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…
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…
Kalimantan
The more authentic of Banjarmasin's floating markets is about one hour by boat northeast of the centre on the Martapura River.
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
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
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 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
The closest floating market to central Banjarmasin is lively but touristy.
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…
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
An above-average museum of local arts and history, with approximate English translations providing nuggets of information about pivotal events – such as…
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,…
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
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
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…
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
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…
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…
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
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…
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.
