South Kalimantan

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South Kalimantan 

 

Description

The Meratus Mountains divide south Kalimantan into two distinct regions. The southern section of the province is much flatter with large rivers meandering through lowlands to vast mangrove swamps along the coast, that is why South Kalimantan is an exceptionally fertile land. Many villages and settlements are built along the Barito River, by the indegenous majority, the Banjar. Exquisite traditional and commercial handicrafts are all made from local raw materials which include a variety of precious and semi precious stones, gold, silver, brass, iron and wide variety of woods including bamboo and rattan.

History

It is said that the early inhabitants of this area resided near the beach, on the skirt of Mount Meratus. Occasionally traders from India and China dropped by, causing the small towns to prosper and grow bigger. About 5th century, a small kingdom called Tanjungpuri emerged, the inhabitants were believed to come from Sriwijaya kingdom in South Sumatra. Nagara Dipa and Nagara Daha kingdom also existed soon after this, believed to be influenced by Java.

Dutch occupation forced the people to fight back for freedom, in vain. Some of the leaders were captured, exiled or executed. Japanese then took over, and still the people tried to defy the foreigners. After Indonesia gained its independence, South Kalimantan became a separate province in 1956.

Entry

South Kalimantan is well connected with cities all over the Indonesian Archipelago through Syamsudin Noor Airport, which is about 25 km from Banjarmasin This busy airport handles DC-9.

People & Culture

The majority is called Banjar, pious Muslim folks. Malay people also dominate this place.

Cuisine

Soto Banjar is a specialty here, best served hot and eaten with steamed rice. It is actually chicken soup, Banjar style. Several spices like clove, nutmeg and cinnamon are added.
The variety of kue or cakes available here are plenty and very tasty. Deep fried breads with yummy fillings, sticky banana rice cakes, are a must for those with sweet teeth.

Tourism Office

Jl. Pramuka No. 14, Banjarmasin
Phone : (62-511) 3264511
Fax : (62-11) 3264512

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East Kalimantan

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East Kalimantan

Description

As a major producer of oil and timber, East Kalimantan at this moment is the most industrially advanced province in Indonesia. Oil, mining and logging bring prosperity to this province. Seasoned travelers might still be able to find adventures in relatively untouched places, and visitors who prefer comfort will find that most of the area here are pretty modernized.

History

Kutai Kingdom emerged in the 4th century. At first Hinduism, from India, dominated this kingdom. Eventually Islam began to influence this place, and Islamic kingdoms began to appear. In the middle of the 19th century, Dutch managed to colonize East Kalimantan with struggles and protests from the locals. In the middle of 20th century, Dutch was replaced by Japanese, and political parties created since Dutch occupation era were banned and disbanded. When Japanese was defeated in the WW2, Dutch tried to make a comeback by creating puppet countries, one of them was located in East Kalimantan. In 1950, the people managed to get rid of the Dutch and entered Kalimantan Province. East Kalimantan became a separate province in 1956.

Entry

Balikpapan is  the gateway to East Kalimantan; Garuda Indonesia Airlines fly from Kuala Lumpur to Balikpapan via Jakarta. Balikpapan can be reached by flight directly form Jakarta, Manado and Surabaya as well as form Tarakan.

People & Culture

The original inhabitants of Kalimantan, the Orang Gunung or Mountain People. The tribes are collectivelly called Dayak, although this name is not embraced by many tribes-people themselves, who prefer to be known by separate tribal names such as Iban, Funan and Banuaq. Local tribes traditionally live in the communal longhouses called Lamin or Limaq Daru.

Cuisine

Sea food is a must here. Most of the places offer halal food due to Islam influence. Various dishes in Chinese style can be enjoyed with reasonable price.

Tourism Office

Jl. Kusuma Bangsa
Balaikota Samarinda 75123
Phone. (62-541) 741669, 731447
Fax. (62-541) 636866

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Central Kalimantan

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Central Kalimantan

Description

Central Kalimatan is the biggest province on the island, covering 253,800 square kilometers, most are covered in jungles. The northern area is mountainous and difficult to reach. The central is dense tropical forest. The southern area is swampy and it has many rivers. The climate is hot and humid. The tree Dayak sub-tribes who inhabit this province are the Ngaju, Ot Danum and Ma

History

Used to be a part of South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan has existed for hundreds of years. At first Kutai Kingdom embraced Hinduism, but later on Islam, centered from Brunai Darussalam. On 17th century, Dutch and Britain began to colonize this area. Dutch practiced divide et ampera technique, meaning they divided and conquered the people. The tribes were scattered and wary of each other until late 19th century when Tumbang Anoy peace pact in Hulu Kahayan, Central Kalimantan, was held.
Finally Central Kalimantan was declared as a province on May 23, 1957.

Entry

By Garuda Indonedia Airlines domestic flights direct to Palangkaraya, caiptal of Central Kalimantan, three times every day.

People & Culture

Malay people and Dayak dominate this area, as well Bugis. Some Dayak tree people still live in isolation among the forest.

Cuisine

Traditional Indonesian food can be found in most places, but you might want to try the specialty--rattan. And no you are not required to have teeth of steel to chew material mostly used to create furniture! Very young, tender rattans are harvested, the thorns and outer layer are removed. Then the inside of the young rattan is processed and cooked with other vegetables. The taste is rather rubbery and bitter, and best eaten with fish, or so the locals believe.

Tourism Office

Jl. Tjilik Riwut Km.5, Palangkaraya 73112 Phone. (0536) 3231110 Fax. (0536) 3231007

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West Kalimantan

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West Kalimantan

Description

Lying directly on the equator with many canals crisscross the city and one of Indonesia’s longest rivers, the Kapuas (1,143 km long) divides the town in two, providing an essential and historical communications link. Stone carvings and ceramics can be traced as far back as the 5th century, but it is the influence of Islam that has had the most impact on this region. West Kalimantan covers an area of over 146,607 sq km, rich in a variety of minerals and precious stones, and remains largely unexplored. Coastal areas are mainly swamp lands with more than 100 rivers sculpting the flat plains. In the mountainous eastern parts of the province, away from the city and plains, there are many Dayak villages. A large Chinese population, Malays and other Indonesian ethnic groups account for the rest of the inhabitants of the province. West Kalimantan has a tropical climate with the average daily minimum temperature of 220,9 C and maximum 310,05 C. A light rainy season from March - May and the heavy rain from November - January.

Entry

Supadio International airport, 18 km from Pontianak city is easily accessible from Jakarta or Singapore by air.

PELNI’s Ship sail from Jakarta and Surabaya to Pontianak. Pontianak is easy accesible from kuching, East Malaysia via Entikong.

Tourism Office

Jl. Sutoyo,  Pontianak 78121
Phone. +62(561) 736541,768274, 743104, 742438 Fax. +62(561) 730062, 742838

Website: disbudpar.kalbarprov.go.id

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