Things to do in East Kalimantan

More about East Kalimantan

About East Kalimantan, Indonesia

East Kalimantan will leave a deep impression for those of you who are a first-time traveller. As the third-largest island in the world, there are lots of amazing things you can explore here. Start your journey by visiting Balikpapan or Samarinda, which is known as the best starting point to explore the charm of Kalimantan. According to Law No. 25 of 1956, East Kalimantan was officially established on January 1,1957. Previously, it was the second-largest province in Indonesia, but then part of its area was further expanded into the Province of North Kalimantan. Having Samarinda as its capital, this province now has seven regencies and three cities which occupy an area of 127,346, 92 square kilometres. Most of East Kalimantan's landscape is a tropical rainforest which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The province's economy relies on industrial sectors, such as oil, natural gas, coal, and fertiliser. Moreover, its agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors are developing lately. Speaking of tourism, East Kalimantan has a variety of tourist attractions to choose from. And for this, the Derawan Islands in Berau has become one of the most popular destinations in East Kalimantan. Other beautiful destinations to visit in this province are the Kutai National Park, Kampung Dayak Pampang, Samboja Lodge, and Kemala Beach. Are you interested in visiting East Kalimantan? No need to worry about looking for a comfortable place to stay. There are many accommodation options in East Kalimantan that are ready to give you a memorable stay experience. Now, all you need to do is to arrange the perfect itinerary.

Top Things to Do in East Kalimantan

East Kalimantan offers nature, history, culture, and family-based tourism. Explore the local culture can also be a fun thing to do in this province. So, here's our pick of tourist attractions in East Kalimantan that are worth visiting

Derawan Islands

Located in Berau, the Derawan Islands are the most popular tourist attraction in East Kalimantan. You can enjoy a tropical paradise in a remote and beautiful group of islands. When visiting Derawan, do not miss the chance to try snorkelling and diving. Another exciting activity to try is island-hopping in Maratua, Sangalaki, or Gusung Sanggalau Island. Also, do not forget to swim in Lake Kakaban where you can meet four species of jellyfish without stings.

Samboja Lodge

The next interesting place to visit is a wildlife conservation centre in East Kalimantan. At Samboja Lodge, you can take a day of adventure while watching the lives of orangutans, who are following a reintroduction program before being released back into the wild. You can also see the city mascot of Balikpapan, the sun bear. Samboja Lodge is for sure the perfect destination for wildlife lovers.

Pampang Cultural Village

Located near Sungai Siring, Pampang Cultural Village is one of the most famous attractions in Samarinda. In this village, you will discover a longhouse called the lamin house, where the Dayaks live. Every Sunday at 14.00 WITA, the villagers will present Dayak dances for tourists. After that, you will be invited to wear Dayak traditional clothes and take pictures with the Elders. To make your trip memories last longer, do not forget to hunt for some unique souvenirs.

Kemala Beach

Consider going to the beach right in the centre of Balikpapan? Kemala Beach will be a good choice. This white sandy beach is always packed with tourists on weekends. Aside from doing water sports such as swimming, banana boating, or jet skiing, try to taste a variety of delicious dishes in a row of restaurants scattered along the Kemala Beach.

Aquaboom Waterpark

Aquaboom Waterpark is a perfect place for a family vacation. Located in the Balikpapan Super Block (BSB) area, this waterpark has four slides that will challenge your guts with a height of 4 to 12 meters. There is also a swimming pool and water play arena for children. Thus, your little one can have fun all day. As for adults, you can unwind in the Oasis pool.

Mahakam River

As the second-longest river in Indonesia, Mahakam River has become the transportation vein for the East Kalimantan Province. If you stop in Samarinda, enjoy the charm of Tepian City by taking a boat tour that runs along the Mahakam River. There are several route options, sail down Samarinda from the Pasar Pagi Pier or towards Kumala Island, Tenggarong, and Kutai Lama. This choice will depend on how long your vacation time in Samarinda.

Top Culinary in East Kalimantan 

Your trip will not be complete if you have not tasted the local cuisine. Starting from Banjar, Kutai, to Bugis specialities, there are many food choices that you can try. So, here are our recommendations for the best places to eat in East Kalimantan

Dandito

Located on Jalan Marsma R. Iswahyudi, Balikpapan, Dandito is a perfect place to taste crabs. You will be treated to a large crab wrapped in a mixture of typical seasonings, such as oyster sauce or black pepper sauce. This soft crab meat is good to eat with a plate of warm rice. Also, travellers usually order its delicious crab as a keepsake for their friends or family.

Soto Banjar Restoran Amado

During your visit to Samarinda, don’t miss the opportunity to taste the Soto Banjar in Amado Restaurant, Jalan Diponegoro. A bowl full of Soto Banjar contains shredded chicken, sliced eggs, and thick broth that adds to its deliciousness. It is suitable for those of you who want to warm your tired body after travelling around the city.

Warung Si Bolang

Bontang is about 6 hours’ drive from Balikpapan. If you plan to visit this city, stop by the village over the sea of Bontang Kuala. At Warung Si Bolang, you can taste gami bawis; fried bawis fish served on a hotplate with sambal gami. Its spicy and savoury taste blends in perfectly, especially when you eat this Bontang speciality with warm rice. Once you try it, you will be addicted to the taste. Guaranteed!

Where to Stay in East Kalimantan

Want to spend more time exploring interesting places in East Kalimantan? Various accommodation options are available in this province and can be tailored to your budget. So, here is our pick of the best accommodations in East Kalimantan

Selyca Mulia Hotel Convention & Shopping Center

This 4-star hotel is located on Jalan Bhayangkara, Samarinda. Strategically situated in the heart of the city, Selyca Mulia Hotel Convention & Shopping Center is a perfect place to stay both for business or family travellers. By staying at this hotel, you can also stop by Plaza Mulia, which is located in the same building. Meanwhile, Segiri Stadium and Samarinda Mayor Office are within walking distance.

Aston Balikpapan Hotel and Residence

Located in Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Balikpapan, Aston Balikpapan Hotel and Residence offers the sensation of staying in 4-star luxury accommodations. Furthermore, this hotel is close to many interesting places such as Balikpapan Super Block, Plaza Balikpapan, and Kemala Beach.

Grand Tjokro Balikpapan

Grand Tjokro Balikpapan is situated on Marsma R. Iswahyudi Street, which is also close to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman International Airport. As the winner of 2018 Traveloka Hotel Award in the Best Overall category, this hotel boasts 4-star standard facilities and services.

The three hotels above are only part of the hundreds of accommodations available in the East Kalimantan. After you set your destination, use the Traveloka app to find and book accommodations according to your budget and itinerary. Finally, make your moments of exploring tourist attractions in East Kalimantan unforgettable.