Discover East Kalimantan

East Kalimantan combines impressive nature with a vibrant culture: prehistoric rock art in Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat tells of the lives of earlier communities, while the Mahakam flows through the landscape and the Derawan Archipelago lies off Berau. When choosing a vacation rental, the key consideration is which side of the region you want your trip to focus on: river and culture, rainforest, or island worlds.

Experience rock art and rainforest

The Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat area contains thousands of red rock paintings and engravings at 35 sites across seven karst areas. The images depict social life in prehistoric times, including dancing, hunting, and rituals. The rock art also bears witness to the interactions between hunter-gatherer groups and the landscape. Those interested in early history will find a very different way to experience East Kalimantan here than on a trip focused on water and islands.

Bukit Bangkirai also offers a chance to experience nature. This protected rainforest excursion area is in Samboja, in Kutai Kartanegara Regency. Its diverse flora and fauna shape the character of the area. A suspension bridge was built there between five Bangkirai trees: it is 64 meters long and 30 to 40 meters above the ground. Orangutans and other wildlife live in Kutai National Park. These varied natural attractions can each serve as a focus for your trip, so choose a vacation rental that suits the region you plan to visit.

The Mahakam, traditions, and culture

The Mahakam is more than 900 kilometers long. It flows from the Muller Mountains and empties into the Makassar Strait. From Samarinda, travelers can rent wooden boats or klotok boats to explore upstream. Kutai and Dayak communities along its banks continue to preserve inherited customs and traditions.

In Samarinda, Pampang Cultural Village offers insights into the lives of Indigenous communities and features traditional Dayak dances. Taman Budaya Samarinda presents the cultural diversity of East Kalimantan through traditional dances, regional music, handicraft exhibitions, and a gallery of works by local artists. Samarinda hosts the annual Mahakam Festival, featuring cultural parades, boat races, and traditional music and dance. In Tenggarong, Kedaton Kutai Kartanegara is the palace of the Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate; historical collections offer insights into the history and culture of the sultanate.

Island nature and travel routes around Berau

Off the coast of East Kalimantan, in Berau Regency, lies the Derawan Archipelago, with 31 islands. It is a nesting area for green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. Every day, visitors can watch turtles lay their eggs in the sand or swim out to sea. On Sangalaki, visitors can watch sea turtles nesting up close during the nesting season. The island also has named dive sites, including Coral Gardens, Manta Run, Manta Parade, and The Rockies.

Kakaban is a natural island formed thousands of years ago; a lake covers up to 80 percent of its area. Visitors can swim with jellyfish there and spot barracudas and whitetip reef sharks. Maratua offers dive and snorkel sites such as Jetty Dive Spot, Turtle Traffic Spot, and Eel Garden. The Channel is especially suited to experienced divers. These differences can help you plan your island stay around the experiences you have in mind. The journey to the Derawan Islands goes via Tanjung Redeb in Berau; from there, continue by boat to the islands. Take this route into account when choosing a vacation rental and planning your itinerary.

Culinary discoveries are part of the experience too: Amplang is a spicy, crispy mackerel cracker you can try in East Kalimantan. Find more regional destinations in Samarinda, Tarakan, Muarakedang, Bontang, Tenggarong, Bulungan, Kutai Kartanegara, Tenggarong Seberang, and Tanjung Redeb.

For the broader travel overview: Indonesia.