Visit West Kalimantans Wealth
West Kalimantan is over 146,807 square kilometers and remains largely unknown to many travelers. The coastal areas are mostly covered in swamps, with more than 100 rivers flowing through the flat plains, shaping the landscape in unique ways. To the east of the province lies the Highland mountain range, which is far from the cities and home to the traditional settlements of the Dayak people. The Dayaks have a rich set of traditions and beliefs that are reflected in many forms, such as the elongated earlobes decorated with heavy earrings, intricate tattoos, beautiful hand-painted art, detailed carving designs, and captivating dances that express respect for their culture and ancestors.
West Kalimantan can be reached from major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Kuching in Sarawak by air. Or even overland by public bus daily from Sarawak via the Entikong Border.
For those who prefer a more adventurous journey, boat cruises and overland travel offer the best chance to explore the interior of one of the world's largest and most resource-rich islands. The province is not only significant due to its size but also because of its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and numerous attractions that draw tourists from around the world. It shares borders with Sarawak, East Malaysia, and the Muller Mountain Range, which can be crossed to reach East Kalimantan. On the western side, the province borders the South China Sea and the Karimata Strait.
This region is also abundant in natural resources, particularly minerals and stones. Valuable minerals such as gold, mercury, manganese, bauxite, gypsum, and kaolin can be found in and around the mountainous areas.
In the coastal regions, cities like Sambas, Pontianak, and Ketapang are located, surrounded by lowlands and swamps.
Like much of Kalimantan, rivers play a crucial role in transportation, acting as the main 'highways' for moving goods and people. Some of the important rivers in West Kalimantan include the Kapuas River, Sambas River, Sekayam River, Landak River, Melawi River, and Pawan River. However, many of these rivers are only navigable during the rainy season when the water levels rise. The traditional floating houses known as 'Bandung' are used for navigating these rivers, both upstream and downstream. These houses are not only homes for the local people but are also essential for transportation in the region.
Deep within the highlands of West Kalimantan, the landscape is dense with jungle that has remained largely untouched by human activity. In recent decades, logging activities have increased, with loggers extracting the province's valuable timber resources. Despite this, the jungle in West Kalimantan remains rich in tropical hardwoods, rattan, candlenut trees, and various other raw materials that are important for both industrial and everyday use.