In the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat area, thousands of red rock paintings and engravings can be found at 35 sites across seven karst areas. They depict prehistoric social life, dances, hunting and rituals. The rock art bears witness to the interaction between hunter-gatherer groups and the landscape. This connects a view of individual motifs with a broader theme: the lives of early communities in their surroundings.

Karst, Rainforest and Wildlife

Labuan Cermin in Berau has two layers of water, one saltwater and one freshwater. Another natural attraction is Bukit Bangkirai, a protected rainforest recreation area in Samboja, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. Its diverse flora and fauna are part of the area’s character, as is the suspension bridge between five Bangkirai trees. It is 64 meters long and sits at a height of 30 to 40 meters. Kutai National Park, in turn, is home to orangutans and other wildlife. The natural attractions therefore range from the unusual layering of the water to rainforest and wildlife.

Derawan Archipelago: Islands and Sea Turtles

The Derawan Archipelago lies off the coast of East Kalimantan in Berau Regency and consists of 31 islands. Sangalaki is one of the islands in the archipelago. It has named dive sites such as Channel Entrance, Coral Gardens, Manta Run, Manta Parade, Lighthouse and The Rockies. Sangalaki is also a place where sea turtles lay their eggs. During nesting season, visitors can observe this process up close; if you hope to see it, plan your visit for that season.

The archipelago is a nesting area for green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. Visitors can watch turtles lay their eggs in the sand or swim out to sea every day. Kakaban offers a different island experience: the natural island formed thousands of years ago, and its lake covers up to 80 percent of its area. Visitors can swim with jellyfish there and observe barracudas and whitetip reef sharks.

Maratua has dive and snorkel sites such as Jetty Dive Spot, Turtle Traffic Spot, Mid Reef, Eel Garden, Hanging Garden, Cabbage Garden and The Channel. The latter is especially suitable for experienced divers. Conditions at individual dive sites may vary. The journey to the Derawan Islands goes via Tanjung Redeb in Berau; from there, continue by boat. Check current operators and schedules before traveling.

The Mahakam and Cultural Discoveries

The Mahakam is more than 900 kilometers long, flows from the Muller Mountains and empties into the Makassar Strait. From Samarinda, travelers can rent wooden boats or klotok boats to explore the river upstream. If you plan such a trip, check current availability with operators. Along the banks of the Mahakam, Kutai and Dayak communities continue to preserve their inherited customs and traditions.

Pampang Cultural Village in Samarinda features traditional Dayak dances and offers insight into the lives of Indigenous communities. At Kedaton Kutai Kartanegara in Tenggarong, the palace of the Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura Sultanate, visitors can view historical collections and learn about the history and culture of the sultanate. For specific performances and events, it is advisable to check the latest schedule.

At Taman Budaya Samarinda, a center for arts and culture showcases East Kalimantan’s cultural diversity. Visitors can see traditional dances, regional music, handicraft exhibitions and a gallery featuring works by local artists. Galeri Samarinda Bahari offers a maritime perspective on Samarinda, with traditional boats, fishing equipment and other maritime artifacts. Museum Negeri Mulawarman provides a place to learn about archaeology, ethnography, and the history of the kingdoms and the colonial period.

Annual festivals also offer a glimpse into regional traditions. The Mahakam Festival takes place in Samarinda and features cultural parades, boat races, and traditional music and dance performances. LomPlai is celebrated every year after the rice harvest; its highlight is Embob Jengea, the harvest festival. LomPlai includes a gong ritual in a traditional house, or Lamin. It represents the continued observance of Wehea customs and rituals. Check the dates of the respective festivals when planning your visit.

Regional specialties include Amplang, a spicy, crunchy mackerel cracker that visitors can try in East Kalimantan. The dish adds a culinary impression of the region to the cultural discoveries.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Samarinda, Tarakan, Muarakedang, Bontang, Tenggarong, Bulungan, Tenggarong Seberang, Kutai Kartanegara, Tanjung Redeb.

For the main travel overview: Indonesia.