Kalimantan, which was once referred to as Borneo, is the second largest island in terms of size among all of the islands in the globe. The northern and northwestern areas of Kalimantan are made up of the states of Eastern Malaysia as well as Brunei Darusalam. East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan are the four provinces that make up the remaining portion of the island in Indonesia.
In addition to being the most populous province on Kalimantan Island, East Kalimantan is also the most expansive province in the whole nation. It is abundant in natural resources including oil, coal, gold, timber, and natural gas, among other things. The region is also endowed with an astonishingly beautiful natural landscape. There are hundreds of rivers that run through the West Kalimantan province, which is located in Indonesia. The culture of the Dayak people is the key draw to this location. Mountains and deep tropical forests may be found all across the central region of Kalimantan in Indonesia.
The island of Kalimantan is home to a wide variety of various peoples from all over the world. Dayaks make up the vast bulk of the population here. After them come groups such as Malay, Chinese, Madurese, and so on. The island’s location, terrain, and the diversity of its native population have all contributed to the development of its many distinct civilizations and kingdoms. This variety may be very clearly seen in the arts, dances, handicrafts, and clothes that are worn by many tribes.
Tourist Attractions in Kalimantan, Indonesia
Sultan’s Palace
This palace can be found in Tenggarong, which was once the administrative heart of the Kutai sultanate and is now the administrative hub of the Kutai regency. It is about 39 kilometres to the west of Samarinda. The Dutch started construction on the palace in the year 1936. It is now utilised as a museum and showcases a variety of antique pottery from the Dayak culture together with historic royal artefacts.
Melak
Melak sits 325 kilometres from Samarinda. The Kersid Luwai Orchid Reserve is the reason the town is so well-known. This reserve has a land area of around 5,000 acres and is located approximately 16 kilometres from Melak. You may also go to the neighbouring town of Eheng and see the Banuaq Dayak people there. The whole population of this area lives in a longhouse that is 213 feet in length.
Mesjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin
This is a really large mosque that can be seen right in the middle of Banjarmasin. The dome and minarets of the mosque are quite magnificent. The top of the structure resembles a flying saucer in form. The inside of the mosque is a beautiful place to worship in.
Pulau Kaget
Kaget Island, also known as Pulau Kaget, may be found in the Barito River. The region known as Kaget is a protected forest. The island is most famous for its benkantans, long-nosed monkeys, and the vast array of bird species that can be found there. Rafting is another activity that may be enjoyed on the Amandit River. It takes around sixty to ninety minutes by boat to arrive to Kaget from Banjarmasin.
Pulau Kembang
This island may be found in the middle of the Barito River. Additionally, Kembang is home to a protected area that spans around 148 acres. The island is home to tame monkeys like the “bekantan,” which are only found in Borneo and nowhere else in the world. You’ll discover a Chinese temple in this area where people give food to the monkeys. People have the superstitious belief that giving food to monkeys would bring them luck and wealth. The island is frequented by a large number of Chinese Indonesians.
Cempaka Diamond Fields
This quaint community is around 10 kilometres from the city of Banjarbaru. Diamonds were formerly mined in the area where the settlement is now located. The labour of digging is often carried out by a group that is comprised of one family and the members of that family’s immediate extended family. During the digging procedure, very basic devices are used.
Mesjid Abdurrakhman
Pontianak is the location of the Mesjid Abdrurakhman mosque. Syarif Abdul Rahman was the architect behind the construction of this magnificent mosque in the 18th century. In its construction, Malay architecture was used, and the structure’s roof had a square-tiered design. Istana Kadriyah, also known as the Sultan’s Palace, can be found not far away. It was formerly the official residence of the Sultan.
Museum Negeri Pontianak
Pontianak is home to this museum, which is located close to Tanjungpura University. There are many tempayans can be seen at the museum. These are water containers that were gathered from many nations in South East Asia such as Thailand, China, and Borneo. You will also be able to get a peek of the ethnic culture of West Kalimantan via the museum’s collection of Dayak artefacts, which are on display there.
