Palangka Raya

Palangka Raya is the purpose-built capital of Central Kalimantan province on Indonesian Borneo. The city serves as a gateway to Sebangau National Park's peat swamp forests and offers opportunities to experience Dayak indigenous culture through traditional dances, ceremonies like Upacara Batiwah, and sacred hilltop sites. The Kahayan River dominates the cityscape, with the iconic Kahayan Bridge connecting the city to surrounding regencies.

Tjilik Riwut Airport is located about 9 km from the city centre. Frequent flights connect from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with direct domestic flights from Surabaya, Balikpapan, Pontianak, and smaller airports across Kalimantan. The Palangka Raya bus terminal provides overland connections to other destinations in Central Kalimantan.

Local transportation consists of becak (cycle rickshaws), bemo (shared minibuses), and ojek (motorcycle taxis). The city is spread along the Kahayan River, so boats (kelotok) are also used for transport, particularly to reach Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai for trips to Sebangau National Park.

Central Kalimantan's tropical climate means warm temperatures year-round. The dry season (May-October) offers better conditions for jungle trekking and national park visits. The harvest festival Upacara Batiwah celebrates Dayak culture and may be scheduled during this period. Rainy season (November-April) can affect access to some outdoor sites.

Accommodation options include the Acquarius Boutique Hotel (4-star, near town centre on Jl. Imam Bonjol), Swiss Bell Hotel with courtyard pool and upscale dining, Hotel Mahkota (Jl. Nias, Pahandut), and budget options like Hotel Dandang Tingang (one-star in centre). For nature access, Rungan Sari Meeting Center & Resort sits 36 km from town on Jl. Tjilik Riwut near Sei Gohong.

Traditional Central Kalimantan dishes include Wadi (fermented fish), Juhu Baasem, Juhu Singkah, Kandas Sarai (vegetables), Sayur Kelakai, and Tempuyak. riverside seafood restaurant Kampung Lauk is located along the Kahayan river minutes from the bridge. Tjilik Riwut Gallery and Resto (Jl. Jend. Sudirman) serves traditional foods alongside exhibits about the Central Kalimantan hero. Rumah Makan Borobudur near SMPN 3 offers fried chicken with sambal tomat and lalapan.

Climb Tangkiling Hill (Rp 10000) about 34 km northwest on Jl. Tjilik Riwut for panoramic views of the Kahayan River and city—allow 30 minutes for the hike and note it's sacred to the Dayaknese. Visit Sei Gohong swimming hole (Rp 7500, 08:00-18:00) 38 km northwest with black-tea colored tannic water. Explore Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai (Rp 5000, 08:00-18:00) for boardwalk walks over black water and kelotok boat rides to Sebangau National Park. Watch traditional Dayak dancing performances or fish at kolam pancing (fishing ponds).

The Kahayan Bridge is one of Palangka Raya's iconic landmarks. Tahai Lake (06:00-16:00) features a boardwalk over oxbow lake and mangrove—wear long clothes to avoid mosquitoes. Kum-Kum tourist village (Rp 2000, 08:00-17:00) along the Kahayan River has boardwalk with caged animals, restaurants, and grilled fish. Balanga Museum on Jl. Tjilik Riwut (08:00-15:00 M-F) displays traditional weapons, musical instruments, and enemy head urns from Central Kalimantan's history. Bundaran Besar is an iconic roundabout with ornamentation and statuary.

Jalan Batam (Batam Street) has souvenir shops selling lawung, the traditional Dayak headband. Palangkaraya Mall on Jl. Thamrin features KFC, Roberta, Book City, and Batik Bahalap Boutique. Mega Town Square on Jl. Yos Sudarso offers additional shopping options.

Tahai Lake requires long clothing protection against mosquitoes. Tangkiling Hill has persistent mosquito and rubbish issues despite its scenic views. Standard urban precautions apply in the city centre.

The State Islamic Institute Palangka Raya (IAIN) on Jl. Yos Sudarso near the largest mosque in Central Kalimantan is a notable landmark. Mobile coverage is available through Indonesian carriers.

Banjarmasin is a river city accessible from Palangka Raya. Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, is also reachable for continued travel in Borneo. Overland routes connect to other regencies in Central Kalimantan, with the Kahayan Bridge serving as a key connection point.