10 Famous Beautiful Kalimantan Tourist Attractions

Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo, is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. From pristine rainforests and majestic mountains to winding rivers and vibrant indigenous cultures, Kalimantan offers a treasure trove of experiences for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the famous Borneo Tourism, uncovering the unique wonders that await visitors to this enchanting destination.

1. Tanjung Puting National Park

Tanjung Puting National Park, located in Central Kalimantan, is a world-renowned conservation area renowned for its diverse wildlife and iconic orangutan population.

Spanning over 4,000 square kilometers, the park is home to lush rainforests, meandering rivers, and a network of ecotourism trails that offer visitors the chance to observe orangutans, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and other endangered species in their natural habitat.

A highlight of any visit to Tanjung Puting is a river cruise along the Sekonyer River, where travelers can spot wildlife, visit feeding stations, and witness the park’s stunning biodiversity up close.

2. Derawan Islands

The Derawan Islands, located off the coast of East Kalimantan, are a paradise for beach lovers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. This idyllic archipelago is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and diverse marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and colorful tropical fish.

Visitors to the Derawan Islands can explore world-class dive sites such as Sangalaki, Kakaban, and Maratua, where they can swim with stingless jellyfish, dive with majestic manta rays, and discover vibrant coral gardens teeming with life.

The islands also offer opportunities for island hopping, sunbathing on white sandy beaches, and sampling fresh seafood at local eateries.

3. Kutai National Park

Kutai National Park, located in East Kalimantan, is a protected area renowned for its diverse ecosystems, ancient rainforests, and rich biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including orangutans, sun bears, clouded leopards, and proboscis monkeys, as well as rare bird species such as the hornbill and kingfisher.

Visitors to Kutai National Park can explore hiking trails, embark on wildlife watching tours, and visit cultural sites such as ancient Hindu temples and Dayak longhouses. The park’s pristine rivers and waterways also offer opportunities for river cruises, kayaking, and fishing amidst stunning natural scenery.

4. Mahakam River

The Mahakam River, the largest river in East Kalimantan, is a lifeline for the region’s indigenous communities and a popular tourist destination for river cruises and cultural immersion experiences.

Traveling along the Mahakam River allows visitors to explore traditional Dayak villages, witness traditional ceremonies and rituals, and learn about the unique cultures and lifestyles of Kalimantan’s indigenous peoples.

Highlights of a Mahakam River cruise include visits to floating markets, longhouse communities, and wildlife viewing opportunities along the riverbanks.

5. Mount Meratus

Mount Meratus, located in South Kalimantan, is the highest peak in the Meratus Mountain Range and a popular destination for trekking, hiking, and adventure tourism. The mountain is surrounded by lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Treks to the summit of Mount Meratus offer travelers the chance to explore diverse ecosystems, spot rare wildlife such as hornbills and macaques, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kalimantan’s interior.

Experienced guides lead treks through pristine wilderness areas, sharing their knowledge of local flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures along the way.

6. Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan (Lok Baintan Floating Market)

Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan, or Lok Baintan Floating Market, is a traditional market located in South Kalimantan, where vendors sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and local delicacies from boats on the river.

The market is a vibrant hub of activity, with colorful wooden boats navigating the waterways, traders haggling over prices, and the aroma of grilled seafood and traditional snacks filling the air.

Visitors to Lok Baintan Floating Market can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of traditional Kalimantan culture, as they explore the market stalls, sample regional specialties, and interact with friendly locals.

7. Pasar Minggu in Banjarmasin

Pasar Minggu, or Sunday Market, is a bustling traditional market located in Banjarmasin, the capital city of South Kalimantan. Every Sunday, local vendors set up stalls along the riverside, offering a colorful array of goods, including fresh produce, spices, textiles, handicrafts, and traditional snacks.

Visitors to Pasar Minggu can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, as they navigate through narrow alleyways, interact with friendly vendors, and sample an array of authentic Kalimantan dishes.

The market provides a unique opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of daily life in Banjarmasin, while also supporting local artisans and small businesses.

8. Bukit Kelam (Kelam Hill)

Bukit Kelam, or Kelam Hill, is a scenic viewpoint located in the Meratus Mountains, near the town of Rantau, South Kalimantan. Rising to an elevation of over 1,200 meters above sea level, Kelam Hill offers panoramic vistas of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque valleys below.

Visitors can reach the summit by hiking along well-marked trails that wind through pristine wilderness areas, providing opportunities to spot wildlife and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kalimantan’s interior. At the summit, travelers can relax, enjoy a picnic, and savor the breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see.

9. Malino Highlands

Malino Highlands, located in the highlands of South Sulawesi, near the border with Central Kalimantan, is a scenic destination known for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and picturesque tea plantations.

Situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, Malino Highlands offers a refreshing retreat from the heat and humidity of the lowlands, with its crisp mountain air and stunning vistas of rolling hills and verdant valleys.

Visitors to Malino Highlands can explore tea estates, visit waterfalls, and trek through scenic trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, providing opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and relaxation amidst nature’s beauty.

10. Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) Nyaru Menteng

The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) Nyaru Menteng is a conservation center located in Central Kalimantan, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orangutans orphaned or displaced by habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade.

The center provides a safe haven for orphaned orangutans, where they receive medical care, behavioral rehabilitation, and forest school training to prepare them for eventual release back into the wild.

Visitors to BOSF Nyaru Menteng can take guided tours of the facility, learn about orangutan conservation efforts, and observe rehabilitated orangutans in their naturalistic forest enclosures, providing a unique opportunity to support wildlife conservation and learn about the plight of these endangered primates.

Conclusion

Kalimantan is a land of unparalleled beauty and diversity, offering travelers a wealth of experiences to explore and discover. From pristine rainforests and majestic mountains to vibrant river communities and rich cultural heritage, Kalimantan’s famous tourist attractions showcase the unique wonders of this enchanting destination.

Whether trekking through national parks, diving in crystal-clear waters, or immersing oneself in indigenous cultures, visitors to Kalimantan island are sure to be captivated by the natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality of Indonesia’s Bornean paradise.

So pack your bags, venture to Kalimantan, and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in this extraordinary corner of the world.