National parks and nature reserves:
Kalimantan has a number of designated nature reserves to protect its unique flora and fauna. Kersik Luway is where the very rare 'Black Orchid' (Colongenia Pandurata) grows. This park is located upstream of the Mahakam river, in East Kalimantan. Bontang, in the regency of Kutai, has an area of about 200,000 ha, with rare flora and fauna.

The Kutai National Park near Bontang is worth visiting to see the scenery especially at Beras Basah. The Raya Pasi mountain located in the Singkawang regency is also an interesting place to visit to see the Rafflesia (the world’s largest flower). Singkawang is also a nature reserve. The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot springs, lakes and caves can be found. The other nature reserves are the forests of Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang regency.

While in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang nature reserve. In South Kalimantan, there is the Kaget Island, home to a wide variety of birds and monkeys, most notably, the humorous long-nosed proboscis monkeys.

In East Kalimantan, in Berau and in the marine tourism of Derawan island is where we can see the remains of a kingdom called the Keraton Gunung Tambur and the Keraton Sarnbaliung. Derawan Island is approximately 3 hours boating from Tanjung Redep (The Capital of Berau Regency). It is also a good place for water sports such as scuba diving, fishing, and swimming. Tenggarong, up the Mahakam River from Samarinda, is the capital of the Kutai regency and was once the seat of the Kutai sultanate.

The Sultan's Palace on the riverside is now a museum where historical objects from the sultanate are kept. Every 24th of September, dance recitals and music performances are given to celebrate the town's anniversary. Tanjung Isuy, located in East Kalimantan hinterland, has a traditional Dayak long-house which has been turned into a lodge for visitors. A traditional Benuaq Dayak welcome usually greets visitors. The village can be reached via the scenic Mahakam River. At Muara Ancalong - Muara Wahau, visitors can watch traditional dances of the Kenyah Dayak, which are performed in a long-house.

On Flower Island in South Kalimantan, we can find many species of monkeys and an old Chinese temple where local Chinese bring offerings of fresh fruit and peanuts to a tribe of very aggressive macaques in hopes of being blessed with even greater prosperity.

An original Betang (traditional longhouse) can be seen in Saham village not far from Pontianak in West Kalimantan. The measures of this long house are: 186 m long, 6 m wide, and is inhabited by 269 people!

The Kaharingan religion, a sect of Hinduism, can be found in Bukit Rawi, a small village in Central Kalimantan.

A trip along the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan offers unique riverside vistas of rare flora and fauna. Floating markets of all sizes can be found everywhere along the Barito River, near Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. At the junction of the Kuin and Barito Rivers you can find what is considered one of the best floating markets. Market activities usually end at 9 am. The traditional villages around Loksado, in the mountains east of Kandangan, are a wonderful place to explore by foot. Amandit River is an excellent place for white water rafting.

The first stretch, from Loksado to Muara Hatip, has rapids ranked grades 1 to 2 1/2. The second stretch, from Muara Hatip to Batu Laki, includes rapids of grade 3. White-water lovers can also find satisfaction in Gohong Rawai, Central Kalimantan, known for its beautiful and challenging rapids. Many cities in Kalimantan such as Pontianak and Banjarmasin are best explored through rivers.

Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, is known for its fine woven sarong cloth. Samarinda has a number of modest but comfortable hotels. Balikpapan has the second busiest airport in Indonesia. The city now serves as the gateway to East Kalimantan with air and sea connections to Jakarta and other major points in Indonesia. It has a number of good hotels, including one of high international standards, as well as many recreation facilities.

Banjarmasin, capital of South Kalimantan is now developing as a tourist city. Its nickname of the 'River City' reflects the unique way of life of its local residents found along the numerous rivers crisscrossing the city.

Palangkaraya is the center of government, training and education for Central Kalimantan. Worth visiting is the Regional Museum of Palangkaraya, which contains historical and cultural artifacts from all over Central Kalimantan.

Pontianak is the capital of West Kalimantan and lies exactly on the equator with interesting places to visit such as, Equator Monument, Kadariah Palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, and the Kapuas and Landak Bridges. This city is best explored by boat along its many rivers.