Central Kalimantan

Central Kalimantan is the biggest province on the island, covering 153,800 square kilometers, most of which is jungle. The northern area is mountainous and difficult to reach. The central area is dense tropical forest. The southern area is swampy and 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’anyan Ot Siang.

The Nagju are nomadic, adhering to old Kaharingan religion, which is a form of ancestorworship mixed with elements of animism. With approximately 6,000 people, the Ot Danum is the largest among the tree subtribes. The Ot Danum live in longhouses which sometimes have as many as 50 rooms. The women are known for their skill in plaiting rattan, palm leaves, and bamboo. Like other Dayaks, the men are good hunters, using simple tools. The art of Central

Kalimantan clearly bears the marks of Kaharingan religion, which is the traditional belief of the Dayaks in the hinterland of Central Kalimantan. Building styles, statues and carvings have been influenced by the Hindus, Chinese, and Hindu-Javanese. Aside from their aesthetic properties, many objects are appreciated for their magic value.

Places of Interest

Palangkaraya 
In the local Dayak language, Palangkaraya means ‘ holy container’. Palangkaraya can easily be reached from Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Balikpapan and other points on the island by air. The town has become the center of government, trade and education of the province. The

Regional Museum of Palangkaraya contains a collection of historical and cultural interest from all over Central Kalimantan. The Nature Reserve of Palangkaraya.

Kualakapuas
Kualakapuas is the capital of Kapuas regency, on the Kapuas river 40 kilometers form Banjarmasin. A well-known tourist attraction is Telo Island, a pleasant fishing village and port. For the adventurer, white-water rafter and nature lovers, there is Gohong Rawai, known for its beatiful and challenging rapids. The gold mines of Teweh and Batu Api, Rungan district, are also interesting sites to be visited. In this region, gold mining is a major source of livelihood for the people, who pan for the valuable metal using the old traditional method. Gold mines are found in many places in Central Kalimantan.

Sampit

Sampit, the capital city of East Kotawaringin Regency, is the biggest timber port in Kalimantan. Pandaran Beach is park on the seaside at the mouth of Sampit river.

The Orchid Park of Pembuangan Hulu is home to a number of rare and beautiful orchid varieties. Hunters can engage in their favorite pastime in hunting park of West Kotawaringin.

Pangkalanbun

Pangkalanbun is the capital of the Kotawaringin regency. In the western part of Central Kalimantan. Make sure to visit the old Palace of Pangkalanbun, construted completely out of ulin (iron wood). It is the only Banjar royal legacy found in Central Kalimantan. the mosque of Kyai Gede is more than 300 years old. The Tanjung Puting National Park is awell-known nature and wildlife reserve in lowland and swamp forests, inhabited by orang utans, owa-owa, bekantan and other primates. One can visit the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre which is supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Source: Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia. http://my-indonesia.info