West Kalimantan Tour

Lying directly on the equator with many canals crisscross the city and one of Indonesia’s longest rivers, the Kapuas (1,143 km long) divides the town in two, providing an essential and historical communications link. Stone carvings and ceramics can be traced as far back as the 5^th century, but it is the influence of Islam that has had the most impact on this region. West Kalimantan covers an area of over 146,608 sq km, rich in a variety  of minerals and precious stones and remains largely unexplored.

Getting there :
Supadio International Airport, 18 km from Pontianak is easily accessible from Jakarta or Singapore by air. PELNI’s ship sail from Jakarta and Surabaya to Pontianak. Pontianak is easy accessible from Kuching, East Malaysia via Entikong. Coastal areas are mainly swamplands with more than 100 rivers sculpting the flat plains. In the mountainous eastern parts of the province, away from the city and plains, there are many Dayak villages. A large Chinese population, Malays and other Indonesian ethnic groups account for the rest of the inhabitants of the province. West Kalimantan has a tropical climate with the average daily minimum temperature of 22,9° C and maximum 31,5° C, with light rainy season from March-May and the heavy rain from November-January.

Tourism Events

Bumi Khatulistiwa Culture Festival.

The festival is held twice a year to celebrate Pontianak’s position right on the equator.

This festival features traditional West Kalimantan art, tourism and cultural exhibitions,

Traditional sport competition contests and seminar are also held this event on March 2008.

Places of Interest

Pontianak is a capital city of West Kalimantan Province covering an area of 146,697 sq kms. Some tourism objects closest to Pontianak are Kadarian palace in Kampung Dalam, the state Museum and the Kapuas and Landak River. Beach resorts of Kijing and Temajoh island are good places for rest after diving, fishing and sailing.

Equator Monument. Located five kilometers North of Pontianak city is the precise spot at which the equator bisects the earth. Explore astronomic cal experiences of  the phenomena for a period of only 5-10 minutes twice a year.

A Long House Replica. Reflection of the past of the Dayak tribes, a long house “Rumah Betang” situated at Jl. Letjen Sutoyo Pontianak is a unique traditional house. On April 20-23 every year, the ceremony of “ Gawai Dayak” will be held.

Pasir Panjang. 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas regency is the beach resort of Pasir Panjang, ideal for swimming and tennis. Comfortable cottages are available. In the vicinity of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng Hill Resort is a good place for nature lovers.

Selimpah Beach is a camping area on the beach where among February until May, many turtles lay their eggs there. It is 305 km from Pontianak city or 80 km from Sambas.

Palung National Park. The Gunung Palung National Park, located in the Ketapang regency covers over 90,000 sq km, is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Hot springs, lakes and caves are among the many special features here. The park can be reached by plane or express boat form Pontianak to Ketapang or to Telok Melano and proceed by minibus for 2 hours drive of by kandong (traditional boat) for 6 hours.

Karimata Island. A spectacular marine nature reserve 100 kilometers east of Ketapang and covering an area of  77,000 square kilometers, the island is home to many species of turtles and dugongs. The regional airport Rahadi Usman and sea port make it an important link to the rest of Kalimantan. Accomodation ranging from moderate hotels including restaurants is available.

Kapuas Hulu. A mega diversity eco-tourism with its huge lagoon amongst the regions in entire Borneo. Covers numerous sites of interest in Betung Kerihun National Park such as botanical inclined, animal lovers, ritual ceremonies by the Dayaks, local music and art, handicraft in the making, daily life of local communities, Trekking into the jungle, braving the rapids, exploring the caves, adventure-journey into the Heart of Borneo West.

Danau Sentarum National Park is well worth a visit for its huge lagoon lies on the Borneo land of the West. Covers an area of 132,000 ha situated in Kapuas Hulu Regency, Semitau Sub-District, within 1,5 hours your convenience trip by speed boat of 20 HP enter the area and explore more traditional floating houses o long boats. Surrounding fresh water swam with a number of 5 different lakes is also home to the large selection of more than 220 fresh water fish species of any lake in the world. Salty fishes, baked fish. Foremost amongst these are the Super Red Arrowana (Scleropages formosus), or local name “ikan Silok”, famed for its beautiful coloration and much prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike unique breeding of this Super Red Arrowana by locals Malay and Dayak. At night the visitors are welcome to stay at indigenous floating houses on the of the Sentarum National Park while self-eatering, fishing, swimming, bush walking, mountain climbing, cruise by traditional boat or speed boat makes your journey never ending.

