Tanjung Selor — The Gateway to North Kalimantan
Life Along the Kayan River
Tanjung Selor is the capital of North Kalimantan Province and Bulungan Regency. Located along the Kayan River, this riverside town offers a glimpse into local life, river transportation, and the everyday culture of North Kalimantan. It is also a convenient starting point for exploring Bulungan’s historical heritage and surrounding natural landscapes.
Nature & Adventure • Geopark & Geological Landscapes :
1. Batu Tumpuk
A Remarkable Landscape of Stone
Batu Tumpuk is a natural rock formation in Panca Agung Village, North Tanjung Palas District, Bulungan Regency. Featuring towering cliffs and impressive piles of stone reaching approximately 50 meters high, this distinctive landscape offers a glimpse into the geological character of North Kalimantan.
2. Sungai Sebakut Waterfall Ecotourism
An Adventure into the Forest
Located in Antutan Village, Sungai Sebakut Waterfall is a scenic natural attraction managed by the local community. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the waterfall offers an opportunity to explore Bulungan’s natural landscapes. Access from Tanjung Selor takes approximately 90 minutes by trail motorcycle.
3. Mangkupadi Coconut Beach
Coconut Palms & Turquoise Waters
Mangkupadi Coconut Beach is a coastal destination known for its brownish-white sandy shore, turquoise seawater, and surrounding coconut trees. Its tropical scenery provides a relaxing setting for visitors seeking to enjoy the coastal beauty of Bulungan.
4. Gunung Putih
White Limestone Hills & Panoramic ViewsGunung Putih is a distinctive limestone hill landscape in Bulungan Regency. Its pale rock formations and surrounding hills make it a notable natural attraction for visitors interested in geological features, scenic views, and the natural heritage of North Kalimantan.
MALINAU REGENCY
The Land of Dayak Heritage & Forest Conservation
Malinau is the largest regency in North Kalimantan by area, known for its vast rainforests, rich Indigenous cultures, and important role in protecting the natural environment of Borneo. With a population of approximately 89,481 people as reported for mid-2026, the regency is home to diverse communities whose traditions and livelihoods remain closely connected to the surrounding forests and rivers.
Indigenous Communities
Malinau is home to numerous Indigenous Dayak communities, including the Kenyah, Lundayeh, Murut, Tajol, Kayan, Penan, Punan, and Dayak Abai. Each community contributes distinctive traditions, cultural knowledge, and ways of life to the region’s rich cultural diversity.
Religion & Community Life
Christianity is the predominant religion in Malinau, comprising Protestant and Catholic communities, followed by Islam and other faiths. This diversity forms part of the social and cultural character of the regency.
Cultural Traditions & Festivals
Cultural heritage remains an important part of community life. IRAU, a major cultural festival held in Malinau, showcases traditional performances, Indigenous arts, and the diversity of local communities. Traditional practices such as the Mal-lunau ritual of the Dayak Abai also reflect the enduring relationship between cultural identity and local wisdom.
Forests & Conservation
Malinau is associated with the local expressions Bumi Intimung and Negeri Pengendali Air, reflecting its identity and the importance of protecting forests and water catchment areas. The regency also encompasses part of Kayan Mentarang National Park, one of Borneo’s important rainforest conservation landscapes.
Malinau offers visitors an opportunity to discover the cultural richness of Indigenous communities while appreciating the forests, rivers, and conservation values that shape life in the heart of Borneo.
Tourism Tourist Attractions :
TANA TIDUNG
Indigenous Heritage of North Kalimantan
The Tidung people are one of the Indigenous communities of North Kalimantan, with a long history in the coastal and lowland regions of Borneo. Their cultural heritage reflects a distinctive blend of local traditions, Malay cultural influences, and Islam, which is the predominant religion among the community.
Traditionally, the Tidung people have maintained a close relationship with their natural surroundings, particularly rivers and coastal waters, which have long supported their livelihoods and daily activities. The Tidung language and cultural traditions remain important parts of their identity.
The Tidung community can also be found in Sabah, Malaysia, reflecting historical cultural connections across the island of Borneo.
Discovering Tidung heritage offers visitors a deeper understanding of the Indigenous cultures, traditional ways of life, and rich cultural diversity of North Kalimantan.
