Borneo/Kalimantan
River cruises into the heart of the jungle 🦧🌿
Kalimantan, the Indonesian territory on the island of Borneo, creates a setting for one of the world's truly great wildlife adventures. For families, the primary draw is Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan. Here, the journey itself is the destination. Travelers live aboard a klotok, a multi-story wooden riverboat that serves as transport, restaurant, and hotel. As the boat glides slowly up the Sekonyer River, families can spot wild orangutans swinging through the trees, crocodiles basking on the muddy banks, and troops of endemic proboscis monkeys with their distinctive long noses leaping between branches.
The highlight of a trip to Tanjung Puting is visiting the feeding stations at Camp Leakey, where rehabilitated orangutans return to supplement their diet. Seeing these great apes up close in their natural habitat is a profound educational experience for children, fostering a deep appreciation for conservation. The boat crew generally handles all logistics, providing mosquito nets and cooking delicious local meals, making this remote adventure surprisingly comfortable for families. The gentle pace of the river cruise allows for plenty of downtime to read, play games, and listen to the sounds of the jungle.
Beyond the orangutans, East Kalimantan offers adventures along the Mahakam River, where you can visit traditional Dayak longhouses. These communal structures are the center of indigenous life, and visitors are often welcomed with traditional dance and music. While infrastructure in Kalimantan is less developed than in Bali or Java, the logistical simplicity of a guided boat tour makes it a viable and unforgettable option for families with school-aged children. It is a place to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature in its rawest form.
Travelers should plan to fly into Pangkalan Bun for access to Tanjung Puting. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to September) to avoid slippery trails and ensure the best wildlife viewing conditions. While it requires more planning than a beach holiday, the memories of sleeping under the stars to the symphony of the rainforest will last a lifetime.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
A global pinnacle for biodiversity, offering families private 'klotok' houseboat expeditions to witness wild orangutans in the Tanjung Puting National Park. Peak months provide the lowest rainfall for jungle navigation, while the heavy monsoons (Nov-Apr) can flood river systems and obscure wildlife viewing.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
The Derawan Archipelago offers unique marine experiences, including swimming with stingless jellyfish and world-class diving with manta rays. Optimal visibility and calmest seas occur from July to September; the monsoon period brings rougher waters and reduced underwater clarity unsuitable for discerning divers.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides world-class ecological education at sites like Camp Leakey, combined with immersive encounters in traditional Dayak longhouses. Drier months ensure accessible jungle trails for guided scientific tours, whereas extreme precipitation in the off-season limits access to remote conservation outposts.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Features authentic, non-commercialized Dayak harvest festivals and the Erau cultural event which showcase ancient indigenous traditions. These events are best experienced during the drier peak and shoulder months when outdoor river processions and village ceremonies are most vibrant and accessible.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The slow, rhythmic pace of living on a traditional wooden boat provides a unique 'slow-travel' relaxation experience that is highly appealing to stressed urban families. While not a traditional spa destination, the tranquil river environment is most therapeutic during the drier months (Jun-Sep) when lower humidity and less rain allow for comfortable lounging on the open decks.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Banjarmasin’s floating markets offer a unique, authentic window into riverine commerce, though the region lacks the world-class urban infrastructure of major cultural capitals. Travel is most comfortable during the drier months when river traffic is predictable and the heat is slightly moderated by lower humidity.
Attractions (62 total)
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Balikpapan Botanical Garden
Balikpapan
The first botanical garden in Kalimantan, this vast conservation area features educational forest trails and a massive collection of native dipterocarp trees.
Visit website →Katingan Botanical Garden
Kasongan
This specialized botanical garden focuses on the conservation and display of rare tropical fruit trees native to the peatlands of Central Kalimantan.
Banua Botanical Garden
Banjarbaru
A sprawling garden showcasing thematic collections of medicinal plants and a large, popular green hedge labyrinth perfect for family exploration.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Bukit Bangkirai (Bangkirai Hill)
Samboja
A premier nature adventure destination featuring a 64-meter long canopy bridge suspended 30 meters high among ancient tropical hardwood trees.
Ladaya (Lahan Daya Mandiri)
Tenggarong
An outdoor activity center providing family-friendly adventure with zip-lining, paint-ball, and unique pointed-roof wooden lodges set in a lush forest environment.
Taman Wisata Alam Bukit Tangkiling
Palangkaraya
A nature-based outdoor center offering scenic trekking trails across granite outcrops with panoramic views over the vast Kalimantan peat swamp forests.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Camp Leakey
Pangkalan Bun
A world-famous orangutan research landmark within Tanjung Puting National Park where visitors can observe primates in their natural habitat.
Visit website →Equator Monument
Pontianak
A historic landmark marking the precise location of the Earth's equator, allowing visitors to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously.
Visit website →Samarinda Islamic Center Mosque
Samarinda
One of Southeast Asia's largest mosques, featuring seven minarets and a massive central dome overlooking the Mahakam River.
Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat (MONPERA)
Balikpapan
A prominent seaside monument and park dedicated to the local resistance against colonial forces during the Indonesian revolution.
