Bossku Tour & Travel

Kalimantan Timur

East Kalimantan is a resource-rich province on the eastern side of Borneo, with Samarinda as its capital and Balikpapan as its major economic hub. Known as 'Bumi Etam' or 'Our Land', the region blends ancient Dayak and Kutai heritage with rapid modern development, especially as the site of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara (IKN). The province is home to diverse ethnic groups including Dayak, Kutai, Banjar, Bugis, and Javanese communities. Its landscape spans lush rainforests, turquoise lakes, pristine islands, and long rivers such as the Mahakam. East Kalimantan is renowned for world-class natural attractions like Derawan Islands and Labuan Cermin Lake, while also holding deep historical significance as the location of the Kutai Martadipura Kingdom, the oldest Hindu kingdom in Indonesia.

Travel Etiquette in East Kalimantan

• Respect and maintain the cleanliness of forests, rivers, and natural attractions.
• Interact politely with locals, who are generally warm and welcoming.
• Seek permission before recording cultural or religious rituals.
• Support local crafts such as beads, rattan weaving, and wood carvings.
• Observe proper etiquette when visiting Dayak communities or sacred sites.

Things to Avoid in East Kalimantan

• Do not damage or illegally take protected plants, animals, or forest products.
• Avoid disrespectful behavior during cultural ceremonies or religious events.
• Do not hunt protected wildlife such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, or Mahakam dolphins.
• Avoid littering in rivers, forests, or beaches.
• Do not touch sacred objects or enter restricted areas without permission.
• Avoid causing social disturbances related to ethnicity, religion, or tradition.

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs, especially when visiting Dayak villages or sacred areas.
• Ask for permission before taking photos during ceremonies or inside tribal houses.
• Protect natural sites—do not take corals, plants, or wildlife.
• Wear modest clothing when attending cultural or traditional events.
• Follow guides’ instructions when exploring forests, rivers, or wildlife zones.