West Kalimantan, the Largest Region on the Island of Borneo

West Kalimantan

West Kalimantan is a province in the island of Borneo, which is located in Indonesia. It is one of four provinces that make up the island of Borneo, the other three being East Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and the Malaysian state of Sarawak.

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and is known for its diverse landscape, including dense rainforests, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches.

The province has a relatively low poverty rate of around 4.5%, and a relatively high literacy rate of around 95%. The GDP per capita of West Kalimantan in 2020 is around IDR 94,9 million. The major economic sectors in the province are agriculture, forestry, and mining.

West Kalimantan is located in the western part of the island and is the largest province in Borneo. It is bordered by East Kalimantan to the east, Central Kalimantan to the south, and Sarawak, Malaysia to the north. The province has a total area of 147,307 km² and is home to a diverse population of around 5.5 million people.

West Kalimantan is bordered by several other regions in Indonesia and Malaysia. To the east, it shares a border with East Kalimantan province. To the south, it shares a border with Central Kalimantan province. To the west, it shares a border with the South China Sea. To the north, it shares a border with Sarawak state of Malaysia.

The border between West Kalimantan and Sarawak is approximately 890 kilometers long, it is mostly defined by the watershed of the Kapuas river. The border with East Kalimantan is about 700 km and the border with Central Kalimantan is around 600 km. These borders are administrative borders and are not necessarily physical barriers such as walls or fences.

Populations

West Kalimantan is a province in Indonesia that is home to a diverse population of residents. The majority of the population is made up of the Dayak ethnic group, followed by the Malay and Chinese. The Dayak people have lived in the region for centuries and have their own unique culture and customs.

The Malay people are also an important group in the province, with a long history of settlement in the region. They have traditionally been involved in agriculture, fishing, and trade. The Chinese community has also played an important role in the province’s economy, particularly in the city of Pontianak.

The province also has a significant population of migrants from other parts of Indonesia, who come to the region for work opportunities in the agriculture, forestry and mining sectors.

The province is also known for its diverse religious beliefs, with the majority of the population adhering to Islam, but also have a significant number of Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Dayak traditional religious followers.

The residents of West Kalimantan are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and visitors to the region are often greeted with warm welcomes. The province has a rich culture and history, and residents are proud of their heritage and are happy to share it with visitors.

Tourism

West Kalimantan is a province in Indonesia with a diverse culture and beautiful landscapes that make it a popular destination for tourism. Some of the popular tourist attractions in the province include:

1. Danau Sentarum National Park: This park is home to a unique ecosystem that includes wetlands, lowland rainforests, and floating islands. Visitors can go on boat tours to see the wildlife and explore the park.
2. Equator Monument: This monument is located in the city of Pontianak and marks the location of the equator. It is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and learn about the geography of the area.
3. Kapuas River: The Kapuas River is the longest river in Indonesia and runs through the province. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the river and see the traditional wooden houses of the Dayak people.
4. Bukit Raya: Bukit Raya is the highest mountain in West Kalimantan and offers great hiking opportunities for visitors.
5. Sintang: Sintang is a city located on the Kapuas River and is known for its traditional Dayak culture and architecture. Visitors can explore the city’s markets and temples to learn more about the local culture.
6. Museum Negeri Pontianak: The museum located in Pontianak, it exhibit the history, culture, and art of West Kalimantan.

Tourism in West Kalimantan is still developing, but the potential for ecotourism, cultural tourism and adventure tourism is high. Visitors can also learn about the local culture and customs by visiting traditional Dayak villages and attending traditional ceremonies.

How To Go

West Kalimantan is located in the western part of the island and is the largest province in Borneo. It is bordered by East Kalimantan to the east, Central Kalimantan to the south, and Sarawak, Malaysia to the north. The province has a total area of 147,307 km² and is home to a diverse population of around 5.5 million people.

There are several ways to travel to West Kalimantan, which is located in the island of Borneo in Indonesia. Some of the most common methods include:

1. By Air: The main airport in the province is Supadio International Airport, located in the city of Pontianak. The airport offers flights to several major cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Balikpapan. International flights are also available to cities in Malaysia and Singapore.
2. By Bus: Long-distance bus services are available from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan. The journey can take several days, depending on the departure city.
3. By Boat: Some areas of West Kalimantan can be reached by boat, particularly the cities located on the Kapuas River such as Sintang and Putussibau. This is a convenient way to reach the area for travelers that also want to explore the river.
4. By Car: Visitors can also drive to West Kalimantan from neighboring provinces and from Malaysia. The trip can be long and tiring, but it is a good option for those who want to explore the region at their own pace. You can use Carmore Rental Travel services to deliver from Kuching to Pontianak.

It is important to note that while traveling to the province, visitors should be aware of the local laws and customs, and also take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Visitors should also make sure to have all necessary documents, such as a passport and visa, if required. (DW)