Kadriyah Palace
Pontianak
An 18th-century wooden palace built by the founder of Pontianak, showcasing unique yellow royal architecture and historical artifacts.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Caribbean Island Waterpark
Balikpapan
One of the largest water parks in Kalimantan, featuring a Caribbean pirate theme with extensive slides and a wave pool.
Visit website →Kalawa Waterpark
Palangka Raya
The premier water recreation center in Central Kalimantan, offering multiple pool areas and adrenaline-inducing slides.
Aquaboom Waterpark
Balikpapan
A unique rooftop water park located atop a major shopping mall, offering high-altitude slides and modern aquatic facilities.
Visit website →Paradiso Q Waterpark
Pontianak
Part of the Qubu Resort, this large-scale water park offers a wide variety of slides and leisure pools in a resort setting.
Visit website →Waterboom Pesona Modern
Banjarmasin
A popular family destination in South Kalimantan featuring spiral slides, a lazy river, and interactive splash zones.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Cross Borneo Trek
Putussibau
Approximately 150km (walking portion) extremely challenging expedition-style trek. Requires 14 to 20 days depending on river conditions. High elevation variance through the Muller Mountain Range. No equipment rentals available; travelers must hire local guides and porters in Putussibau (West Kalimantan) or Long Apari (East Kalimantan).
Visit website →Loksado to Haratai Waterfall Trail
Loksado
12km moderate day hike through the Meratus Mountains. Typical duration 5 hours with 350m elevation gain. The trail passes through traditional Dayak villages and secondary rainforest. Local guides are available in Loksado; bike rentals for gravel sections can be arranged through Loksado Guesthouse providers.
Visit website →Bukit Kelam Monolith Trail
Sintang
3km challenging vertical hike to the summit of the world's second-largest monolith. Duration 4 to 6 hours with 900m elevation gain. The route features steep stairs and a via ferrata section. No equipment rentals available; local guides at the park entrance are recommended.
Visit website →Gunung Bukit Raya Summit Trek
Tumbang Habangoi
60km round trip expert-level mountain trek. Typical duration is 7 to 10 days with approximately 2,100m elevation gain. As one of Indonesia's 'Seven Summits,' it involves dense jungle navigation and multiple river crossings. Self-supported or guided via local outfits like IndoClimb (indoclimb.com).
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Derawan Island
Berau Regency
A world-class tropical paradise famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thriving sea turtle population.
Kakaban Island
Berau Regency
A unique island destination featuring a prehistoric mangrove-fringed lagoon filled with four species of non-stinging jellyfish.
Maratua Island
Berau Regency
Known as the 'Caribbean of Indonesia,' this horseshoe-shaped island offers expansive blue lagoons and spectacular coastal views perfect for families.
Lamaru Beach
Balikpapan
A well-maintained recreation area famous for its lush pine forest that reaches the edge of the sandy beach, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
Manggar Segara Sari Beach
Balikpapan
The most popular public beach in East Kalimantan, featuring a wide sandy shoreline, calm waves, and shaded areas under pine trees.
Pasir Panjang Beach
Singkawang
A beautiful coastal stretch in West Kalimantan characterized by its clean white sand, unique rock formations, and scenic views of the Natuna Sea.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Derawan Islands
Berau
A stunning archipelago offering families crystal-clear waters for snorkeling with sea turtles and swimming in a stingless jellyfish lake on Kakaban Island.
Mahakam River
Samarinda
The largest river in East Kalimantan, famous for scenic boat cruises where lucky visitors can spot the rare Irrawaddy freshwater dolphin.
Bukit Bangkirai
Samboja
An ecotourism site featuring a thrilling 64-meter-high canopy bridge that allows visitors to walk among the tops of ancient tropical hardwood trees.
Kutai National Park
Bontang
A diverse protected area offering guided treks through ironwood forests to observe wild orangutans and a variety of tropical bird species.
Visit website →Loksado
Kandangan
A scenic highland region in the Meratus Mountains where families can experience the unique adventure of traditional bamboo rafting down the Amandit River.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Lok Baintan Floating Market
Banjarmasin
A historic cultural site where local traders gather on the Martapura River in traditional wooden boats to sell colorful fruits, vegetables, and regional snacks.
Pampang Cultural Village
Samarinda
An authentic Dayak Kenyah village where families can witness traditional dance performances and explore intricately carved wooden longhouses.
Loksado Cultural Area
Kandangan
A scenic mountain village home to the Dayak Meratus people, offering insights into traditional longhouse living and the unique heritage of bamboo rafting.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Museum Lambung Mangkurat
Banjarbaru
Featuring distinctive traditional Banjar architecture, this museum preserves the artistic heritage, textiles, and historical artifacts of South Kalimantan.
Museum Negeri Kalimantan Barat
Pontianak
This cultural landmark features an extensive collection of traditional Dayak masks, intricate wood carvings, and indigenous textiles from across the province.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Museum Mulawarman
Tenggarong
The former palace of the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate houses royal regalia and historical artifacts in a grand colonial-style building.
