Kalimantan
As the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo, Kalimantan is a little further off the usual trail for many visitors to Indonesia. It takes a bit longer to get to, usually involving an overnight stay in Jakarta, but that extra stopover is more than worth it. If you're keen to see orangutans in Kalimantan, and are up for an evening or two onboard a traditional klotok houseboat navigating a winding jungle waterway, there’s a good chance you’ll be lucky enough to get a sighting of these iconic primates in their natural habitat. Delve deeper into traditional Dayak culture and discover the contemporary culture that’s thriving in the capital city of Palangka Raya.
Three things to do in Kalimantan
Obviously there's a lot more, this is just to get you started...
Tanjung Puting National Park
As the sounds of the riverboat start to blend into the background, your senses slowly, but surely, tune into the jungle. Keep an eye out for signs of life within the mangrove thickets and tropical foliage bordering the narrow waterway. As the boat's engine idles, and then switches off completely, you realise you're not alone. There, on one of the small wooden feeding platforms hidden on the riverbank, is an orangutan, mesmerising and close. This is why you've travelled such a long way: Tanjung Puting National Park is the place to see wild orangutans in Kalimantan. Although nothing is guaranteed, journeying deep into the jungle in the company of an expert local wildlife guide stacks the odds firmly in your favour.
Klotok houseboat stay
To experience the wild edge of Tanjung Puting National Park, you can’t beat a one- or two-night stay aboard a traditional klotok houseboat. These converted river barges, with their distinctive ‘klok toc’ engine noises, are a far cry from luxury cruising, but there's something about floating through the jungle that naturally adds an extra air of adventure. Once on board, there’s nothing to distract you from immersion in the sights and sounds of Kalimantan’s extraordinary landscape. This is one of our favourite ways to start a trip to Indonesia, especially if you're looking to recover and relax after a lengthy journey. Sleeping out on deck, listening to the riverside frog chorus under a blanket of stars, is quite something.
Palangka Raya
The journey to the city of Palangka Raya is half the fun. Homestays in traditional community villages and nature walks within valley-filled forests provide immersive experiences on route to Kalimantan's capital. Staying in the city itself is a genuine eye opener, and gives you an opportunity to explore independently. Discover the distinctive cultural contrasts between the traditional Dayak cultural heritage and the myriad mosques and catholic churches. Stroll along the banks of the Kahayan River at sunset alongside local families, or sit by the water soaking up the atmosphere, and succumb to the tempting, sweet smells emanating from the night market.
