Although Palangkaraya is less popular than other Bornean cities, such as Kuching and Pontianak, its charm always catches your attention. The capital of Central Borneo surprisingly offers a lot of hidden attractions you need to explore — the pristine lake, the admirable waterfall, and rivers are like sunken treasures. Surrounded by tropical Bornean wilderness, the city is where natural beauty meets the warmth of the Dayak culture and heritage.
To help you enjoy your fun Bornean discovery, here is a list of 10 things to do in Palangkaraya:
1. Find serenity at Lake Tahai
Relax and get in the vacation mood by cooling off at Lake Tahai, located in the hub of the city. Revive your mood while the fresh breeze is cooling you off. The highlights of Lake Tahai are the tropical trees thriving in the peatland, a flock of birds chirping beautifully, and the reddish brown water coming out of the roots of the trees. The floating houses of the locals adds to the lake’s exquisiteness.
Lake Tahai
Address: Desa Tahai, Kelurahan Tumbang Tahai, Kecamatan Bukit Batu, Kotamadya Palangkaraya
2. Have some fun at Taman Wisata Kum Kum
Taman Wisata Kum Kum is a great alternative to refresh your body and soul. Situated 5 minutes away from the iconic Kahayan Bridge, the park is where you can say hello to several wild animals such as monkeys, Indonesian bears, crocodiles, and endemic birds. The traditional huts lining the path are good for relaxing (you will be charged 10,000 to 20,000 IDR per hour or 0.75 to 1.5 USD).
Taman Wisata Kum Kum
Address: Pahandut Seberang, Pahandut, Palangka Raya City
3. Meet the orangutans
Exploring Borneo doesn’t sound great without greeting the Bornean orangutans in Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Spend a couple of hours with the cute furry animals. They are indeed friendly creatures welcoming to everybody. You can show your support to the endangered species by releasing the orangutans into the wild.
Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) Nyaru Menteng
Address: Komplek Arboretum Nyaru Menteng, Jl. Tjilik Riwut Km 28,, Tumbang Tahai, Bukit Batu, Palangka Raya City
Website: BOSF
4. Go find the secluded Ujung Pandaran Beach
Taking a relaxing break in Ujung Pandaran Beach is an absolutely great idea. The soothing waves along with the crystal clear Javanese sea is perfectly paired with the stretch of golden sand. Additionally, don’t miss the annual festival called “Simah Laut.” The locals clean the beach and float some offerings out to sea. The exotic sunset is another highlight at dusk.
Ujung Pandaran Beach
Address: Ujung Pandaran village, Teluk Sampit sub-district, Kotawaringin Timur district
5. Experience the Dayak culture at a Betang house
If you want to experience the authenticity of the Dayak culture, be sure to drop by a Betang house. The traditional dwelling has an elongated shape with a staircase (that’s why it’s also called the long house) and unique architectural design on the wooden walls. The house is inhabited by some families (100 to 150 people).
Betang House
Address: Tanjung Puting National Park, Pangkalan Bun
6. Discover Tosah Waterfall
If you are a nature enthusiast, don’t miss Tosah Waterfall for your incredible Bornean adventure. There are three streams dropping from the cliff. The natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation is available for swimming. Situated 45 minutes away from Puruk Cahu, the waterfall is good for doing some activities, such as bathing and playing in the water.
Tosah Waterfall
Address: Muara Ja'an Village, Murung District, Murung Raya Regency
7. Visit the Balanga Museum
Museum hopping is another activity you can do in Palangkaraya. Be amazed at plentiful historical collections ranging from Indonesian artifacts to Bornean cultural objects in the Balanga Museum. When entering the museum, you will enjoy the ethnic Dayak song. Other items for Ngaju ceremonies and Dayak weddings are well-maintained and on exhibit.
Balanga Museum
Address: Jl. Cilik Riwut Km 2 Palangka Jekan Raya Palangka Raya
Facebook: Balanga Museum
8. Take a river cruise
Palangkaraya is synonymous with rivers and the jungle. Taking a river cruise is another fun thing you can do while exploring the elegance of the Bornean river called Kahayan. A monkey island, a mystical graveyard, a fishermen’s village, and tropical birds are the fascinating sights you can delight in from your wooden barge. Some endemic creatures, like uwa-uwa, bekantan (Dutch monkey), and lizards, can be spotted.
Wisata Susur Sungai Kayahan
Address: Jln. S. Parman, Palangkaraya 73111
9. Get lost in Borneo's wilderness
Take a little adventure into Borneo’s wilderness and feel the sensation of getting lost in it. Sebangau National Park is where your crazy journey is about to begin. To reach the site, you need to ride a kelotok, a local boat. Just enjoy the amazing scenery from your boat. The tropical landscape is filled with thick greenery and the hanging orangutans you’ll see are the best part.
Sebangau National Park
Address: Jl. Mahir Mahar KM.1,2 Kotak Pos 65 Palangka Raya
Website: Sebangau National Park
10. Enjoy the local cuisine
Palangkaraya is also famed for its unusual yet good foods you need try. The authentic Dayak specialty named umbut rotan shouldn’t be missed. Enjoy the blend of spiciness, sourness, and bitterness in the dish made of young rattan stems. Juhu umbut sawit is another special dish, only served on big occasions. The colorful boiled vegetables along with the yellow broth is so appetizing.
Guang Wei
Address: Jl. Yos Sudarso, Palangka, Palangkaraya, Kota Palangka Raya
Take your little Borneo journey in Palangkaraya
Escaping to Palangkaraya will absolutely give you another perspective about Borneo, home to the endangered orangutan. Borneo’s fascinating nature, from the exotic hidden waterfalls and meandering rivers to the deep jungle, is worth it to discover. The warmth of the Dayak culture and delicious cuisine are well-presented. Visit Palangkaraya soon!