Discover East Kalimantan: Rock Art, River and Islands

East Kalimantan offers plenty of reasons to plan a trip around different interests: prehistoric rock art, rainforest and island nature sit alongside cultural sites along the Mahakam. A river trip from Samarinda, a visit to cultural institutions or a stay planned around the islands each raise different questions when choosing where to stay.

Rock Art and Rainforest

The Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat area contains thousands of red rock paintings and engravings at 35 sites across seven karst areas. The depictions show prehistoric social life, including dances, hunting and rituals. The rock art also bears witness to the interaction between hunter-gatherer groups and the landscape. Those interested in early human culture will find a subject here that is distinct from the region’s nature and water-based experiences.

Labuan Cermin in Berau features a distinctive landscape: its waters have two layers, one salty and one fresh. Bukit Bangkirai is a protected rainforest recreation area in Samboja, in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to a suspension bridge between five Bangkirai trees. The bridge is 64 meters long and sits at a height of 30 to 40 meters. In Kutai National Park, meanwhile, orangutans and other wildlife are part of the habitat. East Kalimantan thus brings together a range of natural settings: rainforest, wildlife, karst and bodies of water.

Derawan Archipelago and Underwater World

Off the coast of East Kalimantan, in Berau Regency, lies the Derawan Archipelago, with 31 islands. Sangalaki is one of them. It is a place where sea turtles lay their eggs; during nesting season, visitors can observe the process up close. This experience is therefore seasonal.

Kakaban is a natural island that formed thousands of years ago. A lake covers up to 80 percent of its area. On Kakaban, visitors can swim with jellyfish and see barracudas and whitetip reef sharks. Maratua offers more diving and snorkeling spots, including Jetty Dive Spot, Turtle Traffic Spot, Mid Reef, Eel Garden, Hanging Garden, Cabbage Garden and The Channel. When choosing a dive site, it is important to bear in mind one limitation at The Channel: it is particularly suited to experienced divers. Conditions at each site can vary.

The Mahakam and Routes Through the Region

The Mahakam is more than 900 kilometers long, rises in the Muller Mountains and flows into the Makassar Strait. From Samarinda, travelers can hire wooden boats or klotok boats to explore upriver. Held annually in Samarinda, the Mahakam Festival brings together cultural parades, boat races, and traditional music and dance performances. If you plan to include the festival in your trip, check the specific dates before you travel.

To reach the Derawan Islands, travel via Tanjung Redeb in Berau, then continue by boat. The two trip ideas therefore differ in their starting points: Samarinda is the departure point for the boat trip described for exploring the Mahakam, while the island visit is reached via Tanjung Redeb. Operators and schedules can change, so check current connections in advance.

Culture and Local Traditions

In Samarinda, Pampang Cultural Village offers traditional Dayak dances and insights into the lives of Indigenous communities. Taman Budaya Samarinda showcases East Kalimantan’s cultural diversity; visitors can see traditional dances, regional music, handicraft exhibitions and a gallery of works by local artists. Galeri Samarinda Bahari displays traditional boats, fishing equipment and maritime artifacts, offering insights into Samarinda’s coastal culture.

In Tenggarong, Kedaton Kutai Kartanegara is the palace of the Sultanate of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura. Visitors can view historical collections and learn about the sultanate’s history and culture. Museum Negeri Mulawarman offers an opportunity to learn about archaeology, ethnography, and the history of the kingdoms and the colonial era. The Kutai and Dayak communities along the banks of the Mahakam also continue to preserve their inherited customs and traditions.

Amplang is part of the regional cuisine: a spicy, crunchy mackerel cracker that visitors can try in East Kalimantan. It offers a culinary contrast to the region’s natural and cultural attractions and can be included as a separate part of trip planning.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Samarinda, Tarakan, Muarakedang, Bontang, Tenggarong, Bulungan, Kutai Kartanegara, Tenggarong Seberang, Tanjung Redeb.

For the main travel overview: Indonesia.