Discover Central Kalimantan

Traditional Dayak houses, peat forests with wild orangutans, and river trips shape the destinations in Central Kalimantan. There are also hikes with views of floodplains and rock outcrops, as well as insights into Dayak culture. When choosing your holiday rental, it is worth first considering which of these experiences you want to make the focus of your trip.

Nature and wildlife in the national parks

Sebangau National Park encompasses a peat ecosystem and is home to wild orangutans. Endemic birds, reptiles, and mammals also live there, and visitors can observe wildlife up close. One main entrance to the national park is Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai in Palangka Raya. From the jetty, you can travel along the Sebangau River in a traditional klotok boat. Wildlife watching and river trips go hand in hand here, while the peat forest defines the character of this protected area.

Another orangutan habitat is Tanjung Puting National Park. Pelabuhan Kumai harbour in Central Kalimantan is a gateway to the national park and Camp Leakey. Visitors can travel along the Sungai Sekonyer in a traditional klotok and observe orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and exotic birds in their natural habitat. River cruises from Palangka Raya also take you through Borneo’s natural landscapes and offer glimpses of wildlife, including orangutans. These different river and nature experiences give you concrete points of reference for deciding what kind of trip you want.

Nyaru Menteng, an orangutan rehabilitation centre, is located near Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan. More than 600 orphaned and displaced Bornean orangutans live there under the care of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. The Nyaru Menteng Arboretum is in Desa Tumbang Tahai, Kecamatan Bukit Batu, in Palangka Raya and can be reached by rental car or public transport. If you are interested in plants and natural environments, you can include this place in your choice of destinations.

Dayak houses, history, and culture

Betang Tumbang Anoi, also known as Betang Damang Batu, is a historic site and traditional Dayak house in Desa Tumbang Anoi, Kabupaten Gunung Mas. The Tumbang Anoi peace meeting was held there in 1894. The historic house and the meeting connect a specific place with an important event in regional history. Another traditional house is Betang Toyoi in Desa Tumbang Malahoi, Kecamatan Rungan, Kabupaten Gunung Mas; it is estimated to have been built between 1817 and 1896.

Betang Konut in Desa Konut, Kecamatan Tanah Siang, Kabupaten Murung Raya, is a traditional house of the Dayak Siang people, around 160 years old, and a cultural heritage site. In Palangka Raya, you can learn about Dayak culture and heritage at Museum Balanga. Its collections reflect the cultural diversity of the Dayak people. In the traditional Dayak village of Tumbang Manggu, you can see betang houses and traditional Dayak handicrafts. These places offer different options for planning your trip: a historic meeting place, traditional houses, a museum, and village crafts.

Hiking, wildlife, and special places

If you want to combine exercise with scenery, you can hike up Bukit Tangkiling. Along the way, you can enjoy views of vast floodplains, peat swamp forests, and rare rock outcrops. Nearby Taman Alam, located close to Bukit Tangkiling, is a wildlife park whose main attraction is its crocodiles. In Nanga Bulik, Penangkaran Rusa Lamandau is home to dozens of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor); the destination is considered a recreational and educational place for children.

Another striking place is Terowongan Nur Mentaya Sampit: the tourist attraction is three kilometres long and decorated with 172 coloured decorative light poles. Danau Sembuluh is the largest lake in Central Kalimantan. Danau Melawen is mentioned in connection with neighbouring Danau Sanggu, which has a fishing area. These waterside destinations and excursions complement the forest, cultural, and river experiences with other specific interests.

Regional cuisine and other destinations

Traditional dishes also offer a glimpse into the local cuisine. Juhu Umbut Rotan is a dish made from young rattan shoots cooked with coconut milk and spices. Kalumpe is a vegetable dish made from cassava leaves that is typical of the Dayak people. For a sweet contrast, there is Kue Gagatas, a traditional snack with a crunchy texture and sweet flavour. These dishes differ in their ingredients and character, offering specific points of interest if you are curious about regional food traditions as well as nature and culture.

For further inspiration, here are the destinations within this region: Palangka Raya, North Barito, East Barito, Pahandut and Mentawa Baru/Ketapan. When choosing a holiday rental in Central Kalimantan, it is best to base your search on the places and experiences that matter most to your trip, such as river trips and wildlife watching, Dayak culture, hiking, or exploring regional cuisine.

For the overview of the wider region, see: Indonesia.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, Papua.