Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin, the capital city of South Kalimantan developed into
business and industry city, lies at the delta of the Barito river.
The city is intertwined by numerous rivers of various sizes and
lengths, the major one are Martapura and Nagara. The numerous rivers
made the city get its nickname River City. These rivers and waterways
give a certain identity to river transportation have become common
place. Local people build traditional floating houses made of wood
or bamboo (called "lanting" ) along the rivers. Rivers
have been very important for business and economic activities. This
is one of the reasons why there have been floating markets everywhere.
Making trips along Barito and Martapura rivers by "klotok"
boat will give a unique satisfaction. The actual living of the people
is along the rivers.
Floating Market
Pasar Floating market in Barito river is a busy and colourful collection
of small boats and canoes. The buying and selling are made in the
traditional local boat. Such market has started since 400 years
ago while people coming from the hinterland took their local products
to sell in the form of barter. The usual thing about the market
is that it takes place entirely in the river and it start approximately
at 05.00 in the morning and finishes at 09.00 in the morning.
Pulau Kembang ( "Flower Island" )
The island is in the Barito river, not far from the floating market.
This island is a conservation forest of about 60 hectares, inhabited
by tame crab-eating monkeys, some believe that spirits live in these
monkeys, so they can't be bothered or harassed. This island is mostly
visited by Chinese Indonesians, as there is a small shrine, where
they place the offerings.
Pulau Kaget ( Kaget Island )
Kaget Island is in the Barito river, it is another forest conservation
and is also inhabited by the proboscis monkeys and many sorts of
birds.
Cempaka & Martapura
Cempaka is an old site of traditional diamond digging using very
simple equipment. The digging is a collective work by a group, usually
consisting of one family and its close relatives. Martapura is the
centre of diamond and precious stones polishing; it is also the
centre of diamond marketing. The polishing work uses traditional
as well as modern equipment.
Sumarinda & Balikpapan
Sumarinda and Balikpapan are commercial centres of the East Kalimantan
province. Balikpapan is the centre of oil and timber industry. Sumarinda,
the capital of East Kalimantan, is a lively city located on both
sides of Mahakam river. The city is the jumping-off place for visits
to Dayak country.
Bontang
Located in the regency of Kutai with an area of approximately 200.000
ha, Bontang has a rare flora and fauna. The Kutai National Park
near Bontang is north visiting to see sceneries especially those
at Beras Basah.
Bulungan
It is one place for the adventure-seeking visitors. Things of historic
value and ancient remains, art collections and traditional ceremonies,
with a background of beautiful panoramas of the jungle and mountains
are to be found here.
Tanah Merah Indah - Lempake
This is recreational park called Tanah Merah Indah- Lempake with
a waterfall, located ± 16 km from downtown Samarinda. It
can be reached by car or public transportation
Tenggarong
Tenggarong, up the Mahakam river from Samarinda, is the capital
of the Kutai regency and was once the seat of the Kutai sultanate.
The Sultan's palace at the riverside is now a museum where the old
royal paraphernalia are kept, as well as an excellent collection
of Dayak handicrafts and antique Chinese ceramics.
Tanjung Isuy
Tanjung Isuy is a little village on Danau Jempang.
Melak & Kersik Luwai
Melak is a little village further upstream on the Mahakam river
in the heart of the land of Tanjung Dayak. Not far from the village
is the Kersik Luwai orchid reserve, where famous black orchids grow.
Palangkaraya
Palangkaraya is the province capital of Central Kalimantan and situated
in the upstream region of the Kahayan river. These days, the town
has become the centre of government, trade and education of the
province. The Regional Museum of Palangkaraya contains a collection
of historical and cultural interest from all over Central Kalimantan.
The Nature Reserve of Tangkiling lies 34 kilometres north of Palangkaraya.
Small rivers flow through the reserve.
Kualakapuas
Kualakapuas is the capital of the Kapuas regency, south of Palangkaraya,
on the Kapuas river 40 kilometers from Banjarmasin. A well-known
tourism attraction is Telo Island, a fishing village and port. It
is a pleasant site for recreation. For the adventurer, white water
rafters and nature lovers, there is Gohong Rawai, known for its
beautiful and challenging rapids. The gold mines of Teweh and Batu
Api, Rungan district, are also interesting sites to be visited.
In this region, gold mining is a major source of livelihood for
the people, who pan for the valuable metal using the old traditional
method. Gold mines are found in many places in Central Kalimantan.
Sampit
Sampit town, on the Sampit river and the capital of Sampit regency,
is known as the biggest timber port in Kalimantan as well as in
Indonesia. Here can be found many sawmill which process the timber
for export. Pandaran Beach is a park on the seaside at the mouth
of the Sampit river. It is quite unique. One sees to one's north
the river emptying its water into the sea. To the south is the wide
expanse of the Java Sea. The Orchid Park of Pembuangan Hulu is a
natural forest in which a number of rare and beautiful orchid varieties
grow. Hunters can engage in their favorite pastime at the Serayan
river which borders on the hunting park of Kotawaringin Barat.
Pangkalanbun
Pangkalanbun is the capital of the Kotawaringin Barat regency, in
the western part of Central Kalimantan. It is busy little town.
In this town, the old Palace of Pangkalanbun now 200 years old,
can still be seen. Made of ulin (iron-wood), it is the only Banjar
royal legacy found in Central Kalimantan. The Mosque of Kyai Gede
is the oldest mosque, being more than 300 years old, found in Kotawaringin
district.
Tanjung
Putting National Park
The Tanjung Puting National Park, occupying over 300,000 km2 of
a large promontory which juts south into the Java Sea, is known
to hold over 600 species of tree and 200 different orchids. It is
entirely a lowland area, the highest elevation of the park being
just 30 metres above sea level. Declared a national park in 1982,
and now an extremely important refuge for Kalimantan wildlife, it
is probably best known for the work done there on researching and
rehabilitating orangutans at a centre which has now become an important
attraction. The highlight is the orangutan feeding sessions at one
of the park's three ranger stations. The first, Tanjung Harapan
cares for orphaned infants and new arrivals. The most famous is
Camp Leakey, here Bornean orangutans which have been rescued from
captivity are looked after before being encouraged to return to
the wild. While the orangutan are a must-see, a more serene way
to experience them can be found at Pondok Tanngui. At the feeding
sessions, orangutan who hover near the stations are offered bananas
and milk to stave off starvation while at the same time encouraged
to forage in the forest for food such as fruit, leaves and bark.
Pontianak
As the capital of West Kalimantan, there are some interesting places
to visit, among others the Equator Monument, Kadariah palace in
Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, the Kapuas and Landak Bridges with
a river view and floating market.
Betana (Long House)
On the outskirts of Pontianak is a Daya traditional long house at
Saham village. The measures of long house are: 186 m long, 6 m wide
269 people live there.
Gunung Palung Nature Reserve
The Gunung Palung Nature Reserve, located in the Ketapang regency,
is home to various flora and fauna, home to orangutan, tarsiers
and gibbons.
Raya Pasi
The Raya Pasi is home to variety flora and fauna, including the
parasitic Rafflesia, the largest flower of the world.
Sambas Palace
Sambas is a former sultanate and pirate's lair. Istana Sambas is
one of the remnants of the Sultanate of Sambas, up to the present
time it is still kept in good condition.