Borneo

Description

Indonesia’s portion of Borneo, known as Kalimantan, is one of the last true wildernesses in Southeast Asia. This is where dense rainforests stretch for hundreds of kilometers, orangutans swing through the canopy, and wide, slow-moving rivers serve as lifelines for remote communities. Compared to the Malaysian side of Borneo, Kalimantan remains vastly less explored—and that’s its biggest draw.

Traveling here is for those who want real adventure, raw nature, and cultural encounters that haven’t been packaged for mass tourism. It’s not easy travel—but it’s deeply rewarding.

Highlights

• Tanjung Puting National Park (Central Kalimantan): The most accessible place to see wild orangutans. Visitors cruise through jungle rivers on traditional wooden klotoks, stopping at feeding stations and spotting wildlife along the banks.

• Kutai National Park (East Kalimantan): Another great spot for orangutan tracking, with fewer visitors and a more off-the-grid feel. Also home to proboscis monkeys and rare birds.

• Mahakam River Expeditions: Journey deep into East Kalimantan on the Mahakam River, passing floating villages, longhouses, and Dayak communities. Great for cultural immersion and wildlife watching.

• Dayak Culture & Longhouses: The indigenous Dayak people of Kalimantan are known for their intricate tattoos, wood carvings, and traditional communal homes. Visits can be arranged in villages near Pontianak, Palangkaraya, or Sintang.

• Kayan Mentarang & Deep Jungle Treks: In North Kalimantan, adventurous travelers can arrange multi-day treks into remote jungle regions—ideal for those seeking total disconnection and immersive nature.

Best Time to Visit

Kalimantan has a tropical rainforest climate, meaning hot and humid conditions year-round—but there are better and worse times depending on where you’re going and what you want to do.

Best time: June to September

• June to September is the driest and most comfortable season, with better river conditions for boat trips and improved access to national parks.

• Orangutan sightings in Tanjung Puting are especially good during this period, and jungle treks are less muddy.

October to May brings more rain, with the heaviest downpours typically from November to January. River travel is still possible, but boat routes may be disrupted and trails can become difficult. However, the rainforest is vibrant and green, and visitor numbers are lower.

Travel Tip: Unlike other parts of Indonesia, Kalimantan doesn’t have a well-defined “high season.” Even in peak months, you won’t face crowds. This is a real bonus for those looking to experience nature without the noise.

How to get there?

Kalimantan has a tropical rainforest climate, meaning hot and humid conditions year-round—but there are better and worse times depending on where you’re going and what you want to do.

Best time: June to September

• June to September is the driest and most comfortable season, with better river conditions for boat trips and improved access to national parks.

• Orangutan sightings in Tanjung Puting are especially good during this period, and jungle treks are less muddy.

October to May brings more rain, with the heaviest downpours typically from November to January. River travel is still possible, but boat routes may be disrupted and trails can become difficult. However, the rainforest is vibrant and green, and visitor numbers are lower.

Travel Tip: Unlike other parts of Indonesia, Kalimantan doesn’t have a well-defined “high season.” Even in peak months, you won’t face crowds. This is a real bonus for those looking to experience nature without the noise.