Occupying three-quarters of Borneo, the third largest island in the world, Kalimantan spells great

adventures into its vast and legendary jungles, abundance of fascinating wildlife, pristine natural
landscape, enchanting well preserved traditional cultures, and a whole lot more amazing
experiences.

Within this pristine paradise something extraordinary always lies around the next bend. From the
exotic orangutan deep in the thick jungles, the mysterious Dayak villages who retain age-old
traditions and way of life, to pure boating thrills along its countless rivers. Not only inland, the
splendors of Kalimantan also lie beyond its seas which are filled with countless amazing creatures,
perfect for those who enjoy diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography.

So, whether it’s for the cross Borneo trek adventure, encounter with the amazing creatures of the
wild, or witnessing the traditional life of the Dayak, Kalimantan will definitely ensure great
experiences. Here is a glimpse among some of the things you can look forward to:

1 | Orangutan and other Rulers of the Rainforests

Without a doubt, the most illustrious creature that roams the legendary jungles of Kalimantan is the
Orangutan. Regarded as one of the most intelligent primates, these gentle beasts use a variety of
sophisticated tools and have been extensively studied for their learning abilities. Unlike their
Sumatran counterpart, Borneo’s Orangutans are relatively larger and have rounder faces, while the
male adults develop wide cheek fanges as they grow older.

Aside from orangutans, the thick jungles of Kalimantan are also home to many other amazing wildlife
such as: the Proboscis Monkeys, Honey Bears, Long tailed Macaques, Arowana Fish, Hornbill Birds,
Kancil Deer, Wild Boars, and a whole lot more.

The orangutans and other amazing wildlife of Borneo can be found in numerous National Parks and
Nature Reserves on the Island. In Central Kalimantan, these include: Camp Leakey and Tanjung Puting
National Park, Sebangau National Park, The Lamandau River Wildlife Reserve, and Nyaru Menteng
Orangutan Center. In west Kalimantan, there are: Mount Palung National Park, lake Sentarum
National Park, and Betung Kerihun National Park. They can also be found at the Kutai National
Park in East Kalimantan and Kayan Mentarang National Park in North Kalimantan.

2 | The Fascinating Dayak Traditional Way of Life

The indigenous people inhabiting the dense tropical rainforests of Borneo are collectively called the
Dayaks, but in fact they comprise many tribes that are diverse in culture as well as in
language.Although many Dayaks have modernized and converted to Christianity and Islam, however,
the majority still adhere to their own ancestral belief. This is an ethnic group that has long been
shrouded in myth and stories such as that they are fierce headhunters and warriors while the women
are so enchanting that men are spellbound to never leave them.
Apart from all myths and stories, the Dayak are a fascinating ethnic group that still retain age old
traditions and ways of life wearing their colorful costumes, live in traditional longhouses, their
enchanting music and dances, as well as cultural ceremonies. Moreover, you can actually unveil their
shroud of mysteries and experience yourself how it is to be a Dayak by staying in some of the
traditional villages such as the at the Pampang Cultural Park in East Kalimantan, the Longhouses by
the Kapuas River, Loksado in South Kalimantan, and much more.

3 | Singkawang and the Festive Cap Go Meh Celebration

While the Dayak Culture may be the main feature of Kalimantan, one can never
overlook Singkawang, an amazing little city in West Kalimantan dubbed as the City of the Thousand
Chinese Temples. Unlike other towns in Indonesia, Singkawang has a distinct oriental atmosphere
with hundreds of Chinese temples found around almost every corner of town.

Normally a quiet city, Singkawang comes alive each Chinese New Year, reaching its climax at Cap Goh
Meh, or the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year, closing the celebrations. For this event, Chinese from
around the region, including those from Java and Sumatra but also from Singapore and Malaysia
flock to Singkawang to celebrate the event with family and friends.During these celebrations the
Tatung or Chinese shamans will perform their supernatural prowess to the thousands gathered along
the streets, while remaining totally unharmed. Endowed with supernatural powers, these Tatungs
pierce their bodies with huge nails and other sharp metal objects and can even bend swords with
their chests and stomach.

4 | Amazing Underwater Splendors of Derawan Islands

With abundant wonders spread across the mainland you may think that this huge piece of land may
offer only a little off its vast coastline. Well, guess again, for in fact Kalimantan has some of the best
diving destinations in the world.

Situated just off the coast of Berau Regency in East Kalimantan, the Derawan Islands are considered
the third best dive destination in the world. Warm, isolated islands with soft white sandy beaches
fringed with waving palm trees, pristine seas that change color from green to deep blue, and an
amazing underwater life of giant turtles, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs and barracudas, stingless
jellyfish and sometimes, whales, Derawan is indeed everyone’s dream of the perfect tropical
paradise.

