Balikpapan
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…
Must-see attractions in Kalimantan
-
Kalimantan
The western skyline of Samarinda is dominated by this must-see complex containing an ornate and colourful mosque with adjacent observation tower. The…
-
Kalimantan
The more authentic of Banjarmasin's floating markets is about one hour by boat northeast of the centre on the Martapura River.
-
Kalimantan
The former sultan's palace, built by the Dutch in 1937, is now a decent museum chronicling the culture, natural history and industry of Indonesia's oldest…
-
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…
-
KWPLH Sun Bear Conservation Center
Balikpapan
This informative sun bear conservation centre is surprisingly straight to the point about the heartbreaking plight of all of Kalimantan's animals. Seven…
-
Kalimantan
Few lamin (the local word for longhouse) around here are occupied outside of community ceremonies, but this Benuaq Dayak house is an exception – you may…
-
Kalimantan
Indiana Jones would feel right at home ascending to this alcove in a limestone cliff above the forest, 5km from Merabu village, where travellers left…
-
Kalimantan
Wooden sluices filter muck from pits where men stand chest deep blasting away at the sediment with water cannons. Mining at Kalimantan's largest diamond…
-
Kalimantan
An above-average museum of local arts and history, with approximate English translations providing nuggets of information about pivotal events – such as…
-
Kalimantan
Built in 1881 to tame a neighbourhood notorious for gambling and drinking, the mosque's four main pillars were reportedly set by a mysterious elderly…
-
Balikpapan
Standing 30m up on the canopy bridge among old-growth dipterocarp trees offers an impressive view and an adrenaline shot, but it's hard not to feel sad…
-
Kalimantan
This rough wood-and-rattan Benauq Dayak longhouse is sparsely occupied during the day, but welcomes visitors – especially those interested in purchasing…
-
Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation
Kalimantan
The centre is typically closed to visitors to increase the rehabilitation success of its 600-or-so orang-utans. The tiny visitor centre opens on the…
-
Balikpapan
In the mid-'90s, 82 orang-utans were released in this protected primary lowland forest, but fires and illegal logging have taken their toll. Get a 6am…
-
Kalimantan
The mostly empty wooden hilltop palace overlooking Pangkalan Bun Park celebrates three architectural traditions of the sultans' assorted wives: Chinese,…
-
Kalimantan
This vivid turquoise spring full of fish at the base of the limestone mountains begs you to dive in. Best enjoyed after the short but gruelling hike to…
-
Kalimantan
This 215-year-old keraton (royal palace) was built after descendants of brothers from other mothers (same father: the 9th sultan) got tired of alternating…
-
Balikpapan
A cleanish beach lined with a few cafes and restaurants, and a laid-back vibe. If you need a break from the jungle (urban or natural), this is your best…
-
Kalimantan
This exquisitely restored 1930s longhouse is flanked by intricately carved totems. Those with chickens represent a healing ceremony. The souvenir shop…
-
Balikpapan
This waterfront development is unique in Kalimantan and offers everything you need for a night out, including above-par restaurants, live music, lounge…
-
Kalimantan
Though it marks the first Islamic place of worship in Borneo, the beautiful angular wooden building was reconstructed in 1746, leaving the oldest physical…
-
Kalimantan
An excellent museum on two levels introducing just enough Dayak ritual, custom and livelihood to inspire you to head into the forest in search of the real…
-
Kalimantan
Located at the site of Berau's original keraton, this 1981 building houses an eclectic collection of sultan-obilia starting from the 17th century. Get…
-
Kalimantan
There are 57 species of orchids in this isolated preserve about 16km southwest of Melak, though most flower in December and January. The final few…
-
Kalimantan
This large, flat-domed mosque looks like something off a Star Wars set. During Ramadan, the famous Pasar Wadai (Cake Fair) runs along the adjacent…
-
Kalimantan
Lots of shops polish diamonds, but this is regarded as the official place for tourists to watch and to see how diamond purity is tested. It's 700m north…
-
Balikpapan
An impressive sight, this mosque is adorned with a complex sheath of Islamic geometrical patterns, and is lit up in multicoloured splendour at night.
-
Kalimantan
Step into this 1898 temple, and the hobbit-sized candles and incense coils that smoulder for days will transport you 3000km north to China.
-
Kalimantan
Built to house a sultan's seven daughters, this original, rambling wooden compound fights against gravity among well-kept gardens.
-
Kalimantan
The food stalls around Jl Halmahera and Jl Jawa run all day, but the maze of shops here comes alive at night.
-
Kalimantan
This small museum dedicated to Dayak culture is 17km west of Melak harbour on the road to Eheng longhouse.
-
Kalimantan
The closest floating market to central Banjarmasin is lively but touristy.
