Kalimantan is Indonesia's portion of the island of Borneo, which it shares with Malaysia and Brunei. Clashes between ethnic groups have taken place in Kalimantan in recent years, especially in the central and western portions of the territory, and prospective visitors should be sure to keep abreast of security developments.
The area does not yet offer much in the way of comfortable tourist accommodations, in sharp contrast to the Malaysian side of the island. Much of the place seems more geared for the logging, mining and oil industries than for travelers. Local ground operators lead group tours along the Mahakam River with stays at tribal longhouses, that are up to 600 ft/183 m long and house up to 50 families. The island has 200 Indonesian Dayak ethnic groups living in thatched houses on stilts. Its two national parks, Gunung Palung and Tanjung Puting, are good places to see the rain forest.
We know from experience that Kalimantan is not the place to run out of insect repellent—be sure to take along plenty. Also, beware of the heat—the air can get incredibly steamy and oppressive. As tourism is still fairly new to Kalimantan, English is not widely spoken. Transportation arrangements can also be more difficult than in other areas of Indonesia. 420 mi/675 km northeast of Jakarta.
