Borneo, known as Kalimantan in Indonesia, is one of the world’s largest islands and is shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The Indonesian part covers most of the island and is divided into five provinces: West, Central, South, East, and North Kalimantan. The region is characterized by tropical rainforests, large rivers, wetlands, mountains, and diverse wildlife. For travelers, Kalimantan offers a different side of Indonesia, with experiences centered more on nature, wildlife, rivers, and indigenous cultures than on conventional beach tourism. (Indonesia Travel)
Kalimantan has long been home to indigenous communities, particularly the Dayak peoples, whose traditions and ways of life are closely connected to the forests and rivers of Borneo. Over time, the island also became part of important trading networks, with coastal areas developing connections with traders from other parts of Southeast Asia. The name Borneo is generally used for the entire island, while Kalimantan refers specifically to the Indonesian territory.
The island's natural environment has played an important role in shaping local communities. Rivers such as the Kapuas, Mahakam, Barito, and Kahayan have historically served as transportation routes and sources of livelihood. Today, many parts of Kalimantan are protected through national parks and conservation areas, helping preserve its rainforest ecosystems and wildlife. These include Tanjung Puting National Park, Sebangau National Park, Gunung Palung National Park, Kutai National Park, and Kayan Mentarang National Park. (Indonesia Travel)
Kalimantan offers a wide range of destinations across its five provinces. In Central Kalimantan, Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the best-known places for wildlife experiences. Visitors can travel by traditional wooden klotok along the Sekonyer River and explore the rainforest around areas such as Camp Leakey, where orangutan conservation and research have been carried out for decades. The park is also home to proboscis monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and other rainforest species. (Indonesia Travel)
In West Kalimantan, destinations such as Gunung Palung National Park and Lake Sentarum offer opportunities to explore rainforest, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. East Kalimantan is known for Kutai National Park, while North Kalimantan provides access to the vast Kayan Mentarang National Park and remote areas inhabited by Dayak communities. In addition to its natural attractions, Kalimantan's cities and villages offer cultural experiences, including traditional longhouses, local handicrafts, river communities, and Dayak traditions. (Indonesia Travel)
Kalimantan's cuisine reflects the island's diverse communities and geographical regions. Local dishes vary between provinces, with ingredients commonly influenced by rivers, forests, agriculture, and coastal areas. In South Kalimantan, soto Banjar is one of the best-known dishes, while traditional foods such as ketupat Kandangan are associated with the Kandangan area. In other parts of Kalimantan, visitors can find dishes and snacks made with freshwater fish, local vegetables, rice, and regional spices.
Food can also be an important part of experiencing local communities. In rural areas, traditional dishes are often prepared using ingredients that are readily available around rivers, farms, and forests. Local markets are therefore useful places for travelers who want to experience everyday food culture rather than only restaurant-based dining. Kalimantan's culinary traditions vary considerably between regions, making food an interesting part of a longer journey across the island.
Kalimantan can be reached by air from major cities in Indonesia, with Jakarta, Surabaya, and other major Indonesian cities providing connections to airports across the island. The main gateways depend on the destination. Pangkalan Bun is commonly used for trips to Tanjung Puting National Park, while Pontianak, Palangka Raya, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan, Samarinda, and Tarakan serve as important gateways to different parts of Kalimantan. For example, visitors heading to Tanjung Puting generally fly to Pangkalan Bun before continuing by road and river toward the national park. (Indonesia Travel)
Travel within Kalimantan often involves a combination of car, boat, and domestic flights, particularly when visiting remote areas. Rivers remain an important means of transportation in several regions, and traditional boats such as the klotok are still used for tourism and local travel. Because distances between destinations can be considerable, itineraries are usually planned around specific regions rather than attempting to cover the entire island in one trip.
