Kalimantan An Untapped Treasure of Ethno Forest Agro and Historical Tourism

The enchanting natural beauty of Borneo, with its unparalleled rich rainforests, makes it one of the world's top ecotourism destinations. Photo credit: author.

🌍 PONTIANAK | BORNEOTRAVEL: Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, is a land of staggering natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, and a deep historical legacy. 

While often overshadowed by the pristine beaches of Bali or the towering temples of Java, this vast island holds a trove of experiences waiting to be discovered by the world. 

From the longhouses of the Dayak tribes to the unspoiled rainforests teeming with wildlife, Kalimantan is a place where ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes intertwine.

The Heart of Ethno-Tourism: Dayak Longhouses

Ethno-tourism thrives in Kalimantan, offering a glimpse into the traditional ways of life of the indigenous Dayak people. The iconic rumah panjang (longhouse) remains a focal point of their communal living, storytelling, and spirituality. Several villages have preserved these magnificent wooden structures, inviting visitors to step into a world where the past and present coexist.

The longhouse in Sungai Utik, Kapuas Hulu, home to the Dayak Iban, has become one of the most fascinating ethno-tourism destinations in Borneo. Photo credit: author.

Saham, Sungai Utik, and Ensaid Panjang are among the best places to witness these architectural marvels. At Sungai Utik, the Iban Dayak people have maintained a sustainable way of life, living in harmony with the rainforest while resisting the encroachment of palm oil plantations. Here, travelers can witness age-old ceremonies, hear hypnotic sape music, and even learn about intricate Dayak tattoos, which are more than body art—they are a living history.

Forest Tourism: Kalimantan’s Wild and Untamed Jungles

Beyond its cultural wonders, Kalimantan boasts some of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests. The island is home to several national parks that serve as sanctuaries for endangered species, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and clouded leopards.

Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan is arguably the most famous. Here, the legendary Camp Leakey serves as a research station for orangutan conservation, where visitors can observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. 

Further north, Kayan Mentarang National Park—one of the largest protected areas in Southeast Asia —offers untouched wilderness, where indigenous communities still practice their centuries-old traditions. Meanwhile, Danau Sentarum National Park presents a mesmerizing blend of flooded forests, seasonal lakes, and vibrant birdlife, making it a paradise for eco-tourists and birdwatchers alike.

The rich soil of Kalimantan also gives rise to another form of tourism —agro-tourism. Taman Kelempiau in Sekadau is a prime example of how agriculture and tourism can intertwine, offering visitors an immersive experience in organic farming, cocoa and coffee plantations, and traditional Dayak agricultural techniques.

Unlike large-scale industrial plantations that have displaced indigenous lands, places like Taman Kelempiau promote sustainable farming practices that align with local wisdom. Visitors can walk through vast orchards, taste freshly harvested tropical fruits, and engage in community farming activities, fostering a deep connection with the land and the people who cultivate it.

Historical Tourism: A Journey Through Time

For those drawn to history, Kalimantan holds countless stories embedded in its caves, museums, and ancient sites. Gua Niah, located just across the border in Malaysian Borneo, is one of Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological sites. This vast cave system contains prehistoric human remains dating back 40,000 years, shedding light on the earliest inhabitants of Borneo.

Meanwhile, Tenggarong, the former capital of the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate, is home to the prestigious Museum Mulawarman. Once a royal palace, the museum houses artifacts from the oldest Hindu kingdom in Indonesia, dating back to the 4th century. Here, visitors can explore the legacy of the Kutai kingdom, its gold-laden relics, and its fusion of indigenous Dayak culture with Hindu-Buddhist influences.

The Interwoven Tapestry of Kalimantan’s Tourism

What makes Kalimantan truly extraordinary is the seamless connection between these diverse forms of tourism. The longhouses of the Dayak, for instance, are not only cultural sites but also gateways to the island’s pristine rainforests, where the people have lived symbiotically with nature for centuries. 

Similarly, the forests themselves serve as both ecological treasures and historical archives, holding remnants of early human civilization in their caves and riverbanks. Even agriculture, often seen as a modern industry, is deeply rooted in traditional Dayak farming practices that emphasize sustainability and harmony with nature.

Kalimantan is more than a destination —it is an experience. Whether trekking through its untamed jungles, staying in a centuries-old longhouse, harvesting cocoa with local farmers, or uncovering the secrets of its ancient past, visitors will find themselves immersed in a world unlike any other. 

For those seeking an adventure off the beaten path, Kalimantan offers a journey that is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

-- Rangkaya Bada