Central Kalimantan The Province

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 are is swampy and has many rivers. The climate is hot and humid.

The three sub-tribes who inhabit this province are the Ngaju, Ot Danum, and Ma'ayan Ot Siang. The Ngaju are nomadic, adhering to the old Kaharingan religion, which is a form of ancestor worship mixed with elements of animism. With approximately 6,000 people, the Ot Danum is the largest among the three sub-tribes. The Ot Danum live in long houses, 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 the 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.


Other 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 Tangkiling lies 34 kilometers north of Palangkaraya.


Kualakapuas

Kualakapuas is the capital of the Kapuas regency, on the Kapuas River 40 kilometers from Banjarmasin. A well-known tourist attraction is Telo Island, a pleasant fishing village and port. For the adventurer, white-water rafters and nature's lovers, there is Gohong Rawai, known for its beautiful 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 is the biggest timber port in Kalimantan and Indonesia. Pandaran Beach is a park on the seaside at the mouth of the 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 the hunting park of Kotawaringin Barat.

Pangkalanbun

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

source www.travel-indonesia.com