25 Awesome Things To Do In Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia

1. Explore Sebangau National Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sebangau National Park is a 568,700-hectare (2.47-acre) tropical paradise and the last of Borneo’s peat swamp forests. It’s located on Borneo’s Indonesian side in the Kalimantan province. From 1980 to 1995, it was a massive logging area stripping over 6,000 orangutans from their home. In 2004, it was declared as Central Kalimantan’s national park. The park offers breathtaking views atop Bukit Batu (Rock Hill); challenging hiking trails of Bukit Bulan (Moon Hill); Moon River’s (Sungai Bulan) lovely nature scenery; and the unique tree-laden dry and rocky terrain of Foot Hill (Bukit Kaki). It has several clear water lakes filled with diverse exotic fish, flora, and fauna. Its main water source is the brackish waters of the Sabangau River.

Sebangau National Park

Address: Jalan Mahir Mahar KM. 1.2, Paduran Sabangau, Sebangau Kuala, Paduran Sabangau, Kec. Sebangau Kuala, Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 74874, Indonesia

Website: Sebangau National Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

2. Enjoy a day at Jurung Tiga Nature Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Jurung Tiga Nature Park is one of the most Instagram-worthy parks in Pangkalan Bun. It’s not too far from the city and not too deep in the lush forest, making it perfect for a family day out or a leisurely camping trip. It also has several picturesque features such as the wooden suspension bridge, narrow walkways over the creeks, the heart-shaped floating platform, and a wooden treehouse built high above the ground. Take your picture inside a giant egg-shaped hut made out of straw. It’s also a popular venue for taking pictures and there’s a wide-open area that’s perfect for outdoor concerts.

Jurung Tiga Nature Park

Address: Batu Belaman, Kumai, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan 74181, Indonesia

Website: Jurung Tiga Nature Park

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

3. Admire the iconic Istana Kuning

Istana Kuning is the iconic king’s palace of Kutawaringin Barat, found on a hill with a view over the verdant Pangkalan Bun Park. It was also called the Yellow Palace because of the yellow fabric that draped the windows and the intricate gold details of its Malay inspired building. This architectural marvel was first built in 1806 and it represents the diverse cultural styles of the sultan’s various wives. It burned to the ground and was reconstructed in 1990. A replica of the main building stands today, functioning as a cultural site and museum. The other buildings are built in the Malay, Dayak, and Chinese traditional designs.

Istana Kuning

Address: Jl. Bukit Raja, Pangkalan Bun 74112 Indonesia

Website: Istana Kuning

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 71 USD

4. Learn about local history at Museum Balanga

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Balanga Museum is a 5-hectare (12.35-acre) property in Palangkaraya, established in 1973 by the Central Kalimantan Government as a regional museum. In 1990, it became a provincial museum with a vast collection of Indonesian regional and indigenous artifacts. The collections are well-curated and grouped as cultural and natural objects. A collection from the Dayak culture represents the cycle of life from birth to death, such as birthing stools, baby slings and hammocks, and wedding garments. Also on display are ceremonial equipment, antiques, ethnic weapons from the Sampit conflict, sculptures, brass, miniature houses from the Tiwah cultures, and ceramic jars from the Ching and Ming dynasties.

Museum Balanga

Address: 2, Jl. Tjilik Riwut No.KM, Palangka, Kec. Jekan Raya, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 73112, Indonesia

Website: Museum Balanga

Opening hours: 8am - 3pm (daily)

5. Shop at Mega Town Square

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Mega Town Square is Palangkaraya’s largest shopping mall owned by Lippo Malls, Inc. It’s a family-friendly indoor shopping space filled with stores of popular brands both local and foreign. It features a hypermarket, the famous Matahari department store, a bookstore, coffee shop, a children’s playground, restaurants, a food court, and more. It frequently has a sale so you can get most of the items you need at bargain prices. It’s a popular place for hanging out with family, meeting friends, entertaining the kids, and a great place to shop for all your essential needs. The mall is always crowded with people, so parking may be a problem.

