Central Kalimantan between Dayak heritage and nature

A traditional Betang house, a peat swamp area or a trip along a river: Central Kalimantan can be explored through a wide range of travel interests. The region combines places connected to Dayak history with landscapes and wildlife watching. Since the destinations mentioned are in different communities and towns, it helps to decide on the focus of your trip before choosing where to stay.

Dayak history and traditional houses

In Desa Tumbang Anoi in Gunung Mas Regency stands Betang Tumbang Anoi, also known as Betang Damang Batu. This traditional Dayak house is a historic site: the Tumbang Anoi Peace Meeting was held here in 1894. The site is therefore also considered a historic travel destination. Another historical reference point is Betang Toyoi in Desa Tumbang Malahoi, which is estimated to have been built between 1817 and 1896. Betang Konut in Desa Konut is a traditional house of the Dayak Siang, about 160 years old, and a cultural heritage site.

In Palangka Raya, you can learn about Dayak culture and heritage at the Balanga Museum. Its collections reflect the cultural diversity of the Dayak. Tumbang Manggu also offers insight into traditional culture: visitors can tour Betang houses and see Dayak handicrafts in the Dayak village. The houses, collections and handicrafts each offer a different focus—from the history of a specific place to cultural forms of expression.

Peat forests, rivers and wildlife

Sebangau National Park encompasses a peatland ecosystem and is a habitat for wild orangutans. Its wildlife also includes endemic birds, reptiles and mammals; visitors can observe wild animals up close there. In Palangka Raya, Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai is a main access point to the national park. From the jetty, visitors can travel along the Sebangau River in a Klotok boat.

The Sungai Sekonyer offers another river experience: you can travel along the river in a traditional Klotok boat and observe orangutans, proboscis monkeys and exotic birds in their natural habitat. Tanjung Puting National Park is also a natural habitat for orangutans. The port of Pelabuhan Kumai, located in Central Kalimantan, is a gateway to both this national park and Camp Leakey. River cruises from Palangka Raya travel through Borneo’s natural landscapes and offer insight into its wildlife, including orangutans.

Near Palangka Raya is Nyaru Menteng, a center for the reintroduction of orangutans into the wild. Danau Sembuluh, the largest lake in Central Kalimantan, offers a different perspective on the region’s waters. These destinations represent different aspects of nature: habitats and wildlife watching, river trips or a striking lake landscape.

Hiking and other natural destinations

If you want to explore the landscape on foot, you can hike Bukit Tangkiling. Along the way, you can enjoy views of extensive floodplains, peat swamp forests and rare rock outcrops. A trekking trail runs around the Air Terjun Batu Mahasur waterfall. 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; check local conditions before setting out.

Near Bukit Tangkiling, Taman Alam has a wildlife park whose main attraction is crocodiles. In Nanga Bulik, Penangkaran Rusa Lamandau is considered a recreational and educational destination for children; dozens of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) live there. In Sampit, Terowongan Nur Mentaya is a three-kilometer-long tourist attraction with 172 colorful decorative light poles. Danau Sembuluh may also be of interest for a lake excursion; it is recognized as the largest lake in the region.

Discover regional dishes

The cuisine also offers a way to experience regional culture. Juhu Umbut Rotan is a traditional dish made from young rattan shoots cooked with coconut milk and spices. Kalumpe is a vegetable dish typical of the Dayak, made from cassava leaves. For a sweet treat, Kue Gagatas is a traditional snack with a crunchy texture and sweet taste.

When looking for a suitable place to stay, you can weigh these priorities against one another: Betang houses and the museum, river trips and wildlife watching, hiking landscapes or regional cuisine. Base your choice on the places that matter most to your trip.

Discover more destinations: North Barito, East Barito, Pahandut, Mentawa Baru/Ketapan, Palangka Raya, Bengkulu, North Sulawesi, Papua.

For the overview of the wider region: Indonesia.