Comprising a total of 31 islands, the most fascinating feature here is the atoll of Kakaban
Island where you can swim with thousands of unique and truly rare stingless jellyfish. Other divers’
darling here is the waters around Sangalaki Island which is filled with some of the most fascinating
sea creatures such as Manta Alfredi (PariHantu), which only exists in Derawan, Barracudas, Stingrays,
giant squids and more. Meanwhile the waters around Maratua Island are the habitat of cuttlefish,
lobsters, ghostpipe fish, blue-ring octopus, nudibranch, pigmy seahorses, ribbon eels, scorpion fish,
and other sea dwellers.

5 | The Cross-Borneo Trek

For those who long for the authentic off-the-beaten path experience, Kalimantan offers one of the
world’s greatest and probably most overlooked adventure-travel routes. East and West Kalimantan
are divided by the Mueller Mountain Range which also serves as the headwaters for Indonesia’s two
longest rivers: The Mahakam River and Kapuas Rivers (the world’s longest island river). Thus, by
travelling up the Mahakam River, hiking over the Mueller Mountain Range, and travelling down the
Kapuas River it is possible to cross the world’s third largest Island from one side to the other, forming
a single Cross-Borneo Trek. This three-part Jungle-river extravaganza takes you into the very heart of
Borneo, stitching together virtually everything Kalimantan has to offer, from wildlife to culture to
pure adrenalin.

Kalimantan: Adventures and Culture

1. What is the most illustrious creature that roams the legendary jungles of Kalimantan?
a. Proboscis Monkey
b. Orangutan
c. Honey Bear
d. Long-tailed Macaque

2. Which national park is NOT located in Central Kalimantan?

a. Tanjung Puting National Park
b. Sebangau National Park
c. Mount Palung National Park
d. Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Center

3. What unique feature do male adult Borneo orangutans develop as they grow older?
a. Longer tails
b. Rounder faces
c. Wide cheek flanges
d. Larger feet

4. Which ethnic group inhabits the dense tropical rainforests of Borneo?

a. Javanese
b. Dayak
c. Balinese
d. Sundanese

5. What is a common myth about the Dayak people?

a. They are skilled fishermen
b. They are fierce headhunters and warriors
c. They live in caves
d. They are nomadic herders

6. In which traditional village can you experience Dayak culture in East Kalimantan?
a. Pampang Cultural Park
b. Longhouses by the Kapuas River
c. Loksado
d. Singkawang

7. Which city in West Kalimantan is known as the City of the Thousand Chinese Temples?
a. Pontianak
b. Balikpapan
c. Singkawang
d. Samarinda

8. What event reaches its climax on the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year in Singkawang?
a. Dragon Boat Festival
b. Cap Go Meh
c. Lantern Festival
d. Qingming Festival

9. Which creatures can you swim with on Kakaban Island?

a. Manta Rays
b. Dolphins
c. Stingless jellyfish
d. Giant turtles

10. What is the main feature of the waters around Sangalaki Island?
a. Coral reefs
b. Manta Alfredi
c. Shipwrecks
d. Sea caves

11. Which island is NOT part of the Derawan Islands?

a. Kakaban Island
b. Sangalaki Island
c. Maratua Island
d. Sumatra Island

12. What is the longest island river in the world, located in Kalimantan?
a. Mahakam River
b. Kapuas River
c. Barito River
d. Rajang River

13. What divides East and West Kalimantan?

a. Java Sea
b. Mueller Mountain Range
c. Makassar Strait
d. Barito River

14. What is a key aspect of the Cross-Borneo Trek?

a. It is a coastal walk
b. It involves a train journey
c. It includes traveling up the Mahakam River
d. It is a desert trek
15. Which park in North Kalimantan is known for its wildlife?
a. Betung Kerihun National Park
b. Kayan Mentarang National Park
c. Tanjung Puting National Park
d. Sebangau National Park

16. What is a significant feature of the Derawan Islands' beaches?

a. Black sand
b. Soft white sandy beaches
c. Pebble beaches
d. Rocky cliffs

17. What is the main activity associated with the Dayak traditional villages?
a. Fishing
b. Mining
c. Cultural ceremonies
d. Farming

18. What is a common sight in Singkawang during the Cap Go Meh celebration?
a. Dragon dances
b. Fireworks
c. Tatung performances
d. Lion dances

19. Who are the Tatung in the Cap Go Meh celebration?

a. Musicians
b. Dancers
c. Shamans
d. Fishermen

20. What is the primary attraction for divers in the waters around Maratua Island?
a. Shipwrecks
b. Coral reefs
c. Diverse marine life
d. Underwater caves