Mega Town Square

Address: Jl. Yos Sudarso No.57, Menteng, Kec. Jekan Raya, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 74874, Indonesia

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

6. Stroll around Taman Kota Sampit park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This city park used to be a football field and a wide-open area used for events and open-air concerts. It was transformed into a park by Supian Hadi, the Regent of Kotim, in February 2015. It was intended to be a friendly space where people can gather to relax under the shade of trees and on a wide grassy lawn. It is usually crowded on weekends with families bringing their children to play on the huge playground in the garden area. There are several traders selling food, drinks, and all sorts of merchandise. The highlight of the park is the lights installed on the asthma-ulhusna poles. It is lit only at night and it enhances the beauty of the park.

Taman Kota Sampit

Address: Mentawa Baru Hulu, Mentawa Baru/Ketapan, East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan 74312, Indonesia

Website: Taman Kota Sampit

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

7. Bring your kids to Dango Playing Park Palangka Raya

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This huge playground is located in Palangka Raya and it offers a spacious and safe place where both kids and adults can play at an affordable rate. It’s filled with lots of fun games, rides, and oversized animal statues that are great for picture taking. Kids truly enjoy playing, even with the added safety protocols. There are arcade games for adults and teenagers so they won’t get bored, while the smaller kids play in the sandbox, ball pit, trampoline, and inflatable slides. There’s a food court that sells delicious snacks and drinks to keep you from getting hungry. A massage chair for moms is available too.

Dango Playing Park Palangka Raya

Address: Jl. Yos Sudarso No.789, Menteng, Kec. Jekan Raya, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 73112, Indonesia

Website: Dango Playing Park Palangka Raya

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 8am - 10pm; Mon - Thu: 8am - 9:30pm

Price: 1.78 USD

8. Visit the picturesque Danau Tahai Lake

Danau Tahai is a picturesque lake in Tahai Village of Bukit Batu district 30 kilometers (18.54 miles) to Palangkaraya. To access this enchanting lake, you have to cross a long wooden bridge connecting the main road to the forest area. Beneath the bridge is the unique reddish lake water complimenting the verdant forest, bright blue sky, and the floating wooden houses called Lanting. The reddish color is a combination of the peatland’s tree roots and groundwater. At the lake’s edge is a wooden path that guests use to stroll around the area. You’ll see Uwak-uwak, a rare monkey that lives in this forest, and several gazebos where you can rest.

Danau Tahai

Address: Jl. Tangkiling, Palangkaraya 73112 Indonesia

Website: Danau Tahai

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: From 5.36 USD

9. Sample local seafood at Kampung Lauk Restaurant

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Kampung Lauk Restaurant is a rustic eatery by the river. It’s a cluster of thatched-roof buildings called Pondok that are connected by wooden walkways. It resembles a tiny village on stilts, of which a portion is built over Kahayang River. The sidewalls of the wooden buildings are built waist high and the upper half is open to allow natural breeze to flow through. Enjoy a clear view of the lush forest and river water if you get the riverside seating. The restaurant specializes in traditional local seafood and rice dishes of Palangkaraya with fresh river fish as its main ingredient.

Kampung Lauk Restaurant

Address: Jl. Bukit Rawi Km No.2, Pahandut Seberang, Kec. Pahandut, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 73111, Indonesia

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

10. Wander around Pasuk Kameluh Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Pasuk Kameluh Park is a city park that’s a favorite destination of locals when they want to unwind. It’s near the city center, and the beautiful scenery is filled with landscaped gardens, pathways, and lots of garden seats. You can sit anywhere and still enjoy the relaxing view of the river and the Kahayan Bridge. It’s beautiful at night when the lampposts are lit, and the lights enhance the beauty of the garden. There are several food stalls all over the park where you can get a quick bite to eat. Saturday nights are the most crowded when families come to the park in droves.

