Kalimantan

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Backpackers crossing bamboo suspension bridge on trek from Kuching to Bidayuh village of Semban, near Kuching.

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Overview

Kalimantan – the expansive Indonesian part of Borneo – is an adventure in every sense of the word. Remote jungle, snaking rivers and interior mountains serve up endless opportunities for epic rainforest hiking, while its cities are low-key and little visited by Indonesian standards. You can travel here for weeks without meeting another foreigner, and at least some knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia is recommended.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Samboja Lestari

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…

Islamic Center

Kalimantan

The western skyline of Samarinda is dominated by this must-see complex containing an ornate and colourful mosque with adjacent observation tower. The…

Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan

Kalimantan

The more authentic of Banjarmasin's floating markets is about one hour by boat northeast of the centre on the Martapura River.

Mulawarman Museum

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…

Orang-utan Feedings

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…

Lamin Batu Bura

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…

Goa Beloyot

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…

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