]
- What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [a-pa a-la-mat-nya]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah kamu tunjukkan (di peta)?
  [bi-sa-kah ka-mu tun-juk-kan (di pe-ta)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Kapan bus berikutnya?
  [ka-pan bus be-ri-kut-nya]
- A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)
  [se-buah ti-ket (ke ....)]

History of North Kalimantan

North Kalimantan is home to the Dayak people, the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo. The Dayak tribes, known for their unique culture and traditions, have lived in harmony with the dense rainforests for centuries. Their heritage includes intricate beadwork, elaborate wooden carvings, and traditional longhouses. The Dayak's rich oral history and rituals, such as the Tiwah funeral ceremony, reflect their deep spiritual connection to nature and their ancestors.
The Sultanate of Bulungan was a significant regional power in North Kalimantan, established in the 18th century. The sultanate played a crucial role in the region's trade networks, dealing in forest products, rattan, and camphor. The Bulungan sultans were known for their diplomatic relations with neighboring sultanates and European colonial powers. Today, the remnants of the sultanate, including the royal palace and tombs, offer a glimpse into the region's regal past.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, North Kalimantan came under the influence of Dutch colonial rule. The Dutch East India Company established trading posts and extracted natural resources from the region. During World War II, North Kalimantan was occupied by Japanese forces, which led to significant upheaval and hardship for the local population. The impact of these colonial and wartime experiences continues to shape the region's history and identity.
Following World War II, North Kalimantan became part of the newly independent Republic of Indonesia in 1949. The integration process was marked by efforts to unify the diverse ethnic groups and develop the region's infrastructure. The government focused on improving transportation networks and promoting economic development, which helped to integrate North Kalimantan more closely with the rest of Indonesia.
North Kalimantan was officially established as Indonesia's 34th province on October 25, 2012. The creation of the province was aimed at accelerating regional development and improving governance. The capital city, Tanjung Selor, has since become a hub for administrative and economic activities. The formation of the province has brought increased attention to the region's potential and challenges, including sustainable development and conservation of its rich natural resources.
North Kalimantan is a melting pot of various ethnic groups, including the Dayak, Tidung, Bulungan, and Javanese. Each group contributes to the region's vibrant cultural tapestry with unique traditions, languages, and festivals. The annual Dayak cultural festival, Irau, showcases traditional music, dance, and crafts, attracting visitors from across Indonesia and beyond. The diverse culinary traditions, such as the unique flavors of Tidung cuisine, also reflect the region's cultural richness.
North Kalimantan boasts some of the most biodiverse rainforests in the world, home to endangered species such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards. The region's ecological significance has prompted various conservation efforts to protect its unique flora and fauna. Initiatives include the establishment of protected areas, such as the Kayan Mentarang National Park, and community-driven conservation programs. These efforts aim to balance ecological preservation with sustainable development for local communities.