Pasuk Kameluh Park

Address: Jl. S. Parman, Langkai, Kec. Pahandut, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 73111, Indonesia

Website: Pasuk Kameluh Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

11. Hang out Coast Edge Pandaran beach

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Ujung Pandaran is one of the prettiest beaches of Central Kalimantan Province. It’s in Kotawaringin Timur 80 kilometers (49.70 miles) from the southern Sampit downtown. It’s a clean beach with powder white sands that are soft, and occasional driftwood decorating the shores. Nearby is a tiny community of fishermen who make a living from fishing and making dried salty fish. If you are lucky, you can witness their Simah Laut, a yearly ritual that they perform to bring prosperity and avert sea-borne disasters. They begin by cleaning the beach then float their ritual offerings out in the sea.

Coast Edge Pandaran

Address:Ujung Pandaran, Teluk Sampit, Kabupaten Kotawaringin Timur, Kalimantan Tengah 74363, Indonesia

12. Enjoy a day at Kum Kum Taman Wisata Palangka Raya

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Kum Kum Taman Wisata Palangka Raya or Kum Kum Tourism park is a park, mini zoo, and playground all in one. It’s a popular tourist site found 5 kilometers (3.10 miles) to Palangakaraya and near Kahayan Bridge. It is a wide space in a lush jungle with rows of thatched wooden houses under the shade of Rubber trees beside the Kahayan River. You can go to one of the huts and order food and drinks while you surf the internet using free Wi-Fi or enjoy the scenic river flow by. You can rent the huts per hour or for a weekend stay. Exotic animals like monkeys, hornbills, sun bears, and crocodiles live within the area.

Kum Kum Taman Wisata Palangka Raya

Address: Jl. Wisata No.1, Pahandut Seberang, Kec. Pahandut, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 74874, Indonesia

Website: Kum Kum Taman Wisata Palangka Raya

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 18 USD

13. Venture to Air Terjun Batu Mahasur

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Masahur Rock Waterfalls (Air Terjun Batu Mahasur) is an iconic waterfall that is the main attraction for Gunung Mas Regency”s natural tourism. Its convenient location in Kuala Kurun city center makes it easily accessible for locals and tourists. The waterfall covers an area of 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) and it is 20 meters (65.61 feet) high. The water flows as a single stream into a large pool surrounded by various tree species. It is believed to be a mystical and sacred place. Locals believe the water cures a variety of ailments and keeps you youthful. The remains of their ancestor were once buried at the waterfall’s location.

Air Terjun Batu Mahasur

Address: Kuala Kurun, Kurun, Kuala Kurun, Gunung Mas, Kabupaten Gunung MAS, Kalimantan Tengah 74571, Indonesia

14. Enjoy the view at Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai is one of the main tourist attractions of Palangkaraya. It’s accessible by taking a 40-minute ride on a taxi or van called “angkot” from Sungai Koran. It is a dock overlooking the stunning river and the gateway to the Sebangau National Park, which is 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city center. The pier used to be the training grounds for athletes participating in boat races and where rowing championships were once held. The tribune was replaced with several hut structures where one goes to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Sebangau River.

Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai

Address: Kereng Bangkirai, Sebangau, Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan 73112, Indonesia

Website: Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

15. Attend an event at Taman Palangka Raya Kota Cantik

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Roughly translated, Taman Palangka Raya Kota Cantik means “Palangka Raya Park, a beautiful city”. This park in Palangkaraya features well-manicured gardens, carnival rides for kids, a kiddie pool, a playground, fountains, and a stage for outdoor concerts and events. Its iconic giant heart sculpture with “Saya Kota Cantik” inscriptions are popular backdrops in selfies. It’s within walking distance of the Pasuk Kameluh bridge and behind the park is the Kahayan Rivers harbor. The most important features of this park are the statue of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, and a monument signifying Palangkaraya as the capital city. On the pier is Tugu Café, where you watch the amazing sunset while having snacks.

