Kalimantan, Indonesia

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago of over 17,000 islands. It is home to a rich blend of cultures, languages and religions, and a destination for travellers seeking adventure, culture and natural beauty.

Kalimantan is the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo. The island is shared between Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. Kalimantan covers about 73% of the island and is divided into five provinces: North, South, East, West and Central Kalimantan.

The places I went for my adventures included:

• Derawan Islands
• Biduk-Biduk
  • Labuan Cermin Lake
• Balikpapan
  • Pasar Klandasan (Klandasan Market)
  • Water Village Margasari (Kawasan Kampong Atas Air)
  • eWalk
  • Pasar Baru

Derawan Islands

The archipelago consists of 31 islands with Derawan, Kakaban, Maratua and Sangalaki being the popular ones.

I was there for my 5-day diving adventure at Sangalaki Marine Park.

My plan was to take a flight from Singapore to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (BPN) in Balikpapan, transfer to another flight to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau and transfer to the speedboat ride to Derawan Island where the dive centre is located by early evening so that I can have a good rest and prepare for my dives the next day. Unfortunately, the internal flight was delayed by an hour and due to safety reasons, I could not proceed with my speedboat ride to the dive centre by the time I arrived at Berau. 🙁

I had to put up a night at a homestay in Kampung Tanjung Batu near the pier before my speedboat transfer the next morning.

For my accommodation, I stayed in a luxurious water bungalow which had an en-suite with shower and a private balcony with sun loungers and stunning sunset views.

My typical day was to wake up, wash up, report to the dive centre for breakfast, briefing followed by gearing up and diving for the day.

After a dive day, I would roam around the streets on the island and foodhunted for dinner, strolled around before I headed back to the bungalow to rest to prepare for the next vitamin sea day.

The dives were amazing and I met many of my aquatic friends including the graceful mantas, majestic whale shark, ethereal jellyfishes and many others.

After my dive adventure, I took a speedboat back to the mainland and continued on my long drive to Biduk-Biduk.

Biduk-Biduk

Biduk-Biduk is a serene coastal village in East Kalimantan known for its natural beauty and tranquil environment. The remote area is a hidden gem with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and attractions like the Labuan Cermin Lake.

Labuan Cermin Lake

Labuan Cermin Lake is a natural attraction in Berau known for its exceptionally clear waters. It features the unique phenomenon of fresh water floating above saltwater due to their density difference. The separation of the layers can be observed by the colour difference in the water where the upper layer would have a light turquoise or bluish-green hue and the lower layer with a slightly greenish or blue tint. The lake's transparency also creates a mirror-like effect, offering a surreal experience.

The best time to visit is between 1000 and 1400 hours.

iseasywith.me Photo Tip

You would need someone's help to take your photo with the following composition:
With you standing on the front of a boat, the photo should capture you, the turqoise water in the foreground, the forrest in the background and the boat's reflection by the lake water.

Balikpapan

Balikpapan is a vibrant seaport city located on the southeastern coast of East Kalimantan. It is the financial centre of the city and known as the 'City of Oil' due to its long-standing association with the industry.

The city has grown into one of the most developed and liveable cities in the region with modern amenities with natural beauty.

Pasar Klandasan (Klandasan Market)

Pasar Klandasan is a well-known traditional market. It is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a wide variety of fresh produce like fruits, meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables and provides a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.

There are also local snacks and street food such as bakso (meatball soup) and nasi kuning (yellow rice).

Besides fresh produce and food, the market has other products like household goods, souvenirs, textiles and traditional handicrafts.

Water Village Margasari (Kawasan Kampong Atas Air)

Water Village Margasari is characterised by its wooden houses built on stilts over water, a traditional architectural style that has been used for generations. The houses are connected by wooden walkways and bridges, creating a network of paths. The design helps to protect the houses from flooding and allows for easy access to fishing, which is the primary livelihood for many residents.

While the village has maintained its traditional way of life, it has also embraced modern conveniences such as electricity and piped water.

eWalk

e-Walk Balikpapan is a shopping centre that offers retail, dining and entertainment options.

I went to watch a movie as for the price of a normal seat in Singapore, I could get a Premiere ticket with recliner seat and blanket. The treatment when purchasing process was also different. Instead of standing up to buy tickets, there was a concierge desk where I was invited to sit to select my seat. The ticket was printed and presented in a folder. I enjoyed the VIP experience.

Pasar Baru

Pasar Baru is a traditional market that offers a variety of goods from fresh produce such as fruits, meat, seafood and vegetables to dry goods like rice, spices and traditional Indonesian ingredients, and local crafts. It provides an authentic cultural experience where you can immerse yourself in the daily life of Balikpapan.

There you have it, my adventure to Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Do drop by my other adventures to get some inspirations as well as planning for travel adventures iseasywith.me.