Kalimantan

Kalimantan is the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo, the third-largest island in the world. It is located in Southeast Asia, and it is bordered by Malaysia to the north and east, and by the Java Sea to the south. Kalimantan has a total area of 743,330 square kilometers, and it is home to a population of about 17 million people.

The name Kalimantan comes from the Sanskrit word “Kalamanthana”, which means “burning weather island”. This is a reference to the island’s hot and humid tropical climate. The name was first used by the Hindu-Buddhist Srivijaya Empire, which ruled the island from the 7th to the 13th centuries.

Kalimantan is home to a diverse range of cultures, including the Dayak, Banjar, and Melayu peoples. The Dayaks are the largest ethnic group in Kalimantan, and they are known for their traditional way of life, which is based on animism. The Banjar people are the second-largest ethnic group in Kalimantan, and they are mostly Muslim. The Melayu people are the third-largest ethnic group in Kalimantan, and they are mostly Muslim.

Kalimantan is a popular tourist destination, and it is home to a number of natural attractions, including:

* **Mount Kinabalu:**

This is the highest mountain in Borneo, and it is a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering.

Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu

* **Kutai National Park:**

This is a rainforest park that is home to a variety of wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and clouded leopards.

Kutai National Park
Kutai National Park

* **Sebangau National Park:**

This is another rainforest park that is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and crocodiles.

Sebangau National Park
Sebangau National Park

* **Danau Sentarum National Park:**

This is a freshwater lake park that is home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and reptiles.

Danau Sentarum National Park
Danau Sentarum National Park

Kalimantan is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including:

* **The Dayak Longhouses:**

These are traditional houses that are built on stilts, and they are home to extended families.

Dayak Longhouses
Dayak Longhouses

* **The Hindu-Buddhist ruins of Candi Laras:**

These ruins are located in the city of Amuntai, and they are a reminder of the island’s rich history.

Candi Laras
Candi Laras

* **The traditional music and dance of the Dayaks:**

This music and dance is a celebration of the Dayak culture, and it is a popular tourist attraction.

Kinyah Mandau Dance
Kinyah Mandau Dance
Pekan Budaya Dayak
Pekan Budaya Dayak
Dayak
Dayak

If you are looking for a tropical island with a diverse range of cultures and natural attractions, then Kalimantan is the perfect place for you.