Istana Kuning
Pangkalan Bun
A beautifully restored wooden palace of the Kutaringin Sultanate, known for its yellow-painted timber and royal historical displays.
Istana Kadriyah
Pontianak
A grand wooden palace built in 1771, showcasing the traditional Malay architecture and royal heritage of the Pontianak Sultanate.
Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Pemandian Air Panas Tanuhi
Loksado
40-45°C natural sulfur water, featuring three outdoor pools including a large swimming area and smaller soaking tubs, located at the base of the Meratus Mountains, public facility with changing rooms and basic infrastructure
Pemandian Air Panas Hantakan
Barabai
Naturally heated clear mineral water pools, public outdoor facility located near the Pagat tourist area, known for its relaxing atmosphere and natural jungle surroundings with several concrete soaking basins
Pemandian Air Panas Sajau
Tanjung Selor
50-70°C geothermal source temperature, tiered sulfur-rich pools designed for therapeutic soaking, set within a natural forest environment in the Bulungan regency, primary destination for mineral bath therapy
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Tanjung Puting National Park
Pangkalan Bun
A premier rural river experience where visitors live on traditional klotok boats while observing orangutans in their natural habitat.
Visit website →Rumah Ulin Arya
Samarinda
A family-friendly botanical park featuring a mini petting zoo with exotic birds and reptiles set among traditional ironwood architecture.
Visit website →Floating Market Lok Baintan
Banjarmasin
An authentic rural trading experience on the Martapura River where local farmers sell fresh produce from traditional wooden boats at dawn.
Loksado Bamboo Rafting
Loksado
A unique rural adventure featuring traditional bamboo rafts steered by Dayak guides through the scenic rivers of the Meratus Mountains.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Berau to Biduk-Biduk Coastal Road
Tanjung Redeb
Approx 250km (6-8 hours), paved with some narrow and rough sections. A remote and stunning adventure drive through East Kalimantan's primary rainforest and limestone karst hills. Key highlights include the famous 'Mirror Lake' (Labuan Cermin) at the end of the route and pristine coastal views of the Celebes Sea.
Visit website →Loksado Highland Scenic Drive
Banjarmasin
Approx 170km (4-5 hours), paved and winding mountain road. This route climbs from the flat river plains of Banjarmasin into the lush Meratus Mountains. Highlights include the gemstone markets of Martapura, the diamond mines of Cempaka, and the dramatic rainforest scenery ending in the riverside village of Loksado.
Visit website →Pontianak to Singkawang Coastal Road
Pontianak
Approx 150km (3-4 hours), paved road. This popular coastal touring route follows the West Kalimantan shoreline along the South China Sea. Highlights include the Equator Monument in Pontianak, the long stretches of Pasir Panjang Beach, and the unique cultural fusion of Singkawang, known as the 'City of a Thousand Temples.'
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Caribbean Island Water Park
Balikpapan
One of the largest water parks in Kalimantan featuring multiple slides, a wave pool, and a Caribbean-themed entertainment stage.
Visit website →Amanah Borneo Park
Banjarbaru
A comprehensive outdoor theme park and educational farm offering adventure rides, fruit picking, and an orchid garden.
Visit website →Pulau Kumala
Tenggarong
A river island amusement park on the Mahakam River featuring a sky tower, carousel, and traditional Kutai cultural monuments.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Sinka Island Park
Singkawang
A unique coastal wildlife park featuring a safari-style drive-through area and a variety of exotic animals overlooking the sea.
Samboja Lestari Wildlife Sanctuary
Balikpapan
An eco-friendly sanctuary offering families the chance to see rehabilitated orangutans and sun bears in a lush, reforested environment.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Sinka Island Park Aquarium
Singkawang
A popular marine aquarium located within a large coastal recreation park featuring various fish species and sea turtles.
Taman Akuarium Air Tawar (Freshwater Aquarium)
Tenggarong
A unique regional aquarium showcasing the diverse freshwater species of the Mahakam River, including exhibits on the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.
Visit website →Sangalaki Island Turtle Conservation
Derawan Islands
A world-renowned conservation center where international visitors can observe sea turtle nesting and the release of hatchlings into the Celebes Sea.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Danau Sentarum National Park
Putussibau
A spectacular seasonal wetland system that transforms from a vast lake to a dry creek bed depending on the time of year.
Visit website →Gunung Palung National Park
Ketapang
Renowned for its incredible biodiversity across varied habitats, from mangrove swamps to montane forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Visit website →Sebangau National Park
Palangkaraya
A vast peat swamp forest ecosystem known for its unique black-water rivers and as a critical habitat for one of the largest wild orangutan populations.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Museum Kayu Tuah Himba
Tenggarong
Discover the diverse timber species and natural forest history of Kalimantan through displays of massive logs and rare wood carvings.
West Kalimantan State Museum
Pontianak
Explore the intersection of natural history and local culture with exhibits on native wildlife, minerals, and traditional Dayak crafts.