INDIGENOUS CULTURES OF TANA TIDUNG
A Meeting of Tidung & Dayak Heritage
Tana Tidung is home to diverse ethnic communities, including the Indigenous Tidung and Dayak Bulusu peoples, whose traditions contribute to the cultural identity of North Kalimantan.
The Tidung people, also known as Tidung Ulun Pagun, have historical roots in the coastal and riverine areas of North Kalimantan. Their cultural heritage reflects a distinctive blend of local traditions and influences associated with Malay culture and Islam.
The Dayak Bulusu are another Indigenous community of Tana Tidung, known for their distinctive customs and traditional practices, including minum pengasih, a customary drinking tradition associated with communal and cultural life.
Tana Tidung is also home to people from other parts of Indonesia, including Javanese, Bugis, Banjar, and Toraja communities. Together, these communities contribute to the region’s cultural diversity and everyday life.
Indigenous Culture • Cultural Heritage • Local Communities
Tana Tidung Tourist Attractions :
1. Gunung Rian Waterfall
Nature & Adventure
Discover the Seven-Tier Waterfall
A spectacular waterfall surrounded by tropical rainforest, known for its cascading waters and natural rock formations. It is one of Tana Tidung’s signature nature attractions.
2. Batu Mapan
Nature & Cultural Heritage – Where Nature Meets Local Legends
Located around kilometre 6 in Tideng Pale, Batu Mapan is a distinctive natural site associated with local stories and traditional beliefs.
3. Tideng Pale Timur Mangrove Forest – Explore the Coastal Green Sanctuary
Rivers & Wetlands • Wildlife & Conservation
A mangrove ecotourism area where visitors can explore coastal vegetation and learn about the importance of mangrove ecosystems. The area also features community tourism facilities.
4. Sesayap River Protected Forest – Cruise Through a Living Rainforest
Rivers & Wetlands • Wildlife & Conservation
This protected landscape combines river scenery with lush riverside vegetation. Exploring the river by boat offers a glimpse of local livelihoods and the wildlife habitats along its banks.
5. Buong Baru Cave & Historic Bunker – Discover History Hidden in the Forest.
History & Heritage • Nature & Adventure
A historical site in a forest setting, associated with a Dutch colonial-era bunker. It offers a different perspective on the historical heritage of Tana Tidung.
6. Inhutani Tree Nursery
Nature & Recreation – A Peaceful Green Escape
A green recreational area near the regency capital, known for its pleasant atmosphere, gardens, and shady surroundings.
NUNUKAN REGENCY
Borderlands, Island Life & Cultural Diversity
Discover the Islands & Borderlands of Northern Borneo.
Nunukan Regency is located in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, along the international border with Sabah, Malaysia. Its territory encompasses islands, coastal areas, inland settlements, and highland landscapes, including the Krayan region near the Malaysian border.
This strategic borderland is home to diverse communities, rich cultural traditions, and distinctive natural environments. From coastal settlements and island communities to the highlands of Krayan, Nunukan offers a variety of landscapes and cultural experiences that reflect the diversity of northern Borneo.
The regency provides opportunities to discover local traditions, experience life in border communities, and explore the natural and cultural heritage of Indonesia’s northern frontier.
NUNUKAN CULTURE & HERITAGE
Nunukan has a rich cultural heritage shaped by its history and geographical position in northern Borneo. The Tidung and Bulungan communities are among the region’s cultural groups, each with distinct traditions expressed through ceremonies, dance, and music.
Traditional Ceremonies
Traditional ceremonies remain an important part of community life in Nunukan. They mark significant events, including births, weddings, and funerals, and may express respect for ancestors and hopes for safety, well-being, and prosperity.
Dance & Music
Traditional performances, including Tidung and Bulungan dances, remain part of cultural gatherings and festivals. Musical instruments such as gongs and kulintangs are used during ceremonies and other traditional celebrations.
Art, Handicrafts & Traditions
Traditional arts, handicrafts, and cultural expressions reflect the identity and heritage of local communities. Weaving, decorative motifs, and traditional clothing are among the cultural elements that contribute to the region’s distinctive heritage.
TARAKAN CITY
The Island Gateway of North Kalimantan
Discover the Island Gateway of North Kalimantan
Tarakan is an island city in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, known for its strategic location, economic development, and historical importance in the oil and gas industry. Situated off the eastern coast of Borneo, the city has long played an important role as a gateway to North Kalimantan and a connection point for communities and businesses across the region.
