Kalimantan, also known as Borneo, is the third largest island in the world. Indonesia has a 2/3 part of the island, while the rest in the north, is part of Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
If you are very fond of adventure and exploration, then Kalimantan is the answer. The island is the least visited by tourists, compared to other islands in Indonesia.
Deep, dark and exotic, as it was the picture of Kalimantan. It has one of the world's largest tropical rainforests and also has many large rivers. This is the world's lungs.
Kalimantan is also one of the most bio-diverse places on the earth. It is home to a variety of animals and plants. Many of the are endemic to this island and some are rare, now.
If you visit the Tanjung Puting, then you can visit the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. There, they will nurture and train the orangutans before they are released back into nature. This orangutans obtained from the confiscation of those who have illegally orangutans.
If you like hiking trails then Meratus Mountains will welcome you. A combining of forest, villages, rivers, suspension bridges and longhouse visits will give you a new experience.
The route of Loksado to Bali Haritai is the best one-day trek. This may take between four to six hours, depending on the route and the situation. For first timers, this is an excellent introduction to jungle trekking, with a moderate change in altitude, areas of dense foliage, and a few leeches for company. For a long trip, Mt. Besar (1901m), the highest peak in Meratus Mountains may be your choice destination. This trip takes about 5-7 days. Quite time consuming because you have to penetrate the dense forest.
For advanced jungle trekking, you’d be better to find a guide.
When you visit the island of Kalimantan, do no forget to take a little time to visit Banjarmasin. It is the capital of South Kalimantan Province. The town is famous for its floating market. In the morning, you will see the traders boat, going down the river, passing under Jembatan Dewi (Dewi Bridge) to the floating market. About an hour or more for them to get to the location. You can start your small journey from here, with them, to the floating market.
The views of the village houses on the banks of the river, the children waving to you, even some of them will try to swim towards your boat will become your new experience . You will enjoy the merriment and their hospitality. When arriving at the floating markets, enjoy your shopping time. Various exotic fruits that you can meet there. Few tips, be smart to bid to get the best price.
A worthwhile stop on the return trip is Pulau Kembang , where macaques walk the boardwalk. Another is gaily painted Masjid Sultan Suriansyah , one of the first mosques in Kalimantan, now beautifully restored.
Derawan Islands, located not far from the mainland of East Kalimantan, Berau. If you are a lover of diving, it is recommended to come here. With maintenance of marine territory covers a total area of not less than 1.27 million acres, Derawan Islands consists of 31 islands, the most famous of which is the island of Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki and Kakaban. This is the Indonesia's largest nesting site of the rare and endangered turtle species, the giant green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Here the turtles will lay eggs and store it in a warm beach sand. You can watch the turtles lay their eggs in the sand or swim with sea turtles.
Also visit Singkawang and Pontianak in West Kalimantan. In Pontianak, you will be able to find the Equator Monument. Well, there are 12 countries in the world which is crossed by imaginary line, the equator, but only one city that is located right in the path of the line, that's Pontianak. The indisputable fact is the basis of the construction of this monument. What a coincidence, as the founder of the city of Pontianak, Syarif Abdurrahman Alkadrie himself is not aware of this fact.
And in Singkawang, you will meet with other shades. Unlike other towns in Indonesia, Singkawang has a distinct oriental atmosphere with Hundreds of Chinese temples found around almost every corner of town. This is Because over 70% of Singkawang's population is of Chinese descent, predominantly of the Hakka tribe with some Teochew. Others are Malays, Dayaks and other Indonesian ethnic groups.
Kalimantan Island, with all its uniqueness and beauty will present an exotic experience and will not be forgotten
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