Pre-Departure Information

About Palangka Raya

Palangka Raya, capital of the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan (Kalteng), is a frontier city of some 300,000 people. Planned and built by President Sukarno in the 1960’s some 60 years ago, it is destined to become the administrative capital of Indonesia in the near future. Palangka Raya is the business base for the development of the Province’s wealth of natural resources. Starting point also for the Rahai’i Pangun Jungle River cruises, it is the gateway to accessing the natural wonders of this fast developing province.

People & Language & Local customs

Central Kalimantan is home to a multi ethnic mix of Dayak tribes, the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo with their unique culture, languages and religion. Central Kalimantan is also home to Melayu, Javanese, Balinese, and many more cultures, who have migrated here from across Indonesia. Villagers often speak 3 languages. Early Christian missionaries converted many Dayaks, but today the Muslim faith has a majority of adherents.

Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken. English is little understood. Dress is modest, with shirts having sleeves, no mini skirts, short shorts or tank tops. When meeting people, it is normal to shake hands, and if a group, to shake hands with all the people. Drinking alcohol in public is not accepted and pork is not usually served in restaurants.

About Katingan Regency

Katingan Regency (Indonesian: Kabupaten Katingan) is one of the thirteen regencies which comprise Central Kalimantan Province on the island of Kalimantan or Indonesian Borneo. The boat landing in Jahanjang on the Katingan River is reached in 3.5 hours by road from Palangka Raya. The population of Katingan Regency is estimated as 160,000. The Spirit of Kalimantan (SOK) operates on the Katingan River, the gateway to explore the Sebangau National Park, which is one of the largest remaining habitats of wild orangutans.

People & Language & Local customs

Central Kalimantan is home to a multi ethnic mix of Dayak tribes, the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo with their unique culture, languages and religion. Central Kalimantan is also home to Melayu, Javanese, Balinese, and many more cultures, who have migrated here from across Indonesia. Villagers often speak 3 languages. Early Christian missionaries converted many Dayaks, but today the Muslim faith has a majority of adherents.

Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken. English is little understood. Dress is modest, with shirts having sleeves, no mini skirts, short shorts or tank tops. When meeting people, it is normal to shake hands, and if a group, to shake hands with all the people. Drinking alcohol in public is not accepted and pork is not usually served in restaurants.

About Pangkalan Bun

Pangkalan Bun is the capital of Kotawaringin Barat regency which is one of 12 regencies in Central Kalimantan. Iskandar airport connects Pangkalan Bun directly to Jakarta, Surabaya, and Semarang and is only 30 minutes drive to Kumai, the gateway to the Tanjung Puting National Park. The Tanjung Puting National Park was established in 1982 and became a famous conservation area for orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) and proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus).

People & Language & Local customs

Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) is home to a multi ethnic mix of Dayak tribes, the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo with their unique culture, languages and religion. Kalteng is also home to Melayu, Javanese, Balinese, and many more cultures, who have migrated here from across Indonesia. Pangkalan Bun has predominantly Melayu people, and as a port town, has many other ethnic groups from Java and beyond. The Muslim faith has a majority of adherents.

Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken. English is little understood. Dress is modest, with shirts having sleeves, no mini skirts, short shorts or tank tops. When meeting people, it is normal to shake hands, and if a group, to shake hands with all the people. Drinking alcohol in public is not accepted and pork is not usually served in restaurants.

Climate

The rainy season is November to June, and the remainder of the year has less rainfall and may be dry. Rains are welcome, coming in sudden downpours, often late in the afternoon, cooling the temperature. Temperature is usually 23 – 32 deg C and the driest months are August to October. Humidity is 83-89%. These months may also be affected by smoke.

The Best Boat On The River