Covering approximately 657 square kilometers of land and sea, Tarakan consists of four districts: Tarakan Timur, Tarakan Tengah, Tarakan Barat, and Tarakan Utara. Its island setting combines urban development with coastal landscapes and natural environments.
Historically recognized as an oil and gas producing center, Tarakan is now developing its potential in tourism, industry, and urban innovation. With its growing infrastructure and strategic position, the city offers visitors a blend of local culture, historical heritage, coastal attractions, and modern city life.
Kayan River — The Lifeline of Bulungan
Life Along the Kayan River
The Kayan River is a major waterway in North Kalimantan, supporting local transportation and the livelihoods of riverside communities. Along the river, visitors can observe daily activities and discover the close connection between the people of Bulungan and their surrounding natural environment.
SESAYAP RIVER
The Lifeline of Tana Tidung
The Sesayap River is an important waterway flowing through Tana Tidung in North Kalimantan. The river supports local transportation and the livelihoods of riverside communities, connecting settlements surrounded by tropical forests and natural landscapes.
Visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere of river life, observe everyday activities along the riverbanks, and discover the close relationship between local communities and their natural environment. The Sesayap River offers an authentic glimpse into the river-based lifestyle of North Kalimantan.
NUNUKAN MANGROVE FOREST
A Green Escape by the Coast
Walk Among the Mangroves
Located along Jalan Lingkar on Nunukan’s coastal side, Nunukan Mangrove Forest offers visitors a chance to explore a coastal ecosystem through its wooden walkways. The area provides a pleasant setting for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the surrounding mangroves and coastal scenery, especially in the late afternoon as the sun begins to set.
This natural attraction offers a simple way to appreciate the ecological importance and beauty of Nunukan’s coastal environment.
MANGROVE AND PROBOSCIS MONKEY CONSERVATION AREA
Where Mangroves Meet Wildlife
Discover Mangroves, Encounter Borneo’s Wildlife
Located in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, the Mangrove and Proboscis Monkey Conservation Area protects an important coastal ecosystem where mangrove forests provide habitat for wildlife, including the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), an iconic primate native to Borneo.
Visitors can explore the mangrove environment, observe the distinctive coastal vegetation, and learn about the importance of protecting wildlife and their natural habitats. The area offers an opportunity to appreciate the biodiversity of Borneo while gaining a deeper understanding of mangrove conservation.
Combining nature exploration, wildlife observation, and environmental education, this conservation area is a meaningful destination for travelers interested in the natural heritage of North Kalimantan.
Bulungan Sultanate Museum — A Glimpse into Royal Heritage
Discover the Royal Heritage of Bulungan
The Bulungan Sultanate Museum preserves the historical legacy of the Bulungan Sultanate, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s royal past, cultural traditions, and local identity. It is a place to learn more about the history that shaped Bulungan and North Kalimantan.
SETULANG VILLAGE
Dayak Kenyah Heritage & Ancient Forest
Setulang is a traditional settlement of the Dayak Kenyah Ma’lung community in North Kalimantan, known for its strong commitment to preserving ancestral traditions and cultural heritage.
The village is home to Lamin Adat Ajang Lidem, a traditional communal longhouse that reflects the community’s cultural identity. Setulang is also renowned for Tane’ Olen, a customary protected forest managed according to local traditions and conservation principles. This forest shelters ancient trees and rich biodiversity, making it an important part of the village’s natural heritage.
In recognition of its environmental efforts, Setulang has also received national-level recognition for its commitment to environmental conservation.
Combining Indigenous traditions, customary forest protection, and remarkable biodiversity, Setulang offers visitors an opportunity to discover the close relationship between Dayak culture and the rainforest of Borneo.
Preserving Dayak Heritage, Protecting the Ancient Forest
Gunung Putih — A Natural Landmark of Tanjung Palas
Limestone Landscapes & Royal History
Located in Tanjung Palas District, Gunung Putih is a striking limestone hill known for its white rock formations and naturally sculpted surfaces that resemble an artist’s carvings. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Tanjung Selor and Tanjung Palas.
A cave on the side of the hill is also associated with the history of the Bulungan Sultanate, as it is said to have served as a hiding place for the Sultan during a pursuit by Indonesian military forces.
