Things To Do
in Borneo
Borneo, Indonesia (Kalimantan) is a vast, forested expanse home to orangutans, longhouse communities, and a rich tapestry of Banjar and Dayak cultures. The island’s mighty rivers carve through dense jungles, supporting remote villages and unforgettable wildlife encounters. You’ll find river markets, coastal mangroves, and eco-lodges that bring you close to nature without sacrificing comfort.
This Indonesian section of Borneo combines rugged adventure with cultural depth, making it a compelling destination for sustainable travelers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land at Iskandar Airport in Pangkalan Bun and meet your local guide by mid-morning. Transfer through lush landscapes to your riverside lodge along the Sekonyer River. Take in panoramic views and settle into your traditional stilt accommodation.
After lunch, embark on a boat trip into Tanjung Puting National Park and glide past mangrove forests alive with bird calls. Your guide will spotlight proboscis monkeys along the riverbanks and colorful kingfishers flitting among branches. Disembark at a clearing for an introduction to the park's rich ecology before returning to the lodge.
Return just before sunset for a Sundowner on the deck while listening to cicadas begin their night chorus. Savor a hearty dinner of ikan bakar and local vegetables wrapped in banana leaves. End the night with a guided night trek to spot nocturnal wildlife and bioluminescent fungi.
Board a traditional klotok boat after breakfast and head deeper into the jungle waterways. Glide past towering dipterocarp trees draped in vines and spot flocks of vibrant kingfishers. Pause mid-morning to stretch legs at a riverside clearing and breathe in the jungle air.
Arrive at Camp Leakey for an up-close viewing of rehabilitated orangutans at the feeding platform. Observe mothers swinging through the canopy and juveniles playfully tussling in the treetops. Learn about the rehabilitation program’s conservation efforts from your passionate guide.
Drift back to camp as the sky transforms into shades of orange and purple. Enjoy a dinner feast served on the boat, featuring freshly caught river fish and aromatic spices. Later, lean over the deck to watch fireflies flicker along the riverbank.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🚌Local transit (one-day pass) | $2-6 |
| 🥭Fresh fruit (per kg) | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich biodiversity and immersive wildlife experiences
- Diverse cultures and welcoming communities
- Good value for money in many areas
- Strong ecotourism and conservation opportunities
- Remote areas can have limited infrastructure
- Seasonal rainfall may affect travel plans
- Nightlife is modest outside major cities
- Some routes require careful planning and local guides
- "Halo" - Hello
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Maaf, bisa bantu bahasa Inggris?" - Sorry, can you help with English?
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much does it cost?
- "Di mana toilet?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Borneo
Visit one of these nice places.
Turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and chances to photograph manta rays and vibrant reefs.
A rainforest canopy walkway offering elevated perspectives over dense jungle and wildlife.
Evening glow and traditional boats along the riverine skyline; great for silhouette portraits and sunset shots.
Colorful boats, vendors, and daily life along the river—dynamic action shots in natural light.
Food in Borneo
Borneo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant Banjar soup made with chicken or beef, often accompanied by potatoes, fried shallots, and a squeeze of lime.
Must-Try!
Turmeric-infused coconut rice served with fried chicken, boiled egg, and cucumber relish.
Tangy fish curry or grilled fish with coconut milk and tamarind, commonly enjoyed along rivers and coasts.
A sour, spicy vegetable soup popular across Banjar households.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A riverside market near Banjar where boats sell fresh produce and ready-to-eat bites in the morning.
Bustling stalls with seafood, tropical fruit, and everyday staples—ideal for sampling local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting rural areas or religious sites; ask before taking photos of people; use the right hand for giving and receiving.
Respect Dayak and Banjar customs; remove shoes when entering homes; avoid loud behavior in temples and mosques; greetings in Indonesian are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Borneo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In tourist services, small tips (about 5–10%) for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are common.
Cash (IDR) is widely used; cards are accepted in major hotels and urban restaurants; ATMs are common in cities; digital wallets (GoPay, OVO) are increasingly accepted in metropolitan areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and sunny days with lower rainfall; ideal for outdoor treks, island hopping, and beach photography, but some rivers run low.
Frequent rain and high humidity; lush greenery and dramatic storm skies provide dramatic photography, though some trails may be muddy.
Borneo at Night
Hiking in Borneo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Guided rainforest treks with opportunities to see orangutans and diverse wildlife.
Canopy walks and forest trails offering elevated views of dense jungle and wildlife.
Extended jungle hikes with remote wilderness experiences and wildlife viewing.
Forest trails along the Amandit River with waterfall hikes and lush scenery.
Airports
How to reach Borneo by plane.
Primary gateway to East Kalimantan, offering domestic and limited international connections.
Major hub serving South Kalimantan with connections to Jakarta, Surabaya, and other cities.
Gateway to North Kalimantan with regional flights and connections to Indonesian hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous groups across inland Kalimantan with diverse languages, crafts, and longhouse traditions.
Culturally influential group in South Kalimantan with strong culinary and market traditions.
People moving to coastal cities for work and education, contributing to a dynamic urban scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Derawan Islands and nearby reefs attract divers and snorkelers.
Paddling along Mahakam and other rivers offers scenic, peaceful experiences.
Guided treks for orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and diverse birds in protected areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Borneo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be made meat-free; ask for 'tanpa daging' and 'tanpa ikan'. Look for vegetable curries, fried tofu, and rice with vegetables. In towns, vegetarian options are common in cafes and markets.