Kalimantan is Indonesia’s vast land of adventure and mystery. Mysterious jungles, winding rivers, and mountains offer endless opportunities for exploring tropical forests. This is a region that has not yet been overrun by tourists: you can travel here for weeks without meeting a single foreigner.
Kalimantan is part of Indonesia and is located on the island of Borneo. Indonesia occupies 73% of Borneo’s territory, with the remainder belonging to Malaysia and Brunei. Kalimantan means “Island of Scorching Weather” and comes from the Sanskrit word “Kalamantana” because it is located on the equator. It can get quite hot on the island.
The island is the third largest in the world. You will find lush jungles, winding rivers, and green countryside. Hiking through the untouched rainforests is a favorite pastime for tourists. You may encounter unusual inhabitants, such as proboscis monkeys. If you want to immerse yourself in natural beauty and explore a part of Indonesia that tourists have not yet reached, Kalimantan is an excellent choice! It is also one of the most beautiful islands in this part of the world.
Kalimantan’s natural resources have attracted resource hunters. The once abundant wildlife and traditional culture of the indigenous peoples are now under threat. It is still the best place in the world to see orangutans, gibbons, and proboscis monkeys.
Best places to visit in Kalimantan
Bunyu Island
Bunyu Island is a small island consisting of three villages inhabited by the indigenous Tidung tribe. There you will find a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches for relaxation, the main ones being Nibung Beach and Sungai Kura Beach. You can also hire a boat and go on an island tour.
Be sure to try salak, a delicious fruit typical of the island.
To get to the island, you can take a speedboat from Tarakan. The trip takes about an hour.
Derawan Island and Archipelago
Visiting the island is one of the best things to do in Kalimantan.
Of the 31 islands, only 4 are equipped to receive tourists. Derawan Island is the most accessible and also the most crowded. It is mainly visited by local tourists who come for the weekend.
Maratua Island is more like a peaceful paradise, while Sangalaki and Kakaban are wilder, with dense forests. The Derawan Archipelago is one of the best places in Indonesia for diving and snorkeling. The reefs are incredibly well preserved, and the marine life is truly diverse. Among the most common marine inhabitants, you can see barracudas, sharks, manta rays, and turtles. The archipelago is also known for its rare jellyfish lake.
Getting to Derawan Island is easy: there are regular boats from Tanjung Redeb in Berau. To get to the other islands, you will need to rent a boat, and the price can be quite high. The same applies when you are in Derawan: the price for a trip around the islands is quite high.
Some hotels offer packages at lower prices, but you still need to have a sufficient budget if you want to fully explore the archipelago.
White Mountain, Tanjung Selor
White Mountain is a popular tourist attraction among locals. You can climb to the top to enjoy stunning panoramic views and explore the cave at the foot of the mountain.
River in Kalimantan and waterfall
Take a trip to the Sesayap River and a couple of nearby waterfalls.
Semolon Waterfall is a popular attraction among locals. On the way, you can stop by Desa Wisata Setulang, a traditional Dayak village. If you’re lucky, you may witness a traditional dance performance. Gunung Rian Waterfall is also a must-visit with stunning scenery along the way.
Kayan Mentarang National Park
Kayan Mentarang National Park is Indonesia’s largest and most remote national park, as well as home to many endangered and endemic species. Getting there is an adventure in itself: a 6-hour boat ride on a good day up the Mentarang River from Tarakan.
The park is ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. You can be directed to a couple of guesthouses for overnight stays. A guide is required for the trip.
Mahakam River
Traveling up the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan is a truly unique experience: the further you travel from the coast, the deeper you delve into Kalimantan’s wild rainforest. Traveling up the Mahakam River to the heart of Borneo is the best way to experience the lush jungle and Dayak culture. It is also where you will see the last remaining Irrawaddy pink dolphins, which are now almost extinct.
If you are in the area in August, you can purchase tickets to the Erawan International Folk and Arts Festival. Tribes from all over the world perform during this festival.
Lake Labuan Chermin
Unknown to most foreign travelers, Labuan Chermin is a beautiful lagoon with a mirror effect. The place is surreal and unique. You can swim and snorkel in the lake.
It is difficult to get there, but some operators offer tours from Derawan Island.
Kutai National Park
Home to Malaysian sun bears, slow lorises, deer, many small monkeys, and orangutans. Kuta National Park covers 198,000 hectares of forest, lakes, and mangrove swamps.
The two main entry points are Sangkim and Prewab. It is best to organize your trip through a local travel agency: once you get there, you will find yourself in the middle of nowhere.
Beras Basah Island
Just a few minutes by boat from Bontang is the small island of Beras Basah. It’s a wonderful place to visit if the weather is clear and you have a couple of hours to spare. The beach has white sand, crystal clear water, and luxurious palm trees.