Taman Palangka Raya Kota Cantik

Address: Jl. Yos Sudarso, Menteng, Kec. Jekan Raya, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 73111, Indonesia

Website: Taman Palangka Raya Kota Cantik

Opening hours: 6am - 5:30pm (daily)

16. Go hiking in Tangkiling Hill

Tangkiling Hill is an enticing tourist attraction in Banturung Village, Bukit Batu District 34 kilometers (21.12 miles) from Palangkaraya center. It’s one of the best places to go trekking and hiking with a spectacular view overlooking Palangkaraya and its protected wildlife sanctuary. It is often a destination included in most tour packages that appeal to foreigners and nature lovers. The tourist area covers 2,594 hectares (6409.91 acres) of parkland of which 533 hectares (1,317 acres) is a nature park and 2,061 hectares (5,092 acres) is a nature reserve where you’ll see exotic animals like deer and alligators.

Tangkiling Hill

Address: Jl. Bukit Banama, Banturung, Palangkaraya, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 73112, Indonesia

Opening hours: 6am - 5:30pm (daily)

17. Have some fun at Happy Puppy Karaoke

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Happy Puppy is Indonesia’s first Family Karaoke established in 1992. It is suitable for family gatherings, corporate events, and parties with schoolmates or colleagues. The outlets are designed with the latest karaoke equipment and lighting concepts appropriate for wholesome family entertainment. Each Karaoke room has large translucent windows with a limited degree of privacy. The rooms are reasonably priced and the establishment also provides food and drinks inside the rooms. You have to be a member of their Puppy Club to get a 10% discount on their services and rewards programs. They were awarded in 2004 a MURI (Indonesian Record Museum Certificate) as Indonesia’s family karaoke pioneer.

Happy Puppy Karaoke

Address: Jl. Tjilik Riwut No.Km. 2,5, Palangka, Kec. Jekan Raya, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 74874, Indonesia

Website: Happy Puppy Karaoke

Opening hours: Sun: 9:45am -12am; Mon - Sat: 9:45am - 2am

18. Hike a hill in Lamandau

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This hill is named Bukit Bolau and it is located in Tapin Bini, Lamandau Regency. Known as a popular adventure in the area, climbing Bukit Bolau is a true adrenaline rush. If you love hiking, you will enjoy the trek to the top. With a 60-80 degree slope, you can enjoy the nature along the way, see 100-year-old trees and hear the singing of the areas many birds. Once you are at the top you can look down upon a green, lush, tropical forest. This will be an incredible moment during your holiday in Kalimantan Tengah.

Bukit Bolau

Address: Tapin Bini, Lamandau, Kalimantan Tengah

19. Experience rafting in Riam Tapin Bini

Also in Tapin Bini, you’ll find a river next to the small town, called Riam Tapin Bini. Riam means cascade in English, so this river is a very good destination to try rafting. The cascade is not big but it is still worth trying. The route runs from upstream, downstream into town. Not only for rafting, swimming in this river is also a must. The water is very fresh and clean and you’d never be able to find something like this in a crowded city. Enjoy watching the birds fly around the forest. If you’re lucky you will see a tingang, a bird which is believed by the Dayaks, to be a symbol of power.

Riam Tapin Bini

Address: Tapin Bini, Lamandau, Kalimantan Tengah

20. Stay overnight with the Dayaks in Tapin Bini

Tapin Bini really knows how to host tourists and it has a lot to offer. Another thing you can do here is to stay overnight with a Dayak family. You will stay in a local family home, which you won’t be able to find outside of Borneo. This type of house is called Rumah Betang and it is made from ironwood. The Dayak people are very kind and funny and they will teach you about the culture while telling you jokes. And, don’t worry about the language, there are tour guides who will be happy to be your translator.

Rumah Betang

Address: Tapin Bini, Lamandau, Kalimantan Tengah

21. Dance with the Dayaks in Riam Panahan

This is another Dayak village in Lamandau. Here, you will enjoy the kindness of the people, who will welcome you with a very interesting ceremony, called Ikat Tongang. During the ceremony, they will give you a bracelet, which is a symbol of protection. Enjoy dancing with them, as well as their traditional alcoholic beverage, called Tuak. It is different from wine or beer, so if you like alcoholic drinks, you’ll have to try it!