Kendawangan Nature Reserve is enriched with an ecosystem comprising lowland forest, coastal forest, mangrove forest, swamp forest and peat forest. Covering an area of 150,00 square kilometers, this reserve is also home to sea turtle.

Menager Multi-Level Waterfall, cascade down in seven stages over a vast area, surrounded by pristine rainforest, caves Barema-Dayak worship site, rapid stream calm pools of water invite young and old alike to soak in their tranquil depths, this unique waterfall to create a breathtaking spectacle for all to enjoy. Complementing this natural wonder are the ringing calls of birds as they echo form the trees. This unique waterfall situated between Landan and Bengkayang is easily accessible by  4WD.

Renowned mysteriously as Bukit Kelam (Dark Hill) is a huge stone outcrop forms a spectacular natural backdrop for the town of Sintang

Sintang is a rever town on the confluence of the Kapuas and Melawi Rivers, strategically making it the center of Chinese trade with the interior of Borneo. Steel Stairs ascend the mountain’s side offering an exciting challenge for adventurous visitors. This huge stone outcrop forms a spectacular natural backdrop for the town of Sintang, covering an area 520 square kilometers and rising some 900 m(3,000 ft) from the plain below. Kelam (which means “dark” in Indonesia) begins to wear its characteristic shroud of clouds by mid afternoon becoming a brooding, spellbinding image. Is only 15 km from Sintang by public transportation. Rest pavilions and coffee shops are located nearby for the weary traveler.

Baning Nature Reserve. This nature reserve provides a beauty panorama for locals alike, as its location is right in the heart of Sintang city. Baning National Park is easily accessible for visitors and residents alike. With its unique ecosystem, virgin tropical rainforest and breathtaking panoramic view a quiet oasis. Many varieties of orchids and Kantong Semar flowers create the setting for a beautiful nature walk. For those who love adventure, Nokanayan and Jegonoi waterfalls with its crisscross canal of the river Nokanayan making a perfect apot for visitors’ worldwide. Detail information for the adventurous lovers is kindly advised to meet the Unit office in Sintang.

The Hidden Paradise in The Heart of Borneo, the beauty of nature, is a tropical canyon, lush jungle, fill with rapids and various flora and fauna, with a view of the Schwaner Mountains. Come to NOKAN NAYAN where hidden paradise is waiting for you, in the heart of Borneo. There are two amazing waterfalls; Nokanayan and Nokan Jengonoi both have a height of more than 200 meters height with more than 50-meters width. With cantons and beauty virgin surrounding.

Myriad array of Malay. Furthermore the musical instrument gambus, ketipang, rebana and tar-tar of the Malay dance with its vibrant color or dresses with the men’s motive of Teluk Belanga tied around the waist and wear a hat. For women called “Baju Kurung” and weaving Sarung completed with scarf. Ranging from fascinating array of attractions of the Dayak Dancing and ritual ceremonies to magical treatment, Cap Go Meh Chinese Dancing Dragon with the Magical Tatung, Robok, Malay Traditional Music and dance with its weaving clothes in vibrant colors, Cannon Barrage Festival by Malay in Pontianak and much more become the most significant events for the visitors world wide.

Amazing Chinese-Tionghoa Dancing Dragon. As one of the highest concentration of ethnic Chinese or locals “Tionghoa”, in West Kalimantan the Singkawang city provides the Spectacular Magical Tatung and Dancing Dragon during the Chinese Happy New Year with its Cap Go Meh-Imlek-Xong She Fat Choi and Wedding party and Amaqing Singkawang Chinese Tionghoa Dancing Dragon with the Magical Tatung.

Handicraft & Choices of Souvenir. The most well known cloth in the region of West Kalimantan with its various motif in vibrant colors in Kain Sambas (Weaving cloth) and the Dayak weaving cloth of Ensaik Panjang, Sintang, Cual, Corak Insang, Lunggi Woven, Kalengkang embroidery and West Kalimantan’s batik with choices of handicraft, woven material, rattan, philodendron and wood of West Kalimantan. Pandanus Plaited bag, bamboo plaited baskets, dishes covers, mat, souvenirs Khatulistiwa monument miniature, bandong traditional boat miniatures, Dayak scimitar, key holders, and woodcarving, ceramics tie woven beads. It is advisable to come over the Indonesia National Crafts Council (DEKRANASDA) at Jl Hasanudin Pontianak, Souvenir Shop at Jl. Patimura, Koperasi KERTA at Jl. Adi Sucipto Pontianak Further Sambas is renowned with its Weaving Cloth. The most well-known clothes in the region of West Kalimantan with its various kinds of motif of vibrant colors. Meanwhile, Dayak weaving cloth is made by locals Dayak at Ensaid village in Sintang Regency become the most wanted by Europe countries and other overseas countries. Mandau made by the Dayak people in Melawi Regency creates the best souvenir as its unique style, intricate paintings, design and carving.

