Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Borneo
Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Borneo
Kalimantan Tengah, or Central Kalimantan, is a province located in the heart of Borneo. Its capital city, Palangka Raya, is a gateway to the vast rainforest and the traditional way of life of Dayak tribes. But there is another city in Kalimantan Tengah that is equally worth visiting, if not more: Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah.
What is Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah?
Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah, or Kudat, is a small city located in the south of Kalimantan Tengah, near the border with East Kalimantan. It is administratively part of the district of North Katingan. Kudat can be reached by car or motorbike from Palangka Raya in around 6 hours, or from Tanjung Redeb, the capital of Berau in East Kalimantan, in around 4 hours.
Kudat is not a popular tourist destination, but it has its own charm. The city is located on the banks of the Katingan River, a tributary of the Kahayan River, and surrounded by hills covered in lush tropical forest. The air is fresh and clean, and the scenery is breathtaking.
What are the main attractions in Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah?
Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah may be a small city, but it has a few interesting places to visit. Here are some of them:
1. Katingan Palace
Katingan Palace is the former residence of the Sultan of Katingan, a small kingdom that once existed in the area. The palace, which was built in the 1930s, is a blend of traditional and modern architecture and features a large hall, a library, a throne room, and a museum. The museum displays various artifacts related to the history and culture of Katingan, such as traditional clothes, weapons, musical instruments, and manuscripts.
2. Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation
The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to protect and conserve the orangutan population in Kalimantan. The foundation has a rehabilitation center in Katingan, where orangutans that have been rescued from captivity or injured are taken care of before being released back to their natural habitat. Visitors to the center can observe the orangutans in their enclosure and learn about the foundation’s efforts to save them.
3. Kahayan River
The Kahayan River is the largest river in Central Kalimantan and one of the main attractions in the region. The river flows from the Muller mountain range to the Java Sea, passing through Palangka Raya and Kudat. The best way to explore the river is by boat. Visitors can take a scenic boat trip from Kudat to Palangka Raya, admiring the beautiful scenery along the way, or go fishing or swimming in the river.
4. Traditional markets
Kudat has a few traditional markets where visitors can experience the local culture and buy souvenirs. The most famous market is Pasar Katingan Lama, which is located on the bank of the Katingan River. The market offers various goods, such as vegetables, fruits, spices, clothes, and handicrafts. Visitors can also taste traditional snacks and dishes, such as sate manis (sweet satay) and sayur asam (sour vegetable soup).
5. Dayak culture
Kudat is located near the border of East Kalimantan, where the majority of the Dayak tribes live. The Dayak are the indigenous people of Borneo and have a rich culture and tradition. Visitors to Kudat can learn about the Dayak culture by visiting the traditional longhouses or attending cultural events, such as the Dayak Festival, which is held annually in Palangka Raya.
What are the best accommodations in Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah?
Kudat has a few accommodations that cater to tourists and visitors. Here are some of the best options:
1. Hotel Blue Sky
Hotel Blue Sky is a three-star hotel located in the center of Kudat. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. There is also a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a karaoke room on site.
2. Katingan Indah Hotel
Katingan Indah Hotel is a budget hotel located near the Katingan Palace. The hotel offers simple rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms. There is a restaurant and a coffee shop on site.
3. Homestays
There are a few homestays in Kudat that offer a more authentic experience. Homestays are private houses that are rented out to travelers. Visitors can stay with a local family, learn about their way of life, and taste the local cuisine. Homestays are usually more affordable than hotels and offer a more personal touch.
What is the best time to visit Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah?
The best time to visit Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah is during the dry season, which lasts from April to October. The weather is sunny and pleasant, and there is less rainfall. The wet season, which lasts from November to March, is not recommended for visiting, as the roads can be muddy and the rivers can be swollen.
How can I get to Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah?
Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah can be reached by land or air. The nearest airport is the Tjilik Riwut Airport in Palangka Raya, which has flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, and other major cities in Indonesia. From the airport, visitors can hire a car or take a public bus to Kudat. The journey takes around 6 hours.
Visitors can also travel by car or motorbike from Palangka Raya or other cities in Kalimantan. The road to Kudat is in good condition, but it can be bumpy and narrow in some parts, so it is recommended to hire a driver or a guide.
What should I bring to Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah?
Visitors to Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah should bring comfortable clothes, shoes, and sunscreen. The weather can be hot and humid, so it is recommended to wear light and breathable fabrics. Mosquito repellent is also essential, as there are mosquitoes in the area. Visitors should also bring some cash, as there are no ATMs in Kudat. Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but it is always better to have some cash on hand.
What are the dos and don’ts in Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah?
Visitors to Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah should respect the local culture and tradition. Here are some dos and don’ts:
Dos:
– Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or traditional villages.
– Learn a few words of Bahasa Indonesia or Dayak language to communicate with the locals.
– Ask for permission before taking photos of people or their belongings.
– Support the local community by buying their handicrafts or products.
Don’ts:
– Do not litter or throw garbage in public places.
– Do not enter private property without permission.
– Do not touch or disturb the wildlife, such as orangutans or birds.
– Do not bring drugs or alcohol, as they are illegal in Indonesia.
In conclusion, Kota Di Kalimantan Tengah is a hidden gem in the heart of Borneo. It offers a unique experience for visitors who are interested in nature, culture, and adventure. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, and friendly people, Kudat is a must-visit destination in Kalimantan Tengah.