Ikat Tongang

Address: Riam Panahan, Lamandau, Kalimantan Tengah

22. Cruise the Arut River in Pangkalan Bun

Pangkalan Bun is located by a river called the Arut. This the best place to stay in Pangkalan Bun to spend an afternoon, especially when the sun sets. Stay in a hotel near the river to reach it, easily. Rent a boat called a getek, for only 50,000 IDR (3.79 USD), to cruise around the Arut River. Don’t miss out on taking a picture during sunset while you eat some mouth-watering snacks on the river bank. You will love it!

Sungai Arut

Address: Pangkalan Bun, Kalimantan Tengah

23. Watch the sea turtles spawn on Tanjung Keluang Beach

Pangkalan Bun is not all about the lush tropical forest. There is also a place here where you can see sea turtles - Tanjung Keluang Natural Park. You’ll have to rent a boat to reach this beach because it is across from Kubu Beach and if you don’t mind sharing a boat with other tourists, it will only cost you 20,000 IDR (1.52 USD) for a round trip.

In Tanjung Keluang, there is a sea turtle conservatory, where you can learn all about this majestic creature. Not only this but if you want to camp overnight, especially during spawning season, you can watch the female turtles come up on the beach to lay their eggs. This is a truly incredible experience and your guide will explain to you, in detail, everything you need to know about the turtle and the conservation work. You will never regret spending your time here.

Taman Wisata Alam Tanjung Keluang

Address: Kumai, Kotawaringin Barat, Indonesia

24. Experience snorkeling on the Senggora Sandbar

Located in the middle of the Java Sea, this is the most famous destination in Kalimantan and it is a beautiful, white sandbar, with incredible spots for snorkelling. If you don’t feel like swimming here, just try some fishing. You will come back home with some fresh fish to enjoy with your family or you can cook it on the boat you rent. For only 500,000 - 2,000,000 IDR (37.96 - 151.72 USD), you will get a boat, with a driver, who will take you to the sandbar.

Enjoy the scene of blue and white in the serene Java Sea, with few tourists as it is a bit far away from the coast, at two hours. But, the trip is worth it, for visiting this incredible spot in Kalimantan Tengah will make all the difference in your holiday experience.

Gosong Senggora

Address: Kumai, Kotawaringin Barat, Indonesia

25. Experience the wildlife in Tanjung Puting National Park (from USD 401.0)

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This is the most famous place to see wildlife, in Kalimantan Tengah. You will see orangutans here, as well as many other creatures. Cruise the Sekonyer River for four hours and see the Nypa trees, along both sides. Look around, and if you are lucky you will see a crocodile having a sunbath on the river bank.

Once you arrive at Camp Leakey, walk for 45 minutes to one hour to the feeding area watch the rangers feed the orangutans bananas. After, time to relax on your boat and sleep under the stars. Listen to the natural music of the jungle and the sparkling fireflies will be your best friends! This is an amazing experience that can’t be duplicated, anywhere.

Tanjung Puting National Park

Address: Kumai, Kotawaringin Barat, Kalimantan Tengah

Facebook: Tanjung Puting National Park

3D2N Orangutan Houseboat Tour in Tanjung Puting National Park

Duration: 2 days 2 hours 59 minutes

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Be the first to explore Kalimantan Tengah

All of the places recommended here are in Kotawaringin Barat and Lamandau Regency, in Kalimantan Tengah Province. If you are planning a vacation here, fly to Iskandar Airport, in Pangkalan Bun. From Pangkalan Bun to Lamandau, you can use a rental car or hire a driver. These two regencies are neighbours and there are many things to do here. So, be the first to explore them all and tell the world what you can do in Kalimantan Tengah. Why wait? Book your tickets and go. They are waiting for you!