Mempawah Regency. Offers a unique Super Red Arwana or locals “Ikan Silok” breeding (Scelero pages formosus) or Asian Bonitongue is among the most sought after the pet-fishes in the world., long prized for its beauty. This endangered species is now red for commercial by PD Bintang Kalbar Pontianak.

Exotic Tropical Fruits Sweeties. Uniquely style of serves Aloe Vera Healthy drinks and Snacks, Tropical Jello Fruits, Exotic Fruit Sweeties oranges, locals Jeruk Sambas, more tourist are keen to stay any longer and welcome to visit the plantation area until the satisfied to pick and bring them back as souvenirs.

Food and Beverage. Enjoy more tasteful of West Kalimantan specific food at tne city center restaurant and traditional food or seafood. Both Padang and locals Malay restaurant become the favorite with its hot and spicy food and unique style of service. A spicy blend of chili, anions, tamarind is also more delicious for such specific food of freshwater fish “Asam Pedas” and much more.

Pengkang Traditional Food. The traditional food of Malay, more tasteful with its “Pengkang” baked glutinous rice with a stuffing of scrimps known spicy blend of chili. Kakap Fishing Village offers their seafood restaurant. An ideal place for tasting local seafood can be found at Kakap fisihing village and Gravella Restaurant & Fishing dwell.

The City of Singkawang with its gorgeous resort facilities Bougenville Pard, Chidayu Park, Gunung Poteng nature preserves with its cleaned water resources and home to Tuan Mudae Rafflesia, Dendrobium Ers-Orchids. There are also a wide range of accommodation option from star hotel to budget accommodation and cottages, restaurants, shopping centers, discotheques. Singkawang is perfect holiday destination.

Bukit Raya – Bukit Baka National Park. The entire park is richly endowed by nature with rainforest, rugged landscapes, mountains and meandering rivers. An abundance of inland waterways offer endless opportunities for bathing, boating, water skiing, bird watching and fishing. The combination of delightful climate with fascinating flora and fauna contribute greatly to the park’s charm. The park is easily accessible from Nanga Pinoh by 4 WD of form Nanga Popai by longboat. Bordering Sarawak, Malaysia and Central Kalimantan and covering an area of 181,090 square kilometers, this national park is home to the largest flower in the world, RAFFLESIA sp. (named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore). This park is a perfect for those who love adventure.

Dayak’s costumes are rich in colors and variation, which are fitted with beads and feathers, body full with tattoo of Dayak’s characteristic. The women wears the weaving and skirts and the above part is the blouse with short sleeve fitted with beads and feathers. The ankles and waists are equipped with tusk and necklaces on the neck. The necklaces are formed with colorful beads. The shirts from beads are very valuable and threads are made of fiber of the woods barks. The dominant colors are red, black, yellow and white. The most traditional musical instruments can be seen during the festival and ritual ceremonies made of wood, bamboo or bronze such  “sape”,  gong or “tawak-tawak’, drum “garemong” or kenongan, bondi, flute and keledik.

Ceramic porcelain made by locals Chinese-Tionghoa. Here, a huge klin, some 30 meters (100 ft) long, provides the high temperatures needed to fire the fine ceramics. Craftsmen here make both utilitarian objects ad fines copies of Chinese export ware from dynasties past.

Central Kalimantan Tour

Central Kalimantan is the biggest province on the island, covering 153,800 square kilometers, most of which is jungle. The northern area is mountainous and difficult to reach. The central area is dense tropical forest. Te southern area is swampy and has many rivers. The climate is hot and humid. The tree Dayak sub-tribes who inhabit this province are the Ngaju, Ot Danum and Ma’anyan Ot Siang. The Ngaju people are nomadic, adhering to old Kaharingan religion, which is a form of ancestor worship mixed with elements of animism. With approximately 6,000 people, the Ot Danum is the largest among the tree subtribes. The Ot Danum people live in longhouses which sometimes have as many as 50 rooms. The women are known for their skill in plaiting rattan, palm leaves and bamboo. Like other Dayaks, the men are good hunters, using simple tools. The art of Central Kalimantan clearly bears the marks of Kaharingan religion, which is the traditional belief of the Dayaks in the hinterland of Central Kalimantan. Building styles, statues and carvings have been influenced by the Chinese, and Hindu-Javanese. Aside from their aesthetic properties, many objects are appreciated for their magic value.

