Kalimantan is the Indonesian part of Borneo, it covers the majority of Borneo, the world's third largest island.
Kalimantan makes up 2/3 of Borneo Island. It is well known for its tropical forests, rich natural resources, and exotic flora and fauna. Originally inhabited by the Dayak, it is now home to around 10 million inhabitants with a variety of culture. The Dayak people traditionally lived in longhouses, that can house as many as 50 people. Once known as headhunters, the tribe consists of many sub-tribes. The arrival of newcomers has given this island a rich cultural mixture of Dayak, Malay, Chinese and Javanese.
Rivers play a very important role in communication and economy of the inhabitants. Most of community life are centered along rivers: houses, activities etc. For the adventurous traveler, Kalimantan offers many options to satisfy that desire: rafting or traveling along some of the world's most beautiful and challenging rivers, trekking through traditional villages and jungles, or take a safari trip in one of the many national parks.
Kalimantan has four provinces: East, South, Central and West. East Kalimantan is home to the longest river in Kalimantan, the Mahakam River, where freshwater dolphin can be found. East Kalimantan is also home to the Dayaks, and in this province you can find many of Dayak cultural materials. 80% of this province is covered by forest. South Kalimantan is a rich, fertile province divide into two distinct regions by the Meratus mountains. The eastern part is mostly covered with mountains and dense tropical forest, while the southern part has more rivers and lowlands. Some of the most exciting ways to experience South Kalimantan is by backpacking over hills and racing down river on bamboo rafts. Central Kalimantan consists mostly of dense jungles, this is the largest province of Kalimantan. The terrain includes mountainous areas, dense tropical forests, and swampy areas with many rivers crisscrossing the southern part. West Kalimantan has swampy low plains containing many rivers, lakes and villages, often linked by bridges. West Kalimantan is easily accessible from Jakata and Singapore. Like the rest of Kalimantan this province is also rich of unexplored natural resources, such as minerals and precious stones.
Kalimantan has a number of nature reserves to protect its unique flora and fauna. Among these are: Kersik Luway with a rare flora and fauna; Kutai National Park; Tanjung Puting National Park inhabited by Orangutans, Owa-owa, Bekantan and other primates; Gunung Palung National Park; and Kager Island, home to a variety of birds and monkeys, including the humorous longnosed proboscis monkeys.
Samarinda is the capital of East Kalimantan. The city of Balikpapan has a busy airport and serves as the gateway to East Kalimantan with air and sea connections to Jakarta and other major cities in Indonesia. It has a number of good hotels, including some of international standard. Baniarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan, is a developing tourist city, it is nicknamed "river city" reflecting the unique way of life of its local residents found along the numerous rivers crisscrossing the city. Palangkaraya is the center of government, train and education of Central Kalimantan. Pontianak is the capital of West Kalimantan, this city is best explored by boat along the many rivers found in it.
