Kalimantan, The Heart of Borneo: Exploring Ancient Jungles and Undersea Paradises on the Equator

Kalimantan, globally known as Borneo, is a giant green jewel stretching directly across the equator. This region is not merely home to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests; it is a repository of biodiversity and culture, shaped by powerful, winding rivers. A journey to Kalimantan is an invitation to return to nature, to feel the breath of the majestic forest, and to discover rare species found nowhere else on earth.

1. Tanjung Puting Jungle: Tales of the Forest Keeper

The most iconic expedition in Kalimantan takes place in Tanjung Puting National Park. Here, the journey begins not by car, but by Klotok, a traditional wooden boat that slowly navigates the Sekonyer River. Immersing oneself in the tranquility of the river is a true form of nature meditation. Spending a night on the Klotok, beneath a starlit sky, with fireflies blinking in the mangroves, feels like stepping into a fairytale.

The central goal of this expedition is to meet the Bornean Orangutan. Witnessing these intelligent primates swing freely and interact amid the dense green vegetation provides a deep understanding of the importance of conservation. Tanjung Puting is not just a wildlife destination; it is a lesson in the resilience of nature.

2. Derawan and Maratua: Hidden Underwater Splendor

Moving to the eastern side, Kalimantan holds a maritime treasure whose beauty rivals any waters in the world: the Derawan Archipelago. Located on the edge of the Celebes Sea, these waters are a paradise for divers and swimmers. Maratua Island offers healthy coral reefs and unexpected encounters with Manta Rays, while Sangalaki Island is a vital sanctuary for green sea turtles.

The true marvel lies in Kakaban Lake. This unique body of water is inhabited by stingless jellyfish, a rare evolutionary phenomenon. Swimming among these thousands of soft creatures is a magical experience that earns East Kalimantan its title as a marine haven.

3. Arteries of Life and Dayak Tradition

From a cultural perspective, great rivers like the Mahakam and Barito are the life arteries of the Kalimantan people. In Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, life pulses on the water with the existence of the Floating Market, a trading tradition that has endured for hundreds of years.

Meanwhile, the interior of Kalimantan is the home of the Dayak culture. Their traditions, intricate carvings, longhouses (Rumah Betang), and local wisdom offer profound insights into the harmonious relationship between people and the forest. Listening to the stories of Dayak elders is the best way to grasp the true soul of Borneo.

Kalimantan promises more than just scenery; it offers transformation. It is a journey to appreciate a natural heritage and understand the cultural diversity at the heart of the Indonesian archipelago.