Beyond its natural beauty, Gunung Putih is an important landmark of Tanjung Palas, a former capital of the influential Bulungan Sultanate. Its distinctive limestone formations, panoramic scenery, and historical associations make it one of Bulungan’s notable attractions.
KM 18 Waterfall — A Hidden Natural Escape
Into the Forest, Discover the Falls
Located in Jelarai, Tanjung Selor, KM 18 Waterfall is a natural attraction surrounded by lush forest and distinctive rock formations. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the forest, admire the cascading water, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of Bulungan’s natural landscape
Kayan Mentarang National Park
Into the Heart of Borneo’s Wilderness
Located in the interior of North Kalimantan, Kayan Mentarang National Park protects an immense landscape of tropical rainforests, mountain ecosystems, and rich biodiversity along the Indonesian–Malaysian border. Covering approximately 1.27 million hectares, the park is also home to Indigenous Dayak communities whose traditions and knowledge remain closely connected to the surrounding forests.
For travelers seeking remote wilderness, cultural encounters, and nature-based exploration, Kayan Mentarang offers a glimpse into one of Borneo’s most remarkable conservation landscapes.
Nature & Adventure • Wildlife & Conservation • Indigenous Culture
BINUSAN WATERFALL
A Hidden Natural Escape
Discover Nature’s Hidden Beauty
Located in Binusan Village, approximately 11 kilometers from Nunukan town square, Binusan Waterfall is one of the area’s natural attractions. Surrounded by lush tropical forest, the waterfall offers a refreshing escape for visitors seeking tranquility and a closer connection with nature.
Its green surroundings and peaceful atmosphere make it an appealing destination for nature lovers and travelers exploring Nunukan.
SEBATIK ISLAND
Discover Life on the Indonesia–Malaysia Border
Two Nations, One Island, Unique Experiences
Sebatik Island is a distinctive island in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, shared by Indonesia and Malaysia. Its unique border location makes it an interesting destination for travelers seeking to discover the culture, landscapes, and everyday life of communities living between the two countries.
The island features coastal scenery, fishing communities, and local settlements where daily activities are closely connected to the sea. Visitors can experience the character of island life while learning about the cultural diversity and cross-border connections that shape this part of northern Borneo.
Combining coastal landscapes, local traditions, and a remarkable international border setting, Sebatik Island offers a distinctive experience in Indonesia’s northernmost region.
BATU LAMAMPU BEACH
Coastal Beauty on Sebatik Island
Discover the Coastal Charm of Sebatik
Located on Sebatik Island, Batu Lamampu Beach is a popular coastal destination known for its sandy shoreline and beautiful sea views. Visitors can enjoy the coastal scenery, relax by the water, and experience the natural charm of Nunukan’s island landscape.
The beach offers a relaxing escape for travelers interested in discovering the coastal attractions of Indonesia’s northern border region.
Tanah Kuning Beach — Coastal Beauty of Bulungan
Discover the Coastal Beauty of Bulungan
Located in Bulungan Regency, Tanah Kuning Beach is known for its coastal scenery and views of the blue sea. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, stroll along the shoreline, and experience the natural beauty of North Kalimantan’s coast. It is a destination for those seeking a relaxing escape surrounded by the sea and coastal landscapes.
Mangkupadi Casuarina Beach — A Peaceful Coastal Escape
Where Casuarina Trees Meet the Sea
Located in Bulungan Regency, Mangkupadi Casuarina Beach offers a relaxing coastal atmosphere with sandy shores and casuarina trees lining the beach. Visitors can enjoy the sea breeze, admire the coastal scenery, and unwind in the natural surroundings of North Kalimantan.
Access & Location
approximately 75 kilometers from Tanjung Selor city center. The overland journey takes around 2–3 hours by motorcycle or car. Most of the road is accessible, although some sections remain gravel roads. The beach is open to the public and can be visited at any time.
Natural Beauty & Attractions
Casuarina Trees: The beach is lined with shady casuarina trees (Casuarina), creating a peaceful, refreshing atmosphere with a gentle sea breeze.
Coastal Scenery: The beach features stretches of sand, blue seawater, and relatively calm waves, making it an appealing destination for families and young travelers.
Activities: Visitors can relax beneath the trees, spread out a picnic mat, take photographs, or enjoy camping in the natural surroundings.