Getting there :
By Garuda Indonesia Airlines domestic flights direct to Palangkaraya three times every day.

Tourism Events

Isen Mulang Culture Festival in Palangkaraya. This festival features a tourism exhibition and cultural presentations from provinces all over the country.

Places of Interest

Palangkaraya. In the local Dayak language, Palangkaraya means ‘holy container’. Palangkaraya can easily bi reached from Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Balikpapan and other points on the island by air. The town has become the center of government, trade and education of the province. The regional Museum of Palangkarayacontains a collection of historical and cultural interest from all over Central Kalimantan.

Kuala Kapuas. It is located at Kapuas River, 40 km from Banjarmasin. A well-known tourist attraction is Telo Island, a pleasant fishing village and port. For the adventure, white-water rafter 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 maor source of livelihood for the people, who pan for the valuable metal using the old traditional method.

Sampit is the biggest timber port in Kalimantan. The Orchid Park of Pembuangan Hulu is home to a number of rare and beautiful orchid varieties. Hunters can engage in their favorite pastime in hunting park of West Kotawaringin.

Pangkalanbun. Make sure to visit the old Palace of Pangkalanbun, constructed completely out of ulin (iron wood). It is the only Banjar royal legacy found in Central Kalimantan.

The Tanjung Puting National Park is a well-known nature and wildlife reserve in lowland and swamp forests, inhabited by Orang utans, Owa-owa, Bekantan and other primates. One can visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which is supported by the World Wildlife Fun (WWF)

East Nusa Tenggara

The province consist of over 550 islands, but it’s dominated by the three main islands : Flores, Sumba and Timor. The arid landscape of Eastern and Southeastern Nusa Tenggara is the result of hot, dry winds blasting in form the Australian continent. In fact, in many coastal areas not a drop of rain falls during the most of the year. Flores is a Portuguese name which means “flower” and ideally described the beauty to be found here. These long island between Sumbawa and Timo is crowded with volcanoes and mountains, dividing it into several regions with district languages and traditions. Predominantly Catholic and heavily influenced by the Portuguese, there are many examples of a strong European cultural heritage, like the Easter procession held in Larantuka and the royal regalia of the former king in Maumere. Formerly known as Sandalwood island, Sumba is now famous for its horses and it superb style for ikat clothe. West Sumba is famous for its enormous megalithic tombs and traditional thatched and peaked huts raised on stilts. Timor is the principal island in the province in terms of population and it is here that the provincial capital of Kupang is located.

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Yogyakarta

It streches form the slopes of mighty Mount Merapi in the north to the wave-swept beaches of the powerful Indian Ocean to the south. It was the mighty Javanese Empire of Mataram, Ngayogyakarto Hadiningrat. Yogyakarta (Yogya) came into being in 1755, when a land dispute split the power of Mataram into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Prince Mangkubumi built Kraton of Yogyakarta and created one of the most powerful Javanese states ever. The Kraton is still the hub of Yogyakarta’s traditional life and despite the advances of the 20th century; it still radiates the spirit of refinement, which has been the hallmark of its art and people for centuries. Yogyakarta is one of the supreme cultural centers of Java. Gamelan orchestras keep alive the rhythms the past, classical Javanese dances entrance with vision of beauty and poise, shadows come to life in the stories of the Wayang Kulit and a myriad of traditional visual art forms keep locals and visitors alike spellbound. It stretches from the slopes of mighty Mount Merapi in the North to the wave-swept beaches of the powerful Indian Ocean to the South.

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Central Java

History has left its footprints across Central Java, an area rich in culture and tradition descending from powerful Hindu and Buddhist past, and more recent Islamic influences. Under the Sailendra and Old Mataram Kings in the 8th and 10th centuries the Hindu-Javanese culture flourished, and it was during this period that Java’s most remarkable religious monuments were built such as Borobudur, the most magnificent monument to Mahayana Buddhism in the world, the enermous Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, and the ancient site of the oldest Hindu temples in Java on the Dieng Plateau.

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